Laxton's Progress Shelling Peas

 

Laxton's Progress is a shelling pea that is commercially grown for the production of baby food! These nutrient-dense peas are flavorful and easy to grow. No trellising is needed for this little plant that only grows up to 20" high. Disease resistant and quick to mature.-MIGardener

Laxton's Progress Pea, also known as Laxton's Progress No. 9, was developed at the turn of the 20th century by Thomas Laxton (1830 – 6 August 1893), vegetable breeder known for his pea varieties. As well as being a plant breeder, he was also a correspondent of Charles Darwin. This variety is one of the earliest long-podded pea varieties, producing 4-5 inch pointed, dark green pods with 6-9 peas per pod.

These peas are best started in early spring (and again in late summer if you want two harvests!) as they will stop producing once the weather gets too hot. They mature in about 60 days. No trellising is needed because these peas grow on short, manageable vines of about 20 to 24 inches in height.

Huw Richards, who lives in Wales, suggests to sow pea seeds indoors in March for pea shoots and again outdoors in June to transplant in August. However, in the US a fall planting of peas can be planted in the late summer or early fall, approximately 6 to 8 weeks before the first fall frost date, which this year for zone 7 is October 23. Six to eight weeks before first frost date would be August 28 - September 11. As peas do not grow well in temperatures more than 85°F, a planting in August may not fare well here.

Peas are more commonly planted 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost date, which this year in zone 7 is April 17. Four to six weeks before this date would be March 6-20. Peas planted in cold (40°F) soil will germinate slower than peas planted in soil that is at least 60°FF (but not more than 85°F) but will catch up. Snow will not hurt emerging pea plants, but several days with temperatures in the teens might. The best bet then is to plant in a cold frame or be prepared to plant again, if the first peas don’t make it. 

Peas are best direct-seeded right in the ground and do not like their roots disturbed. But transplanting is possible, if you start seeds in biodegradable pots; you’ll transplant the pot and all into the garden and the pot will disintegrate or plant them in an old rain gutter and slide the shoots out. Planting seeds in raised garden beds will help too as the soil gets warmer faster.

To speed germination, soak seeds in water overnight before planting. Sow seeds 1 inch deep (slightly deeper if soil is dry) and about 2 inches apart. Do not thin. Pea roots, like those of other legumes, fix nitrogen in the soil, making it available for other plants. In terms of fertilizer, peas need phosphorus and potassium, but excess nitrogen will encourage foliage growth instead of flowers or pods.

If planted March 6-20, harvest would be between May 15-29. Peas planted August 14-September 11 would be harvested October 23-November 21. Harvest pea pods when they are bright green and plump and round. Don’t wait until you can see ridges in the pods formed by the peas. This means they have passed their prime. You should be able to pull the pods easily from the vine. Shell the peas and use within a day or two or freeze them for later.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Thomas Laxton Pea Planting – How To Grow Thomas Laxton Peas https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/peas/thomas-laxton-pea-planting.htm

-Phyllis