Easy Peasy
Perfect for people who suffer from fear of germination.
This heirloom collection has Scarlet Runner Beans (circa 1640) and Dwarf Grey Sugar Peas (circa 1892)
These are super easy to grow. You can also use the flowers as edible flowers in salads, on cheeses or as a garnish. In fact you can also eat the leaves of the pea plant. An interesting way to dress up any meal.
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Planting instructions
Peas are a cool weather crop. If the soil workable you can plant as early as February for a late spring harvest. Midsummer pickings are not as prolific as earlier harvests. If you are planting later you may want to put them in a cooler spot that is partially shady.
In well-drained soil, sow 1-1 1/2" apart in a 3" band (25 seeds/ft.), 1/2-1" deep. Do not thin. Use a trellis to keep vines upright, easy to pick and off the ground where they are less likely to rot if rainy weather coincides with harvest. The best time to install a trellis is at planting time. Normal row spacing is 4-6' for trellised peas. Harvest when peas enlarge in the pods. Note - because these are not a tall variety you could also plant them in a hanging basket for some edible interest (maybe with nasturtiums and calendula).
Beans (the larger seeds) can be started indoors or direct seeded into your outdoor planter. Because they are quite tall (up to 96 inches) you need a deep pot (about 14 inches) and a trellis for them to grow up (or you can let them weave through deck railings etc).Â
You can sow Runner Bean seed directly in the ground outdoors from May to July. Sow them at a depth of 1.5" and a distance of 8" -Â 10" apart.
You can pinch out the growing tips of the plants once the stems reach the tops of their trellis to divert their energy onto producing beans rather than growing tall.
Note for people planting in BC: Because we are experiencing a drought be extremely vigilent about watering.
Edible Flowers
Harvest as buds or as fully open flowers. Unopened buds can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days on slightly damp towel in covered container. Open flowers should be used immediately. To encourage continued flowering keep the peas or beans picked.Â