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Plant Care
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Julie Bawden-Davis
Plant Care Guide

Atitlan garden pea (Pisum sativum 'Atitlan' )

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  • General Information
  • Buy
  • Plant
  • Sow Seeds
  • Fertilize
  • Water
  • Prune
  • Mulch
  • Protect
  • Pest/Disease Inspection
  • Treat for Pest/Disease
  • Transplant
  • Propagate
  • Harvest
  • Special requirements

General Information

This vining pea plant is an afila variety, which means that the leaflets found on many pea plants are tendrils on this type, which allows it to climb on its own. Pods are approximately 4 inches long and each contain up to 7 peas. Like all peas, it grows best in the cool, humid conditions of late fall through early spring.

Sunset Zones

USDA Zones

Web Link

Buy

When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!

January
Buy plants in the nursery when available. Buy seed when available via mail-order.

Plant

When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?

January
Plant in a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 4 feet between rows to allow sufficient room for growth.

Sow Seeds

When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?

January
Soak seeds overnight before sowing. Plant in light, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly neutral. Plant seed 1/2-inch deep, 2 to 4 inches apart in the ground. Seed can also be planted in containers for later transplant. Keep soil moist but not soggy during germination.

Fertilize

When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?

January
If not done the prior month, fertilize when the plant begins to flower with a balanced fertilizer designed for vegetable crops. Avoid overfeeding, as excessive nitrogen leads to foliage but no flowers.

Water

Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?

January
Keep soil surrounding plants moist but not soggy. If soil is moist and Santa Ana winds blow, mist foliage to keep plants from drying out.

Prune

When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?

Mulch

Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?

Protect

When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?

Pest/Disease Inspection

What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?

January
Check for signs of aphids and powdery mildew.

Treat for Pest/Disease

How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?

January
Treat aphids by rinsing plants with a strong spray of water--repeating once a day until they are gone. If aphids persist, treat with insecticidal soap. For powdery mildew treatment, remove and dispose of affected leaves and prevent further infestation by spraying remaining foliage with horticultural oil, neem oil or a biological fungicide.

Transplant

When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?

January
Transplant plants seeded in containers to a full-sun location in rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline. If organic matter is low, work in 2 to 4 inches of homemade or bagged compost. Plant 4 inches apart with 4 feet between rows to allow sufficient room for growth.

Propagate

When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?

Harvest

When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?

January
Most peas are ready to harvest 55 to 70 days after seeding. Start harvesting when the peas have swelled to almost a round shape and are bright green in color. Harvest regularly, as peas allowed to over-ripen on the vine will cause the plant to stop producing.

Special requirements

Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?

January
Provide plant with something on which to twine and grow, such as a trellis.