PEAS 129 



PEAS 



Classification. Peas are divided into field and garden 

 groups. The garden varieties are used extensively as can- 

 ning peas and are sometimes classified under that name. 



Fig. 71. A field of peas in blossom. 



Each group has numerous varieties characterized by color, 

 shape, growth of vines, or time of maturity. Among the 

 field varieties may be mentioned the Scotch, Green, Yellow, 

 Marrowfat, Early Puritan, and Prussian Blue. Chief 

 among the canning varieties are the Alaska, Horsford, 

 Admiral, and Advancer, each with its peculiar characters of 

 identification. 



Habits of Growth. The pea puts forth but a single 

 plant, but this plant divides above the ground and often 

 several secondary branches may be found on a single stalk. 

 The plants assume the nature of vines, which during the 

 ripening period are recumbent and often lie prostrate upon 

 the ground, making them somewhat difficult to harvest. 



Location of the Seed Bed. Peas do best on high, well- 

 drained land that is well supplied with lime and organic 



M. AND H. PLANT PROD. 9 



