Pois Geant Sans Parchemin (Giant Snow Pea)

A deliciously sweet, gorgeous, and bountiful snow pea with gigantic, thin pods. Harvest when pods are thin and seeds are barely showing, and eat fresh or as a sauteed delicacy. The plants are about 4 feet tall with striking violet and maroon blooms.

This French heirloom was described by Charles Darwin in his book “The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication” in 1868 and by Vilmorin in "The Vegetable Garden" in 1885. This particular strain was given to the USDA in 1960 under the name Mangetout Carouby, and later given to William Woys Weaver by Will Bonsall. Both curate historically important seed collections and have inspired countless others to follow in their footsteps.

Days to Maturity: 65

Seeds per pack: 40

Germination rate: 93% on 10/15/2024

Planting / harvesting notes

Seed directly in the ground as soon as the soil can be worked in the early Spring. Sow about an inch apart in rows on either side of a trellis, or in bands of 2-3 feet, with the trellis in the middle. Keep soil constantly moist until germination. No need to thin.

Seed keeping notes

Peas are self-pollinating, though it is best to isolate different varieties of P. sativum by at least 25 feet (we do 75 feet to be sure) to avoid unwanted cross-pollination from flying insects. For seed saving, harvest the peas when their shells have become dried and crispy. Lay out the pods in a dry, sunny place to dry down further. Shell the peas and lay out the seeds in a well ventilated place away from direct sunlight for at least another few days to a week before storing for next year.

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