How to Grow CDC Striker Pea
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CDC Striker Pea
Pisum sativum
vegetableCDC Striker is a semi-leafless field pea variety developed by the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan. It's a high-yielding, disease-resistant cultivar bred for mechanical harvesting and animal feed, though it can be grown in home gardens. This variety produces abundant pods with sweet peas ideal for fresh eating or processing.
When should you plant CDC Striker Pea in your zone?
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Example CDC Striker Pea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant CDC Striker 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 Striker Pea
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact CDC Striker Pea dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-7, excellent cold hardiness for northern climates
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Germination & Emergence
7-14 daysSeeds sprout and first leaves emerge above soil; plants develop initial root system
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; maintain cool temperatures (50-60°F); protect from birds and cutworms
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlants develop characteristic semi-leafless foliage (reduced leaf tissue, increased tendril production); stems elongate and branch; plants establish robust root systems
Provide trellising or support early; thin seedlings to 4-inch spacing; monitor for aphids; water regularly; light fertilization if needed
Flowering
2-3 weeksWhite flowers appear in clusters along stems; plants reach full height (typically 24-30 inches); flower buds form prolifically
Maintain consistent watering; support with trellis or stakes; reduce nitrogen to encourage flowering over vegetative growth; watch for thrips and mites
Pod Development
2-3 weeksFlowers fade and green pods swell with developing peas; pods reach full length (typically 3-4 inches) and peas inside become visible
Continue consistent watering but reduce frequency slightly; mulch to retain moisture; harvest early pods to encourage continued production; watch for pod spot diseases
Maturity & Harvest
1-2 weeks (for succession harvesting)Pods firm up and reach full size; peas reach maximum sweetness at late milk stage to early dough stage; pods may begin to yellow if left too long
Harvest regularly to encourage continuous production; pick pods when full but still tender for fresh eating; allow some pods to mature fully for seed saving
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators (ladybugs, lacewings); use reflective mulches
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Plant early to avoid peak weevil activity; inspect seeds before storage; use row covers on young plants; practice crop rotation
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; maintain adequate soil moisture; remove heavily infested plants
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe
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Use cutworm collars around transplants; apply nematodes to soil; handpick at night; maintain clean garden beds
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Ensure good air circulation; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate; avoid overhead watering
Uses
Fresh Garden Peas
CulinaryCDC Striker peas are delicious when harvested at the milk stage and eaten fresh, steamed, or added to salads and stir-fries. The sweet flavor makes them a favorite for home gardeners. [source]
Dried Pulses & Splits
CulinaryMature dried peas can be split into split peas for soups and stews, or dried whole for field pea soups and traditional dishes. This is the primary commercial use. [source]
Nitrogen Fixation & Soil Improvement
HouseholdLike all legumes, CDC Striker fixes atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationships with rhizobium bacteria, naturally enriching soil and reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in rotation systems. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while mature seeds provide food for birds and beneficial insects. [source]
Plant-Based Protein & Nutrients
MedicinalPeas are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins (especially B vitamins and vitamin K), and minerals, supporting digestive and cardiovascular health. [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 (garden peas), harvest pods when full but still tender, typically 16-20 days after flowering; snap or cut pods from the vine; harvest regularly to encourage continued production. For dried peas (pulse crops), allow pods to mature until they dry and rattle on the vine, usually 60-75 days from planting; harvest entire plants and dry thoroughly before threshing.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 CDC Striker was specifically developed by Canadian plant breeders for improved disease resistance and yield in northern climates, making it especially well-suited for Canadian prairie regions and similar cool climates.
- 🌱 The 'semi-leafless' trait means CDC Striker has reduced leaf surface area and increased tendrils, which allows for better air circulation and disease prevention compared to traditional pea varieties.
- 🌱 Peas have been cultivated for over 9,000 years and were one of the first plants domesticated alongside wheat in the Fertile Crescent; they became essential to medieval European agriculture as a protein source.
Gardening Terms
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