Pea Seeds - Thomas Laxton

Thomas Laxton peas are a heritage variety known for their robust growth, high yields, and sweet flavor. This heirloom pea is a favorite among gardeners who enjoy a reliable, fast-growing crop with tender, smooth peas. The plants are tall and vigorous, producing large pods filled with plump, sweet peas, making it a great choice for fresh eating, freezing, or cooking. With a short maturation time and excellent disease resistance, Thomas Laxton peas are ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.

Key Benefits

• Sweet Flavor: Offers a naturally sweet, crisp flavor that is perfect for fresh eating or adding to a variety of dishes.
• High Yield: Produces an abundant crop of large pods, making it a great choice for gardeners looking for a generous harvest.
• Early Maturity: Ready to harvest in 60–70 days, making it one of the quicker pea varieties to mature.
• Disease-Resistant: Known for its strong resistance to common pea diseases, ensuring a healthy crop.
• Great for Freezing: The peas hold their flavor and texture well when frozen, allowing for year-round enjoyment.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Tall, vigorous plants that reach about 30 inches in height, requiring some form of support or trellising.
• Flavor Profile: Sweet, tender peas that are ideal for fresh eating or cooking.
• Growth Habit: Climbing variety, which requires trellising or support to maximize vertical space and ensure a healthy yield.
• Size: Pods grow up to 4 inches long and are filled with large, plump peas.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Plant in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked or in late summer for a fall harvest.
• Thomas Laxton peas thrive in cooler temperatures, typically between 50°F–70°F (10°C–21°C), making them perfect for spring and fall gardening.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds 1–2 inches deep.
• Spacing: Space seeds 2–3 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, but partial shade can be tolerated in warmer climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering and pod formation.
• Water deeply once a week to ensure healthy root development and maximize pea production.

Fertilization

• Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time to encourage strong growth. Apply again when plants reach about 6 inches tall to boost yield.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly weed around peas to reduce competition for nutrients.
• Mulch around plants to help retain moisture, keep the soil cool, and suppress weed growth.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for aphids, pea weevils, and slugs. Use row covers, organic pest control, or neem oil to protect your plants.
• Diseases: Rotate crops yearly to reduce the risk of diseases like powdery mildew and blight. Avoid watering overhead to minimize the spread of fungal diseases.

Harvesting

Maturity

• Thomas Laxton peas are typically ready to harvest in 60–70 days, depending on weather conditions.
• Harvest when the pods are plump but still tender for the sweetest, most flavorful peas.

Method

• Gently pinch or cut the pods off the plant, being careful not to damage the vines. Regular harvesting will encourage continuous production of new pods.

Storage

• Short-Term: Fresh pods can be stored in the refrigerator for 5–7 days.
• Long-Term: Shell peas and blanch them before freezing for long-term storage. Frozen peas maintain their sweetness and texture for several months.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh Eating: Thomas Laxton peas are perfect for snacking right off the vine due to their naturally sweet, tender flavor.
• Stir-Fries: Add to stir-fries for a fresh burst of sweetness and texture.
• Steaming: Steam lightly to preserve their delicate flavor and crisp texture.
• Soups and Stews: Use in soups for a fresh, sweet addition to your recipes.
• Freezing: Blanch and freeze peas to enjoy them year-round.

Conclusion

Thomas Laxton peas are a highly productive, sweet-flavored variety that’s perfect for gardeners looking for an early and abundant harvest. With their disease resistance, high yield, and quick maturation, they are a great choice for both new and experienced gardeners. Whether eaten fresh, frozen, or cooked, Thomas Laxton peas are sure to impress with their tender texture and sweet flavor, making them a must-have addition to your garden.