Contents
Description
Pisum Sativum Hurst Green Shaft, commonly known as Hurst Green Shaft Pea, is a cool-season vegetable plant that belongs to the legume family. It is an annual plant that is commonly grown for its edible green pods that contain sweet and tender peas. The plant has a compact and bushy growth habit, reaching a height of 60-75 cm (24-30 inches) and a spread of 20-30 cm (8-12 inches).
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Pisum |
Appearance
The Pisum Sativum Hurst Green Shaft plant has green, compound leaves that consist of two to three pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are oval-shaped and slightly pointed, reaching a length of 5-8 cm (2-3 inches). The plant produces pale pink to purple flowers that are 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches) in diameter. The flowers are followed by long, straight, and slender green pods that are 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) in length. The pods contain 8-10 sweet and tender peas.
Care Guide
Pisum Sativum Hurst Green Shaft is a relatively easy plant to grow. Here are some care tips to ensure a healthy and productive plant:- Water: Peas require regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Peas do not require heavy fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once during planting and once during flowering.- Soil: Peas prefer well-drained and fertile soil. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.- Sunlight: Peas require full sun exposure to produce healthy and abundant pods.- Hardiness Zones: Pisum Sativum Hurst Green Shaft is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pisum Sativum Hurst Green Shaft is susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation.- Pea aphids: Small green insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.- Pea weevils: Small black or gray beetles that feed on the leaves and pods. They can be controlled by handpicking or using insecticides.
Habitat
Pisum Sativum Hurst Green Shaft is native to Europe and Asia but is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world. It grows best in cool and temperate climates and prefers well-drained and fertile soil.
Question and Answer
Q: When is the best time to plant Pisum Sativum Hurst Green Shaft?
A: Peas should be planted in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. They can also be planted in late summer for a fall harvest.
Q: How long does it take for Pisum Sativum Hurst Green Shaft to mature?
A: Pisum Sativum Hurst Green Shaft takes about 60-70 days to mature from planting to harvest.
Q: Can Pisum Sativum Hurst Green Shaft be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Pisum Sativum Hurst Green Shaft can be grown in containers as long as the container is at least 30 cm (12 inches) deep and has good drainage.
Q: Can the pods of Pisum Sativum Hurst Green Shaft be eaten raw?
A: Yes, the pods of Pisum Sativum Hurst Green Shaft can be eaten raw or cooked.
Related Plants
– Pisum sativum ‘Dwarf Grey Sugar’- Pisum sativum ‘Little Marvel’- Pisum sativum ‘Wando’
References
– Grown and Harvested. (2021). Hurst Green Shaft Peas. https://grownandharvested.com/hurst-green-shaft-peas/- University of Minnesota Extension. (n.d.). Pea. https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-peas
