Kitchen Garden Forum

[B]Hi,
I'm going to grow asparagus pea for the first time this year. Can anyone tell me how tall it gets and does it need a wigwam or support of some kind? the seed packet doesnt give much information
Thanks
Cathy[/b]

Hi Sussexfleur. Never grown it but my veggie gardening book says this native plant to Sicily makes a low spreading plant with reddish brown flowers. It apparently grows up to a foot high and the plant does not produce any tendrils, so does not need any supporting from twigs, like ordinary peas. Pods are ready from gather 12 - 13 weeks after sowing and it's important to gather the pods when very young and tender, i.e. no more than 2 inches long and certainly before the "peas" in the pod have developed to any size. Apparently the flavour is rather similar to asparagus, hence its name.
Do report back in due course on the success of your crope and what you thought of it. Its preferred location is a sunny position with light soil and lots of manure or compost dug into the soil

I did grow a few last year and the flowers were delightful...the peas were very small and I am afraid not to my taste....they are not on this years list

It needs no support, growing along the ground.

I've grown it several times and will again this year. You should note that:
- It doesn't really taste like asparagus
- You need to pick the pods young, otherwise they get tough
- Some bending down involved, unlike climbing peas
- Like all peas/beans, you'll only be picking a few at a time, so grow a reasonable amount or be prepared to take a few days to accumulate enough to eat.

I grow it because it has beautuful scarlet flowers, the pods go well in stir fries or steamed, its a good cover crop for ground that would otherwise grow weeds, and it probably feeds some nitrogen back into the soil.


Colin

Have grown it - tasted disgusting (though don't let that put you off - I don't like beer). Perhaps left the pods too long before picking. Flowers are pretty though.

I've grown it for years, because it looks so pretty, but have finally seen sense this year and resisted it. I do have a few packets of seed though.......

It looks lovely in the garden and on the plate, grows well, needs little attention.

As already said - you have to pick it whilst young, otherwise cereal boxes are preferable to eat.

Personally, I'd use the space for peas or beans.

My only comment on these unremarkable plants are that they belong as a novelty in the flowerbed!!
JB.

I asked Retired Father about asparagus peas and his eyes practically misted over!

He told me that when I & my brother were little he used to grow all sorts of vegetables (we had a huge garden at the time, or so it seemed to my 5 year old self), especially asparagus peas.

Retired Father explained asparagus peas will grow in practically any soil, they produce a lovely flower (so can be ornamental), if you keep picking them they just keep on producing, and they are one of the easiest things to grow.

When asked about taste he rolled his eyes and said the clue was in the name! (... and that said flavour is of 'mild' asparagus) He did say the important thing is to pick them before they grow an inch long otherwise they can taste bitter.