How to Grow Green Arrow Pea

Green Arrow Pea

Pisum sativum 'Green Arrow'

vegetable

Green Arrow is a classic, high-yielding English pea cultivar producing abundant tender pods on compact 24-28 inch vines. Known for exceptional sweetness and dual-purpose utility as both shelling peas and snap peas, it has been a gardener favorite since the 1950s. The prolific plants consistently produce double pods along their length.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

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Water: Consistent moisture throughout growing season; 1-1.5 inches weekly. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering after flowering begins to prevent pod splitting.

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Spacing: 4-6 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart; sow seeds directly inches

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Days to maturity: 60-70 days from direct sowing

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Planting depth: 1-1.5 inches deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

compost aged manure bone meal for phosphorus

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-8; best in cool-season regions with temperatures 55-65°F

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

Growth Stages

Seedling

1-2 weeks

Emerging shoots with characteristic pea leaves unfurling; plants develop first true leaves and begin growing upward.

Keep soil consistently moist. Thin to proper spacing. Provide support structure (trellis, stakes) early so tender vines don't become tangled.

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Bushy compact plants with multiple stems, reaching 24-28 inches tall; dense foliage but manageable vine structure.

Ensure sturdy support is in place. Water consistently. Begin feeding with balanced fertilizer if soil is not rich. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Flowering

1-2 weeks

Beautiful white flowers appear along the vines and at leaf axils; flowers develop into immature pod structures.

Maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. Begin observing pod development. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage pod set over excessive vine growth.

Pod Development & Early Harvest

2-3 weeks

Tender pods fill rapidly with peas; double pods often present; peas reach optimal sweetness at 3-4 weeks after flowering.

Check plants every 2-3 days for harvest-ready pods. Pick pods when plump but still tender and bright green. Regular harvesting encourages continued production.

Peak Production & Decline

1-2 weeks, then decline

Maximum pod production occurs; after 3-4 weeks of harvesting, flowering may slow as plants mature.

Continue regular harvesting. Provide consistent water. As temperatures rise above 65°F, production naturally declines. Consider a second planting for fall harvest in cooler zones.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

carrot cucumber radish turnip potato corn spinach lettuce

Avoid planting near:

onion garlic fennel gladiolus

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer.
Plant early to avoid peak weevil activity; cover young plants with row cloth until flowering; remove infested pods; practice crop rotation.
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate at first signs; plant disease-resistant varieties if available.
Increase humidity and water frequency; spray foliage with water; use miticide if severe; encourage predatory mites.

Uses

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Fresh Shelling Peas

Culinary

Green Arrow peas are prized for their exceptional sweetness and tender texture when freshly shelled. They can be eaten raw as a snack, steamed, or added to salads and pasta dishes for a nutritious spring vegetable. [source]

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Whole Pod Eating

Culinary

Young, tender pods can be eaten whole like snap peas without shelling, providing a satisfying crisp texture and sweet flavor. This dual-purpose cultivar allows harvesting flexibility based on maturity preference. [source]

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Frozen Preservation

Culinary

Green Arrow peas freeze exceptionally well, retaining flavor and quality for months. This allows gardeners to preserve the harvest for off-season cooking. [source]

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Nutritional & Health Benefits

Medicinal

Peas are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and plant-based protein. They support digestive health, provide antioxidants, and contribute to overall cardiovascular wellness. [source]

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Garden Improvement

Household

As a nitrogen-fixing legume, Green Arrow peas improve soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms. Leaving roots in the soil after harvest naturally enriches the garden bed. [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 full and bright green, approximately 60-70 days after planting. Pods should feel firm but snap easily. Pick every 2-3 days to encourage continued production and prevent pods from becoming tough and starchy. Early morning harvesting yields the sweetest, crispest pods. Pods can be eaten whole as snap peas or shelled for tender English peas. Peak flavor is achieved before pods become fully mature.

Fun Facts

🌱 Green Arrow was introduced in the 1950s and remains one of the most reliable and beloved pea varieties among home gardeners nearly 75 years later, a testament to its superior genetics and performance.
🌱 Pea plants can fix their own nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria in their root nodules, making them excellent companion plants and natural soil improvers that reduce the need for added nitrogen fertilizers.
🌱 Green Arrow earned its reputation for 'double pods'—producing two pods side-by-side at many leaf nodes—which significantly increases yield compared to single-pod varieties, making it exceptionally productive in small garden spaces.

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