How to Grow English Pea 'Wando'

English Pea 'Wando'

Pisum sativum 'Wando'

vegetable

Wando is a cold-hardy, dwarf English pea variety reaching 18-24 inches tall, known for its exceptional ability to tolerate temperature fluctuations and heat without losing flavor or quality. It produces abundant pods containing 7-9 sweet, tender peas per pod and is ideal for spring and fall gardens where other pea varieties may bolt or fail.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum

💧

Water: Consistent moisture, 1-1.5 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering once plants are mature.

📏

Spacing: 3 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 60-70 days from sowing

🌱

Planting depth: 1-1.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost aged manure bone meal for phosphorus

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-9; exceptionally cold-hardy and heat-tolerant for a pea variety

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Germination & Emergence

1-2 weeks

Seeds sprout and first leaves emerge above soil within 7-14 days. Young seedlings are delicate with simple cotyledons.

Ensure consistent soil moisture. Provide protection from birds and cutworms. Thin to proper spacing early.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops compound leaves and sturdy stems, growing 6-12 inches tall. Tendrils appear and the plant begins to establish its dwarf habit.

Provide light support or trellis if desired, though Wando is semi-determinate and fairly sturdy. Water consistently. Light fertilizing with balanced fertilizer is optional.

Flowering

2-3 weeks

Small white or pale pink flowers appear along the stem nodes. Multiple flower clusters develop, with one flower per node.

Maintain consistent soil moisture to prevent flower drop. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage over flowers. Continue supporting as needed.

Pod Development & Filling

3-4 weeks

Flowers transition to green pods that rapidly swell with developing peas. Pods reach full size 2-3 weeks after flowering.

Keep soil evenly moist to ensure plump peas. Light mulch helps retain moisture. Pick pods regularly to encourage continued production.

Maturity & Harvest

2-3 weeks peak harvest period

Pods reach full length (2.5-3 inches) with a slight curve; peas inside are tender and sweet. Plant may decline as temperatures rise or cool-season passes.

Harvest every 2-3 days at peak tenderness. Stop harvesting and allow some pods to mature fully if seeds are desired for next season.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Carrots turnips radishes cucumber corn spinach lettuce mint marigold nasturtium

Avoid planting near:

Onion garlic leek shallot fennel gladiolus

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs; strong water spray dislodges aphids
Use row covers early in season; remove and destroy infested pods; plant early to avoid peak weevil populations
Ensure good air circulation; spray with sulfur or baking soda solution at first sign; avoid overhead watering
Increase humidity; spray with water; use insecticidal soap if severe; provide afternoon shade in hot climates
and
Hand-pick in early morning; use copper tape barriers; apply diatomaceous earth; provide hiding places for predators

Uses

🍳

Fresh shell peas and cooking

Culinary

Wando peas are prized for fresh eating straight from the pod or lightly steamed. They retain sweetness and tenderness better than many varieties, even in warmer conditions, making them excellent for fresh salads, stir-fries, pasta dishes, and side vegetables. [source]

🍳

Freezing and preservation

Culinary

The tender pods and sweet peas freeze exceptionally well, maintaining quality and flavor for 8-12 months. Simply blanch briefly, cool, and freeze for off-season use in soups, stews, and prepared dishes. [source]

💊

Nutritional benefits

Medicinal

English peas are excellent sources of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins C and K. They also contain polyphenols and saponins with anti-inflammatory properties. [source]

🏠

Garden nitrogen fixation

Household

Like all legumes, Wando peas form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules, enriching the soil naturally. Till in the plant residue after harvest to boost nitrogen content for next season's crops. [source]

🦋

Pollinator support

Wildlife

Pea flowers provide early-season nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, especially valuable in spring gardens when few other sources are available. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Pick pods when they are bright green, firm, and full but still tender, typically 60-70 days after sowing. Harvest every 2-3 days at peak sweetness—peas quickly become starchy if overripe. Gently hold the vine while picking to avoid damaging the plant. Use two hands to prevent snapping stems. Best eaten fresh within hours of harvest, but can be refrigerated up to 5 days or frozen immediately for long-term storage.

Fun Facts

🌱 Wando peas are named after a town in the south that, due to their exceptional heat tolerance, can be grown successfully in warmer regions where traditional spring peas would fail or bolt prematurely.
🌱 English peas were historically grown by Gregor Mendel, the founder of modern genetics, who used pea plants to discover the laws of heredity—Wando is a modern descendant of that same species.
🌱 The Wando variety was developed to thrive in variable spring and fall conditions, making it one of the most reliable pea choices for gardeners in transitional climate zones.

Want personalized planting timelines?

Get started free