How to Grow Field Pea CDC Amarillo
Field Pea CDC Amarillo
Pisum sativum subsp. arvense
vegetableCDC Amarillo is a yellow field pea variety developed by the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan, bred for agronomic performance and disease resistance. It produces high-yielding crops of small, round yellow seeds used for human consumption, animal feed, and ingredient applications. This cool-season legume is valued for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities and adaptation to prairie growing conditions.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 2-6; excels in cool-season climates of northern regions, particularly the Canadian prairies
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Growth Stages
Germination & Emergence
7-14 daysSeeds germinate in cool soil (40-50°F optimal); seedlings emerge with two cotyledon leaves followed by first true compound leaves
Plant as soon as soil is workable in spring; ensure consistent soil moisture; protect from birds if needed; soil temperature should reach 45°F minimum
Vegetative Growth
25-35 daysPlant develops branching stem structure with compound leaflets and tendrils; height ranges 18-24 inches depending on conditions; no flowers present yet
Monitor for early pest presence (aphids, pea leaf weevil); ensure adequate light; thin seedlings if overcrowded; light cultivation only to avoid damaging shallow roots
Flowering
14-21 daysWhite to pale pink flowers appear in leaf axils; plant reaches near-full height; flowering progresses from lower nodes upward
Maintain consistent moisture during this critical period; avoid high nitrogen applications; monitor for powdery mildew and fungal diseases in humid conditions; ensure pollinator access (peas are mostly self-pollinating)
Pod Development & Grain Filling
20-30 daysPods develop and elongate, each typically containing 5-9 seeds; seeds enlarge and fill with starch and protein; plant begins to yellow
Continue consistent moisture supply through early grain-fill; reduce watering as pods mature to encourage ripening; continue pest and disease monitoring; avoid mechanical damage to ripening crop
Maturation & Harvest Ready
10-14 daysPods dry and become brittle; seeds turn firm yellow; plant is completely yellow-brown and desiccated; pod seams split easily when bent
Stop irrigation; allow field to dry completely for 7-10 days before harvest; monitor moisture content (target 13-15% for storage); prepare equipment for harvest
Common Pests
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Scout early spring for notched leaflet damage; use insecticidal sprays if populations exceed threshold; encourage parasitoid wasps; select resistant varieties
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Monitor for colonies; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps; avoid excess nitrogen
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Control weeds in and around field; monitor during flowering; use selective insecticides if threshold exceeded; encourage predatory insects
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate sprays at first sign; select resistant varieties like CDC Amarillo when possible
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Use disease-free seed; rotate with non-legume crops; avoid fields with history of disease; ensure good drainage; remove infected plants promptly
Uses
Human food & ingredients
CulinaryCDC Amarillo peas are used whole in soups, curries, and traditional dishes, or split into dhal for nutritious meals. The seeds are ground into flour for baking, pasta production, and as a protein-rich ingredient in plant-based food products. [source]
Animal feed & protein supplement
CulinaryField peas are a premium livestock feed, providing digestible protein for cattle, swine, poultry, and aquaculture. They serve as an alternative to imported soybean meal, particularly in sustainable and local food systems. [source]
Nitrogen fixation & soil health
HouseholdAs a nitrogen-fixing legume, CDC Amarillo adds 40-80 lbs of biologically available nitrogen per acre to the soil, reducing synthetic fertilizer requirements for subsequent crops and improving soil organic matter. [source]
Nutritional & health benefits
MedicinalPeas are rich in plant-based protein, dietary fiber, vitamins (particularly B vitamins and C), minerals (iron, magnesium, phosphorus), and polyphenol antioxidants. Regular consumption supports heart health, digestive function, and sustainable nutrition. [source]
Crop breeding & research
CraftCDC Amarillo represents Canadian prairie agricultural research, serving as a model variety for breeding disease resistance, cold tolerance, and agronomic efficiency. Its genetics contribute to improved cultivars adapted to climate variability. [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 when pods are completely dry and brittle, typically late August through September in northern zones. Crop is mature when seed moisture drops to 13-15%. Can be harvested with combine equipped with pea-specific headers, or swathed and combined in two passes. Allow field to dry down for 7-10 days before harvest for optimal grain quality. Test seed moisture with grain moisture meter before storage. Best stored in cool, dry conditions at 10-12% moisture in food-grade containers with protection from insects.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 CDC Amarillo was developed at the University of Saskatchewan's Crop Development Centre, which has released numerous improved pulse crop varieties recognized globally for their performance in cool climates.
- 🌱 Field peas form a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules, which can fix 100-150 lbs of atmospheric nitrogen per acre—making them a natural soil fertility builder and reducing dependence on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
- 🌱 The yellow color of CDC Amarillo peas is due to the absence of anthocyanin pigments (unlike green peas), making them valuable for applications where a bright, consistent color is desired in processed foods and dhal products.
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