How to Grow CDC Everest Pea
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CDC Everest Pea
Pisum sativum
vegetableCDC Everest is a short-vined field pea variety developed by the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan. It produces high yields of small, green peas in a compact plant suitable for mechanized harvesting. This variety is particularly popular in Western Canada and is valued for its disease resistance and reliability.
When should you plant CDC Everest Pea in your zone?
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Example CDC Everest Pea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant CDC Everest Pea
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest CDC Everest Pea
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact CDC Everest Pea dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-6; developed for cool climates and short growing seasons
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Germination & Seedling
10-14 daysSeeds sprout and emerge as small seedlings with cotyledon leaves visible above soil. First true leaves appear within 7-10 days.
Ensure consistent soil moisture. Thin seedlings if necessary. Protect from birds and slugs with netting if needed.
Vegetative Growth
15-20 daysPlant develops compound leaves and establishes root system. CDC Everest shows characteristic short, bushy vine growth (12-18 inches tall). Tendrils become more prominent.
Provide support/trellising if desired, though CDC Everest's compact nature requires minimal support. Monitor for early aphids and powdery mildew.
Flowering
12-15 daysSmall white or pink flowers appear at leaf axils along the vine. Multiple flowers develop over several weeks, creating continuous bloom.
Maintain consistent moisture during flowering—drought stress reduces pod set. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer. Monitor for thrips and spider mites.
Pod Development & Filling
15-20 daysFlowers transition to developing pods; pods fill with developing peas. Pods reach full length (2-3 inches) and peas develop inside.
Continue regular watering but reduce frequency slightly as pods mature. Watch for pod rot in wet conditions. Begin monitoring for harvest readiness.
Harvest Ready
5-7 days at peak harvestabilityPods become firm, fully rounded, and bright green. Peas inside are tender, sweet, and fill the pod completely. Plant begins to senesce if not harvested.
Harvest promptly when pods are firm and full but still bright green. For field pea use (dry), wait until pods yellow and rattle when shaken.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor regularly; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil if populations exceed threshold. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Maintain adequate moisture to reduce mite activity. Spray leaves (especially undersides) with water or insecticidal soap. Neem oil effective if infestation severe.
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Remove and destroy infested pods. Rotate planting sites yearly. Treat seeds with approved seed treatment before storage.
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Ensure good air circulation. Spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate at first sign of white coating on leaves.
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Provide well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering. Use disease-resistant varieties. Rotate crops; do not replant peas in same location for 3-4 years.
Uses
Fresh & Cooked Peas
CulinaryCDC Everest peas are excellent for fresh consumption, can be eaten raw in salads, steamed, boiled, or stir-fried. As a field pea variety, they're also widely used in dried form for soups, stews, and split pea dishes. [source]
Livestock & Animal Feed
CulinaryThe primary commercial use of CDC Everest is as a protein-rich animal feed and ingredient in livestock diets, particularly for poultry and swine. [source]
Protein & Nutritional Support
MedicinalPeas are excellent plant-based protein sources rich in fiber, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals. Historically used in traditional diets for sustained energy and digestive health. [source]
Nitrogen Fixation & Soil Improvement
HouseholdAs a legume, CDC Everest forms symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules, enriching soil with available nitrogen for subsequent crops and reducing need for synthetic fertilizers. [source]
Seed Saving & Breeding
CraftCDC Everest is part of ongoing plant breeding programs and is valuable for home gardeners and farmers interested in seed saving, adaptation to local conditions, and developing regionally-suited varieties. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For fresh eating: Harvest pods when full but still bright green and tender, typically 55-65 days after planting. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. For dry peas (field use): Allow pods to mature fully on plant until they turn yellow/brown and pods rattle when shaken (80-90+ days). Thresh or shell pods to remove dry peas. Store in cool, dry place.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 CDC Everest was specifically bred by the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan to thrive in Western Canada's short growing seasons and harsh climates, making it one of the most cold-hardy pea varieties available.
- 🌱 Peas have been cultivated for over 10,000 years and were one of the first crops domesticated in the Fertile Crescent; Gregor Mendel's famous genetics experiments used garden pea plants to establish the laws of heredity.
- 🌱 The compact vine architecture of CDC Everest (only 12-18 inches tall) was specifically selected for mechanical harvesting efficiency, distinguishing it from traditional vining pea varieties that require tall trellises.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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