Discover the sweet taste and robust growth of West Coast Seeds Bolero Peas. This 25g pack produces bushy plants reaching 75cm (30") tall, each bearing pairs of 8cm (3") long pods with seven to nine peas. Bolero shelling peas are ideal for fresh eating or freezing, thanks to their exceptional flavor and excellent disease resistance. With high resistance to Pythium and Fusarium race 1, Bolero peas are perfect for early spring planting in coastal gardens to avoid the mid- to late-summer pea enation virus.
Key Features:
- Sweet Flavor: Perfect for fresh eating and freezing.
- Bushy Plants: Grow up to 75cm (30") tall.
- Disease Resistant: High resistance to Pythium and Fusarium race 1.
- Quick Maturity: Ready to harvest in 68 days.
- Open-Pollinated Seeds: Reliable and easy to grow.
Growing Instructions:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Timing: Plant as early as the soil can be worked in spring. Optimal soil temperature: 10-20°C (50-70°F). Seeds sprout in 7-14 days.
- Starting: Sow seeds 2cm (1") deep. After April 15th, sow seeds 5cm (2") deep. Space seeds 2-7cm (1-3") apart in rows. Do not thin.
- Growing Conditions: Use well-drained soil amended with compost. Add 2 cups of rock phosphate or bonemeal per 3m (10') row. Support plants with a trellis or fence.
Harvesting:
Pick pods at the desired stage. Multiple sowings or growing several varieties can extend the harvest season.
Tips for Blanching Peas:
To freeze peas for fall and winter use, blanching is essential. Submerge peas in boiling water briefly to kill enzymes, then cool in ice water before drying and freezing.
- Snap and Snow Peas: Boil whole pods for two minutes, then cool in ice water.
- Shelled Peas: Boil for ninety seconds, then cool in ice water. Dry thoroughly before storing in zip-top or vacuum bags.
Disease & Pest Management:
- Pea Root Rot: Prevent by planting in drier soil and using compost. Rotate crops yearly.
- Pea Enation Virus: Spread by aphids, it causes warty pods. Plant enation-resistant varieties in susceptible areas.
- Pea Moth: Monitor for tiny brown moths and caterpillars. Biological control can help manage infestations.
Companion Planting:
Excellent companions include beans, carrots, celery, corn, cucumber, eggplant, parsley, peppers, potatoes, radish, spinach, strawberries, and turnips. Avoid planting near onions.
Enhance your garden with the sweet and resilient Bolero peas. Perfect for home gardeners and market growers, these peas offer a delicious and easy-to-grow addition to your vegetable patch.
