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How to Grow Late Marrowfat Pea 'Prince Edward'

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Late Marrowfat Pea 'Prince Edward'

Pisum sativum var. marrowfat

vegetable

Late Marrowfat 'Prince Edward' is a tall-growing English pea variety prized for its large, sweet seeds and vigorous vining growth. These peas are ideal for shelling fresh or for preserving, with a classic marrowfat flavor profile. This heirloom variety is a late-season producer, extending your pea harvest well into summer.

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Example Late Marrowfat Pea 'Prince Edward' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Late Marrowfat Pea 'Prince Edward'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Late Marrowfat Pea 'Prince Edward'

    Around Jun 26

    ≈ 70 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Late Marrowfat Pea 'Prince Edward' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily
💧
Water: Consistent moisture; provide 1-2 inches weekly. Avoid waterlogging. Water at soil level to prevent powdery mildew.
📏
Spacing: 4 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 70-80 days
🌱
Planting depth: 1.5

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Well-rotted manure Balanced fertilizer (avoid excessive nitrogen)

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-7; grows best in cooler climates with moderate summer temperatures

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

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Growth Stages

1

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Seeds sprout within 7-14 days. Seedlings develop first true leaves and begin putting out tendrils.

Ensure soil moisture is consistent but not waterlogged. Provide sturdy support structure early. Thin seedlings to proper spacing if direct seeding.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plants grow vigorously, developing long vines with multiple leaflets and tendrils. Height reaches 3-4 feet.

Install tall trellis or netting (minimum 4-5 feet). Monitor for early powdery mildew. Maintain consistent watering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which encourage foliage over flowers.

3

Flowering

2-3 weeks

White or pale pink flowers appear along the vines in clusters. Flowers indicate pod development is imminent.

Continue consistent watering, especially critical during flowering. Maintain support structure as plants become heavier. Remove any diseased foliage.

4

Pod Formation & Development

3-4 weeks

Flowers give way to elongated pods containing large, round peas. Pods gradually plump and mature.

Water deeply and regularly; stress during pod development reduces pod size. Scout for pests like pea weevils and powdery mildew. Provide afternoon shade in very hot climates.

5

Harvest Maturity

Ongoing, 2-4 weeks of peak harvest

Pods swell fully with plump, sweet peas. Pods should feel full to slight firmness but not hard or wrinkled.

Pick pods when full but before they become tough. Harvest regularly to encourage continued flowering. Early morning harvest preserves maximum sweetness.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Carrot Turnip Radish Cucumber Corn Squash Lettuce Spinach Mint

Avoid planting near:

Garlic Onion Shallot Fennel Potato

Common Pests

  • Use row covers during early growth. Remove infested pods. Practice crop rotation. Introduce parasitic wasps.

  • Ensure good air circulation; space properly and maintain trellising. Water at soil level. Apply sulfur-based fungicide if severe. Remove affected foliage.

  • Use row covers during flowering. Inspect and remove infested pods. Plant early or very late varieties to avoid peak moth activity.

  • Spray with strong water stream. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and parasitic wasps.

  • and

    Handpick at dawn or dusk. Create barriers with copper tape. Use organic slug pellets or beer traps.

Uses

🍳

Fresh Shelled Peas & Cooking

Culinary

Harvest pods at peak maturity and shell fresh for use in soups, stews, risottos, and side dishes. These sweet peas are excellent steamed, boiled, or added to cream sauces. The classic marrowfat flavor is superior in traditional English dishes. [source]

🍳

Preserved & Canned Peas

Culinary

Late Marrowfat peas are ideal for home canning and preservation due to their size, sweetness, and firm texture when cooked. They maintain excellent flavor and appearance in preserved preparations for year-round use. [source]

🍳

Dried Peas for Split Pea Soup

Culinary

Allow pods to fully mature and dry on the vine, then harvest and shell for storage. Dried marrowfat peas are the traditional choice for classic split pea soup, pease pudding, and other traditional dishes. [source]

🏠

Nitrogen Fixation & Soil Improvement

Household

Pea plants form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enriching the soil with bioavailable nitrogen. Cut plants off at soil level and leave roots to decompose, improving soil fertility for subsequent crops. [source]

🦋

Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

Pea flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. The plants also provide habitat and food for various beneficial insects that support garden ecosystem health. [source]

Harvest Tips

Pick pods when plump and firm but before they harden or wrinkle. Harvest in early morning for maximum sweetness and moisture content. Regular harvesting—every 2-3 days—encourages continued flowering and extended yield. Grasp the vine gently with one hand while plucking pods with the other to avoid damaging the plant. Late Marrowfat peas are excellent for shelling fresh or for drying and storage.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Late Marrowfat peas are a classic heirloom English variety, historically grown for both fresh consumption and the production of marrowfat peas for canning—a staple of traditional British cuisine.
  • 🌱 The 'Late' designation refers to the variety's later maturation period compared to early pea varieties, making it ideal for extending the pea season into mid-to-late summer when early varieties have already finished.
  • 🌱 Pea seeds are among the longest-lived vegetable seeds, remaining viable for 3-5 years if stored properly in cool, dry conditions, making them an excellent choice for seed saving.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Heirloom Trellis True Leaves
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