How to Grow Conquest Pea
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Conquest Pea
Pisum sativum 'Conquest'
vegetableConquest is a popular early-maturing garden pea variety known for its compact growth habit and abundant production of sweet, tender pods. It was developed by Rogers Seeds and remains a favorite among home gardeners for its disease resistance and reliability. The plants produce abundant harvests suitable for fresh eating, freezing, and canning.
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Example Conquest Pea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Conquest 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 Conquest Pea
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Conquest Pea dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8; best as a spring or fall crop in warmer zones
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Germination & Seedling
1-2 weeksSeeds sprout within 7-10 days. Seedlings emerge with cotyledons and develop the first true leaves. Plants are delicate and tender.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from birds and slugs. Thin to proper spacing if needed.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlants develop compound leaves and growing vines. Stems elongate and become more woody. Conquest is a dwarf/semi-dwarf variety, typically reaching 18-24 inches tall.
Install light supports or trellising early to guide growth. Apply consistent watering. Monitor for early pest issues. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
Flowering
1-2 weeksWhite or pale pink flowers appear at leaf axils along the stem. Blooms indicate pod development is beginning. Plant energy shifts toward reproduction.
Maintain even moisture; irregular watering can cause flower drop. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which delay flowering. Begin looking for early pods.
Pod Development & Growth
2-3 weeksPods form and elongate behind the flowers. Pods grow plump with developing peas inside. Pods are typically 3-4 inches long when mature.
Continue consistent watering; pods need moisture to fill properly. Slightly reduce water if the plant shows over-vigor. Remove any deformed or diseased pods.
Harvest Ready & Maturity
3-4 weeks of active harvestingPods reach full size and develop a firm, smooth appearance with visible peas inside. Pods are bright green and crisp. Plant begins to slow production as temperatures warm.
Harvest every 2-3 days to encourage continued production. Use two hands to harvest—one holding the stem, one picking the pod—to avoid damaging the plant. Cool harvested pods immediately.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; row covers on young plants
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Row covers during flowering; early harvest before beetles emerge; remove and destroy affected pods; resistant varieties if available
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Ensure good air circulation; water at soil level, not foliage; apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray; remove infected leaves
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Plant resistant varieties (Conquest has good resistance); rotate crop locations; improve drainage; remove infected plants immediately
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and
Hand-pick at dusk; beer traps; copper barriers; encourage ground beetles and toads; remove debris where they hide
Uses
Fresh Eating & Cooking
CulinaryConquest peas are sweet and tender, ideal for eating raw as a snack, adding to salads, or light cooking. Their early maturity and consistent quality make them a favorite for home gardeners seeking fresh spring peas. [source]
Freezing & Preservation
CulinaryConquest peas freeze exceptionally well, retaining sweetness and texture. Blanch for 2-3 minutes, cool in ice water, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 8 months. Home gardeners often find this variety perfect for bulk harvesting and freezing. [source]
Nitrogen Fixation & Soil Improvement
HouseholdLike all legumes, Conquest peas have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules. After harvest, leaving roots in the soil enriches nitrogen levels for subsequent crops, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifePea flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems. The plant also provides habitat and food sources for beneficial insects that control garden pests. [source]
Nutritional & Health Benefits
MedicinalGarden peas are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and plant-based protein. Regular consumption supports digestive health, immune function, and sustained energy levels. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest pods when they are plump and bright green, typically 55-65 days from planting. Pods should snap crisply when bent. Pick every 2-3 days to encourage continued flowering and fruiting—leaving mature pods on the plant signals the plant to stop production. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and snap. Conquest is an early-maturing variety, so you may have a concentrated harvest rather than a long season; succession planting every 2 weeks provides continuous harvests.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Conquest was developed by Rogers Seeds in the 1950s and became one of the most reliable early pea varieties for home gardens due to its disease resistance and consistent production.
- 🌱 Peas are one of the oldest cultivated vegetables, dating back over 10,000 years to the Fertile Crescent. Gregor Mendel used pea plants in his groundbreaking genetics experiments that established the laws of inheritance.
- 🌱 The term 'sweet pea' technically refers to an ornamental flowering vine (Lathyrus odoratus), not the garden pea (Pisum sativum), though Conquest peas are indeed sweet compared to older starchy varieties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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