Dharaseeds
Pea Seeds - Mammoth Melting
Estimated delivery between February 04 and February 07.
Mammoth Melting peas are a classic, heirloom snow pea variety renowned for their large, tender pods and exceptional sweetness. These peas are perfect for gardeners who enjoy growing large, robust plants that produce an abundance of delicious, melt-in-your-mouth peas. Known for their smooth, wrinkled peas and large pods, Mammoth Melting peas are ideal for both fresh eating and cooking. With a reputation for being easy to grow and hardy in cooler climates, this variety will thrive in your garden, delivering a generous harvest that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes.
Key Benefits
- Large, Tender Pods: Offers large, sweet, and tender pods that are perfect for eating whole or for cooking.
- Sweet, Melting Flavor: Known for their exceptional sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them a culinary favorite.
- High Yield: Produces a bountiful harvest, with peas that are easy to pick and great for both fresh eating and preserving.
- Cold-Tolerant: Performs well in cooler temperatures, making it a great option for early spring or late fall planting.
- Versatile Use: Excellent for fresh eating, stir-fries, steaming, or added to soups and stews.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Tall, sturdy vines that reach 36–48 inches, requiring support such as trellises or staking.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, with a smooth texture that "melts" in your mouth when cooked.
- Growth Habit: Climbing variety, making it ideal for vertical gardening or trellising.
- Size: Pods grow to about 3–4 inches long, with plump, wrinkled peas inside when fully mature.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Plant early in the spring once the soil can be worked or in late summer for a fall harvest.
- Best suited for cool climates with temperatures between 50°F–70°F (10°C–21°C).
Planting Details
- Seed Depth: Plant seeds 1–2 inches deep.
- Spacing: Space seeds 2–3 inches apart, with rows spaced 18–24 inches apart.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
- Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, though partial shade can be tolerated in warmer climates.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and pod formation.
- Water deeply once a week to ensure the roots receive adequate hydration and avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time and again when the plants reach 6–8 inches tall for optimal growth.
Weeding and Mulching
- Regularly weed around peas to reduce competition for nutrients.
- Mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cool.
Trellising
- Trellis or stake plants as they grow to support the tall vines and improve air circulation, helping to prevent disease.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Watch for aphids, slugs, and pea weevils; using row covers or organic pest management can help protect the plants.
- Diseases: Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Rotate crops each season to prevent disease buildup.
Harvesting
Maturity
- Mammoth Melting peas are ready to harvest in 70–80 days from planting.
- For snow peas, harvest when the pods are still tender and sweet, before the peas inside start to swell.
Method
- Pick the pods gently by hand, or use scissors to avoid damaging the vines. Regular harvesting will encourage continuous production of new pods.
Storage
- Short-Term: Store fresh pods in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days.
- Long-Term: Shell peas and blanch them before freezing to preserve their sweet flavor for longer-term storage.
Culinary Uses
- Fresh Eating: Enjoy fresh from the garden as a crunchy, sweet snack.
- Stir-Fries: Add to stir-fries for a deliciously sweet and crisp element.
- Steaming: Steam lightly to preserve the tender texture and delicate sweetness.
- Soups and Stews: Add to soups and stews for a burst of sweetness and texture.
- Freezing: Blanch and freeze peas for use in dishes throughout the year.
Conclusion
Mammoth Melting peas are a high-yielding, sweet, and tender variety perfect for gardeners looking for a reliable and flavorful snow pea. With their large, crisp pods and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, they are an excellent addition to any vegetable garden. Whether enjoyed fresh, cooked, or preserved, Mammoth Melting peas will bring versatility and sweetness to your meals. Their cold tolerance and ease of care make them a great option for both novice and experienced gardeners.