Gråärt Solberga, organic seeds
Eco Heirloom
Information
Originally grown by the family Eliasson in the Solberga parish in the region of Bohuslän. Gråärt – “Grey pea” – has been grown on the farm that has been in the family since the 17th century. It was first documented by Linné's pupil Pehr Kalm, who described it on his journey in 1742. Traditionally, the pea is often sown together with the Solberga Broad Bean, who can serve as a support for the peas. Usually the dry pods are harvested and put to dry indoors before they are shelled. The Grey-pea, which is found in several varieties from Skåne to Jämtland, is very rich in protein and grown as food for both people and animals.
The plant is 170-200 cm tall and needs support. The flowers are pink and violet and the dry pods are pale yellow. The peas can be enjoyed as fresh green peas, but are usually left to ripen and dry for Winter storage. Traditionally, the Grey-pea was boiled with milk in Bohuslän while served with fried pork in Skåne. Search the internet for recipes! It is mainly thanks to POM, The Programme for Diversity of Cultivated Plants, that the Grey-pea are more and more commonly grown. The ambition is to spread it across the country again.
One portion contains about 30 seeds.
| Product number: | 9340 |
|---|---|
| Scientific name: | Pisum sativum var.arvense |
| Botanic family: | Fabaceae |
| Organic: | Yes |
| Days to maturity: | 75 |
| Lifespan: | annual |
| F1 Hybrid: | No |
| New variety: | No |
| Sowing time: | April–June |
| Sowing depth: | 3–4 cm |
| Germination time: | 7–10 days |
| Plant spacing: | 5–8 cm |
| Row spacing: | 35–50 cm |
| Height: | 150–250 cm |
| Plant location: | Sun |
| Harvest/blooming: | July–frost |
| Seeds/g: | 2–4 seeds |
| Heirloom variety: | Yes |
Cultivation advice
Sowing
Shelling peas are sown as soon as the soil is ready. They can withstand relatively low soil temperatures. Sow the peas about 3 cm deep, possibly a little deeper when sowing in summer because of the need for moisture. For the peas to have time to develop properly sow at the latest in June.If the peas are sown late in the season they can be harvested as mangetouts, before the seeds develop.
Spacing
Sow with a space of 5-8 cm between the plants and 35-50 cm between the rows. Peas can also be sown in double rows of 10-15 cm between the rows or scattered in broad bands. Tall and medium tall sorts need something to climb on.Harvest
Shelling peas are picked and shelled when the pods are fully ripe but not overgrown.Peas tolerate 1 degree or 2 of frost in autumn but easily become spotted and loose their crispness after a few nights of frost. All kinds of peas are eaten fresh, boiled or fried etc. They can also be dried, frozen or preserved.
Seed
1 g is about 2-3 seeds.One portion contains about 30 seeds and sows 1,5-2,5 metres. 900 g for 100 m.
