How to Grow Early Onward

Early Onward

Pisum sativum var. sativum

vegetable

Early Onward is a classic English garden pea variety known for its early maturity and reliable yields of sweet, tender peas. It produces sturdy plants that grow 24-30 inches tall with abundant pods containing 8-9 peas per pod. This heirloom variety has been a gardener's favorite since the 1930s for its consistent performance and exceptional flavor.

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Example Early Onward timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Early Onward
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Early Onward
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Early Onward dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum

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Water: Moderate moisture; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 inches per week. Reduce watering after flowering begins to encourage sweeter peas.

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Spacing: 4 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-65 days from planting to first harvest

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Planting depth: 1-1.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or well-rotted manure Balanced organic fertilizer Avoid fresh nitrogen to prevent excessive foliage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in cool-season zones 3-7; can be grown as a winter crop in zone 8

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

7-14 days

Seeds sprout within 7-10 days in cool soil (55-65°F). Seedlings emerge with characteristic pea tendrils and first true leaves.

Soak seeds overnight before planting to speed germination. Ensure soil is well-draining to prevent fungal issues. No fertilizer needed at this stage.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plants develop climbing tendrils and compound leaves. Growth is vigorous, reaching 12-18 inches by mid-season. Plants establish extensive root systems.

Install trellising or stakes early (within 2-3 weeks of planting) when plants are 4-6 inches tall. Water consistently. Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Flowering

1-2 weeks

White or pale pink flowers appear along the stems in clusters. This signals the onset of pod development.

Continue regular watering but avoid overhead wetting which can promote mildew. Do not over-fertilize. Flowers are self-fertile and will set pods reliably.

Pod Development & Early Filling

2-3 weeks

Small pods form after flowers drop. Pods elongate rapidly over 1-2 weeks, beginning to fill with developing peas.

Reduce watering slightly once pods form (shorter dry periods between waterings encourage sugar concentration). Monitor for pests. Maintain consistent water supply to prevent shriveling.

Maturity & Harvest Ready

Ongoing for 2-3 weeks of peak harvest

Pods reach full length (approximately 3 inches) and become plump with 8-9 peas. Pods are tender and snap cleanly when bent.

Pick pods regularly when peas are sweet (before they overmature and starch converts to sugar). Daily or every-other-day harvesting encourages continued production. Handle vines gently to avoid damaging the plant.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Carrots Radish Turnip Cucumber Corn Mint Parsley Chives

Avoid planting near:

Alliums (onions, garlic, leeks) Fennel Potatoes Tomatoes

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; use reflective mulches to deter aphids
Use floating row covers until flowering; plant early to avoid peak weevil activity; inspect harvested peas and remove infested ones
Ensure good air circulation by proper spacing and pruning; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray if needed
and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening; use copper barriers; apply diatomaceous earth around base of plants

Uses

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Fresh eating and cooking

Culinary

Early Onward peas are prized for their exceptional sweetness and tender texture, perfect for eating fresh from the pod, steaming, or adding to dishes like risotto, pasta, and stir-fries. Their sugar content is ideal for minimizing cooking time to preserve their delicate flavor. [source]

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Freezing for long-term storage

Culinary

The consistent pod size and pea quality of Early Onward makes this variety excellent for blanching and freezing. Peas freeze exceptionally well and retain their sweet flavor and bright color for months. [source]

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Nutritional and health benefits

Medicinal

Garden peas are rich in vitamin C, folate, fiber, and plant-based protein, supporting immune function, bone health, and sustained energy. The high fiber content aids digestive health. [source]

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Pollinator and beneficial insect support

Wildlife

Pea flowers attract bees and other pollinators during the growing season, supporting garden biodiversity and enhancing pollination of nearby crops. [source]

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Garden nitrogen fixation

Household

Like all legumes, Early Onward enriches soil by forming symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the rhizosphere, allowing you to reduce fertilizer use and improve soil fertility for subsequent crops. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Begin harvesting when pods are plump and full but still tender, typically 60-65 days after planting. Pods should snap crisply when bent. Pick every 2-3 days to encourage continued production and prevent pods from becoming overly mature and starchy. For the sweetest peas, harvest in the morning after dew dries. Squeeze pods gently to avoid damaging the vine; use one hand to hold the stem while picking with the other.

Fun Facts

🌱 Early Onward was introduced in the 1930s and remains virtually unchanged, making it a true heirloom that has passed the test of time in gardens worldwide.
🌱 The variety was widely used by seed companies in breeding modern pea varieties, and its genetics influence many contemporary garden pea cultivars still grown today.
🌱 Peas are one of the oldest cultivated vegetables, with evidence of pea consumption dating back over 11,000 years to the Fertile Crescent, and Early Onward represents this ancient agricultural tradition.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Germination Heirloom Mulch Trellis True Leaves

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