How to Grow Excelsior Pea
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Excelsior Pea
Pisum sativum 'Excelsior'
vegetableExcelsior is a classic early-maturing garden pea variety known for its compact, bushy growth and sweet, tender pods. This heirloom cultivar produces abundant small peas in a relatively short timeframe, making it ideal for succession planting. It's a favorite among home gardeners for fresh eating and freezing.
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Example Excelsior Pea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Excelsior 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 Excelsior Pea
Around Jun 8≈ 52 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Excelsior Pea dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cool-season conditions in spring and fall
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Germination & Seedling
10-14 daysSeeds sprout within 7-10 days. Seedlings emerge with two cotyledons followed by true leaves. Plants remain low-growing and compact.
Ensure consistent soil moisture during germination. Thin seedlings if needed, though direct seeding typically requires no thinning. Protect young plants from birds.
Vegetative Growth
14-21 daysPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems. Leaves are compound and gray-green. Height reaches 12-18 inches. Tendrils and stipules develop for climbing support.
Provide light support or stakes if desired, though this dwarf variety is fairly self-supporting. Remove any diseased foliage. Monitor for pest activity.
Flowering
7-10 daysSmall white flowers appear in clusters along the stems. Flowers are typically solitary or in pairs and indicate pod formation is imminent.
Maintain consistent watering during this critical stage. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which reduce flowering. Watch for pollinating insects.
Pod Development & Filling
10-14 daysFlowers give way to small, plump green pods. Pods swell as peas develop inside, progressing from flat to distinctly bumpy as peas mature.
Continue regular watering but slightly reduce frequency to concentrate sugars. Pods are ready to harvest when fully filled but still bright green and tender.
Harvest & Plant Decline
14-21 daysPods reach optimal size and sweetness. Regular harvesting extends production. Plants eventually slow production as temperatures rise or pods fully mature.
Harvest every 2-3 days to encourage continued production. Use two hands when picking to avoid damaging the plant. Pull entire plant if production slows significantly.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers over young plants; early planting to avoid adult emergence; remove and destroy infested pods; rotate planting location annually
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Spray with strong water jet; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; neem oil as last resort
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Increase humidity; spray with water; neem oil; sulfur dust in warm conditions
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Use row covers until flowering; timing plantings to avoid peak moth activity; remove infested pods promptly
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and
Hand-pick; create barriers with diatomaceous earth; beer traps; encourage ground beetles and toads
Uses
Fresh & Cooked Peas
CulinaryExcelsior peas are excellent for fresh eating straight from the pod or lightly cooked in boiling salted water. Their small, sweet peas make them ideal for freezing to preserve the harvest. [source]
Pea Shoots & Tendrils
CulinaryThe tender young shoots and curly tendrils are edible and nutritious, offering a delicate pea flavor. They can be added fresh to salads or lightly sautéed as a vegetable side dish. [source]
Nitrogen Fixation & Soil Building
HouseholdPeas form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules, naturally enriching soil. Leaving the plant residue or incorporating it into the soil improves fertility for subsequent crops. [source]
Nutritional & Antioxidant Content
MedicinalFresh peas are rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. They provide plant-based protein and are associated with cardiovascular and digestive health benefits. [source]
Heirloom & Preservation Interest
CraftExcelsior is an heirloom variety with historical significance among gardeners. It's popular with seed savers and those interested in preserving classic vegetable cultivars. [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 full but still tender and bright green (typically 14-21 days after flowering). Pods should be snappable but not hard or dried. Pick every 2-3 days to encourage continued production. Harvest in the morning when pods are full of moisture. Grab the plant with one hand while picking with the other to avoid uprooting. Pods are sweetest within hours of harvest. For storage, freeze or dry pods immediately after picking.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Excelsior was one of the first pea varieties bred specifically for early maturity and compact growth, making it ideal for small gardens and continuous harvesting.
- 🌱 Peas have been cultivated for over 11,000 years and were famously used by Gregor Mendel in his groundbreaking genetic experiments in the 1860s.
- 🌱 A single pea plant can produce 8-12 pods under ideal conditions, with each pod containing 5-8 small, sweet peas.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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