How to Grow CDC Amarillo Field Pea
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CDC Amarillo Field Pea
Pisum sativum subsp. arvense
vegetableCDC Amarillo is a high-yielding field pea variety developed in Canada, valued for its yellow seed color and excellent agronomic performance. It's a cool-season legume crop grown for dried peas used in human consumption, animal feed, and industrial applications. This variety is particularly suited to northern growing regions and provides nitrogen-fixing benefits to soil.
When should you plant CDC Amarillo Field Pea in your zone?
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Example CDC Amarillo Field Pea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant CDC Amarillo Field 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 CDC Amarillo Field Pea
Around Jul 11≈ 85 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact CDC Amarillo Field Pea dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-6; ideal for cooler northern climates and short-season regions
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Get my CDC Amarillo Field Pea timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Emergence
7-14 daysSeeds absorb moisture and begin sprouting; first leaves emerge above soil within 7-10 days in cool conditions.
Ensure consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. Protect seedlings from birds and frost damage if late frost occurs.
Vegetative Growth
20-30 daysPlant develops compound leaves and climbing/spreading vine structure; height increases rapidly. Tendrils form for climbing support.
Provide support structures (trellis, fence, or natural supports) if growing taller varieties. Monitor for early pest and disease pressure. Water consistently.
Flowering
15-25 daysWhite, pink, or purple flowers appear in leaf axils along the stem; flowers self-pollinate. Pollination begins pod formation.
Maintain consistent moisture to support fruit set. Avoid excessive nitrogen which diverts energy to foliage. Monitor for flowering pests.
Pod Development & Filling
25-40 daysFlowers transition to pods that swell with developing seeds. Pods mature from green to pale yellow-brown as seeds dry.
Continue consistent watering during early pod fill; reduce watering as pods mature to encourage seed development. Protect from excessive rain which delays drying.
Maturity & Harvest
Variable, 7-14 days of harvest windowPods turn brown and papery; seeds inside are hard and fully mature. Plant begins to senesce as seeds reach final moisture content (12-15%).
Harvest when pods rattle when shaken and seeds have reached target moisture. Allow plants to dry in field if weather permits for reduced drying costs.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor regularly; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs; plant resistant varieties when available
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Harvest promptly to avoid pod infestation; use seed treatment; rotate crops away from peas; consider insecticide if population is high
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicide if severe; choose resistant varieties
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Use clean seed; rotate crops; remove infected plant material; apply fungicide early in season if warranted; improve air circulation
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Plant in well-draining soil; avoid waterlogging; use disease-free seed; rotate crops; improve field drainage
Uses
Dried pea preparation and global cuisines
CulinaryCDC Amarillo seeds are processed into whole dried peas, split peas, and pea flour used in soups, stews, curries, and hummus across Mediterranean, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. The yellow color makes them visually appealing in traditional dishes. [source]
Animal feed and livestock nutrition
HouseholdField peas are a primary protein source in livestock and poultry feed formulations, providing 20-25% crude protein. CDC Amarillo is preferred due to consistent quality and palatability in feed mills. [source]
Nitrogen fixation and soil improvement
AgriculturalAs a legume, peas form symbiotic relationships with Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules, fixing atmospheric nitrogen and reducing synthetic fertilizer requirements in subsequent crops. This crop improves soil health and farm sustainability. [source]
Starch and protein extraction
IndustrialField pea seeds are processed industrially to extract pea starch and pea protein concentrates used in plant-based food products, sustainable packaging materials, and cosmetics. [source]
Nutritional and dietary benefits
MedicinalPeas are rich in soluble fiber, plant-based protein, and resistant starch, supporting digestive health and blood sugar regulation. They are used in therapeutic diets and functional food formulations. [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 fully mature and brown, typically 85-110 days after planting. Pods should rattle when shaken, indicating seeds have reached 12-15% moisture content. Harvest by cutting plants at soil level or pulling entire plant; thresh to separate seeds from pods. Timing is critical—harvest too early and seeds are immature; too late and seeds may shell in field. Mechanized combines are commonly used for large-scale field pea harvesting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 CDC Amarillo was developed by the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan and released in 2000, representing decades of breeding work for northern prairie climates.
- 🌱 Field peas can fix up to 100-200 pounds of nitrogen per acre from the atmosphere, making them a valuable break crop in grain rotations and reducing fertilizer costs.
- 🌱 The yellow seed color of CDC Amarillo is genetically dominant and was selected for market preference and ease of quality control, distinguishing it from green and red pea varieties.
Gardening Terms
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