Green peas grow as climbing plants that require support, using tendrils to attach to structures as they grow.
Peas are typically grown from seeds planted directly in the ground. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Planting: Pea seeds are sown in cool soil, typically in early spring or fall.
- Germination: The seeds germinate and sprout, sending up shoots.
- Climbing: Pea plants develop tendrils, which are modified leaves or stems that act like little grappling hooks.
- Support: These tendrils need something to cling to, such as netting, twigs ("pea sticks"), trellises, or other supporting structures. Without support, the pea plants will sprawl on the ground, increasing the risk of disease and making harvesting difficult.
- Growth: As the plant grows, it wraps its tendrils around the support, climbing upwards.
- Flowering: The plant produces flowers, which are then pollinated.
- Pod Development: After pollination, the flowers develop into pea pods, which contain the green peas we eat.
- Harvesting: The pea pods are harvested when they are plump and full of peas.
In summary, green peas climb using pea shoots called tendrils, which they wrap around supports like netting or twigs. Providing adequate support is crucial for healthy growth and abundant pea production.
