Pea Shiraz has very pretty bi-coloured pink and purple flowers followed by striking dark purple flat mangetout pods, this plant wouldn't go amiss in the ornamental garden it looks so good!

The pods that have a sweet delicious pea taste and the crisp crunch so associated with home grown freshly picked pods which is so amiss with days old shop bought bendy ones.

Pea Shiraz is a climbing variety that will require tying to canes/netting as it reaches a height of 1.2m, when it has reached the height required 'pinch out' to encourage the plant to put its energy into producing lots of pods. The pods are best picked when young and tender and the peas are just beginning to form.

The purple colour does fade to dark green with cooking, less so with steaming but they will retain their fabulous deep purple hue if left raw in a mixed salad or quickly stir-fried with other veg. As with many purple veg they are full of anthocyanins (antioxidants) that are so good for keeping the body healthy.

Sometimes a new variety comes along that makes you want to try growing it and this new British bred purple podded mangetout Pea Shiraz is likely to be one of those!

Top Tip
If you want to boost your harvests then intersow with Birdsfoot Trefoil...why?
Read our blog HERE for further information.

Pea Shiraz Vegetable Seed Information

Seed Quantity:	Approx 100 seeds per pack.
Site:	Free draining, moisture retentive soil and an open sunny position.
When to Sow	March to June.
How to Sow:	Dig a shallow trench about 2.5cm deep and 15cm wide. Sow 3 rows of seeds about 4cm apart in each direction. Push lightly into soil and rake the soil carefully back over and gently firm. Allow 45cm between the rows. Seeds germinate in 7-10 days. Seeds can also be sown into modules indoors and planted out into final position after a few days of 'hardening off'.
Care:	Train peas up & over canes and netting if used. Pick 2/3 times a week to ensure formation of more pods. Keep soil moist & weed free.
Harvest:	June to late September.

When to Sow Pea Shiraz Vegetable Seeds

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