Seed Savers Exchange
Pea, Tom Thumb
Pisum sativum
- Plants grow to 8 inches
- Good for container gardening
- Able to withstand hard frosts
- Shelling pea
- 50-55 days
- Packet of 100 Seeds
Originated in England and introduced in the United States in the mid-nineteenth century. Several strains of Tom Thumb peas have existed and over time further reductions in height and advances in earliness were achieved. At 8" tall this is the best dwarf pea for container gardening. Plants are able to withstand hard frosts. Shell, 50-55 days.
Learn To Grow It
This crop does not transplant well so make sure to direct seed in your garden as soon as the soil can be worked (about 2 weeks before the last expected frost date).
Space your seeds 2-4 inches apart in well fertilized soil. Plant your seeds around 1 inch deep.
As this plant grows it may need support in the form of a trellis to keep the vines off the ground. You won't need to fertilize this crop in order to get a healthy yield.
Mulching the soil around this crop can help protect the plant and keep roots cool and moist. In frost-free zones, this crop can be grow throughout the fall and winter.
