Pea Pisum sativum 'Delikata'

Names

• Family

  Fabaceae.

• Synonyms

  Green Pea, Garden Pea, English Pea, Sweet Pea.

• Common names

  Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon Ser., Pisum sativum var. humile Mill., Pisum sativum subsp. elatius (M.Bieb.) Asch. & Graebn., Pisum sativum var. arvense (L.) Poir., Pisum arvense L., Pisum vulgare Jundz., Pisum sativum var. sativum.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Pisum sativum 'Delikata' is commonly known as the pea plant. Peas are not toxic to humans and are commonly consumed as a food crop. However, eating them in their raw state, especially in large quantities, may cause digestive discomfort due to the natural presence of lectins and other antinutrients, which are typically reduced by cooking. There are no poisonous compounds in peas that would make them toxic to humans, and thus ingestion of the pea plant, pods, or peas does not pose a risk of poisoning.

• To pets

  The pea plant, Pisum sativum 'Delikata', is not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Peas are often found as an ingredient in pet foods and can be a nutritious addition to their diet in moderation. There are no known toxic substances within the pea plant that pose a risk of poisoning to pets. Consuming large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets due to the fiber content or if the pet has a sensitivity to peas. It is always recommended to feed pets peas in moderation and to consult with a veterinarian if there are any concerns or observed health issues after ingestion.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Annuals

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

• Spread

  1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  2-11

• Native area

  Mediterranean

General Benefits

• Nutritious Food Source: Pisum sativum, commonly known as garden peas, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers, making them a healthy addition to the diet.
• Sustainable Crop: Peas fix nitrogen in the soil, which can improve soil fertility and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
• Easy to Grow: Peas are generally easy to cultivate and can be grown in a variety of climates and soil types.
• Supports Biodiversity: Garden peas can attract beneficial insects and pollinators to the garden, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem.
• Compact Growth: The 'Delikata' variety's compact growth habit makes it suitable for small gardens and even container growing.
• Early Harvest: Peas are often one of the first vegetables that can be harvested in the spring, providing an early crop.
• Companion Planting: Peas are great for companion planting, working well with many other plants like carrots and radishes, which can help with pest control and maximize garden space.
• Versatile Culinary Use: Peas can be used in a wide range of dishes, both fresh and cooked, adding versatility to the kitchen.
• Edible Pods: The 'Delikata' variant often has tender, edible pods, allowing for a greater variety of culinary uses.
• Freezing Quality: Garden peas freeze well without significant loss of flavor or texture, making them great for long-term storage and use throughout the year.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Pisum sativum 'Delikata', commonly known as garden pea, can be used in floral arrangements when the plant is in bloom, providing a delicate green backdrop and subtle fragrance.
• The dried stems of garden peas can provide support for climbing plants in the garden, creating a natural and biodegradable trellising system.
• Mature pea pods that have dried out can be used as a form of biodegradable packaging material to protect fragile objects during shipping.
• The hollow stems of the garden pea plant can serve as tiny straws or blowpipes for children's play or educational activities.
• When crushed, the foliage of the garden pea plant can be added to compost bins as a green material that aids in the composting process.
• Fine-textured garden pea foliage can be used as a filler in hand-made paper to add texture and visual interest to the final product.
• During plant rotation in fields, garden peas can be planted as a cover crop to enrich the soil with nitrogen and organic matter.
• The fibers from tough pea vines can be woven or braided into small, biodegradable garden ties for supporting other plants.
• Garden pea plants, due to their rapid growth, can be used as a temporary privacy screen in vegetable gardens or on patios.
• Spent pea plants, if not diseased, can be laid down as a mulch in garden beds to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Feng Shui

The pea is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The pea is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Prosperity: Peas, in general, have been a symbol of prosperity and wealth owing to their nutritious value and abundance during the harvesting season.
• Fertility: The rapid and abundant growth of peas can symbolize fertility and the potential for new beginnings.
• Unity: In some cultural traditions, the pea pod, with its multiple peas encased within a single pod, represents unity and the strength of relationships.
• Nourishment: Peas are nutritious and symbolize physical and spiritual nourishment owing to their role as a staple food in many cultures.
• Humility: The simple and unassuming nature of peas can signify humility and modesty in a person’s character.