Pea Seeds

Plant some cool season organic peas!

14 products

We’re Signers of the Safe Seed Pledge!

All of our Peaceful Valley brand vegetable seed packs are CCOF & USDA Certified Organic, in addition to being Non-GMO and Open-Pollinated (with the exception of hybrid seeds).

All Peaceful Valley brand seeds are

Guaranteed To Germinate

Terms & Restrictions Apply
Pea Seeds - Grow Organic

 Exploring the World of Pea Seeds

Peas are a beloved vegetable in many households, and it's no wonder why. They are easy to grow and exceptionally sweet and delicious when harvested straight from your garden.

Types of Peas

Peas come in different varieties, each offering a unique culinary experience. Here are some common types of peas you can consider planting in your garden:

  1. Snow Peas: These peas are known for their tender, flat pods and are a staple in stir-fry dishes. Snow peas are typically harvested when the peas inside are still undeveloped.

  2. Shelling Peas (English Peas): Shelling peas, also known as English peas or garden peas, have inedible pods but boast sweet and edible seeds. They are perfect for dishes where you want to savor the rich flavor of the peas themselves.

  3. Sugar Snap Peas: Sugar snap peas combine the best of both worlds, featuring edible pods with plump, sweet peas inside. They are a versatile addition to salads and stir-fries or enjoyed as a crunchy snack.

Planting and Growing Peas

Peas are a cool-season crop, making them one of the first vegetables you can plant in the spring. In mild winter regions, you can plant them in the fall and continue to harvest through winter. Here are some key tips for successfully growing peas:

  • Timing: Peas can be planted as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring. If you're planting them in the fall, aim for a few months before the first frost date in your area.

  • Direct Sowing: Pea plants do not like to be transplanted, so it's best to sow the seeds directly into the ground or use biodegradable pots if you prefer starting them indoors.

  • Pre-Soaking: To improve germination rates, consider soaking your pea seeds in water overnight before planting. This can help kickstart their growth.

  • Support: Most pea varieties require support as they grow. Use trellises or fences to support the climbing vines, ensuring that they don't sprawl on the ground.

  • Shade Cloth: Peas are sensitive to heat. If you experience hot weather, you can use shade cloth to protect them from excessive sun and extend the growing season.

Harvesting and Preserving Peas

One of the joys of growing peas is enjoying their fresh, sweet taste straight from the garden. Here are some tips for harvesting and preserving your pea bounty:

  • Harvest Timing: Peas should be harvested as soon as they are ready. Pick sugar snap peas when the pods are plump and the peas inside are full. Shelling peas should be harvested when the pods are well-filled but not overly mature.

  • Immediate Consumption: Peas are at their peak in flavor and sweetness when freshly harvested. Consider incorporating them into your meals immediately to savor their taste.

  • Freezing: If you have an abundance of peas, freezing them is an excellent way to preserve their freshness. Blanch them briefly in boiling water, cool them quickly, and then store them in airtight containers in the freezer.

  • Drying: If you happen to miss the harvest window, allow the peas to dry on the plant. These dried peas can be used in hearty winter soups like split pea soup, providing warmth and nutrition during the colder months.

Pea seeds offer a delightful gardening experience and a delicious reward. With various types to choose from and a few simple growing tips, you can enjoy the sweet taste of freshly harvested peas in your own backyard. Peas are a versatile and rewarding addition to your garden, whether you prefer them in stir-fries, salads, or soups.

Learn more about seed starting in your organic garden with our resource guide and buy everything you need with our Seed Starting Kit.

FAQs: Annie's Perennials

What are perennial plants?

Perennial plants live for more than two growing seasons. If properly cared for, they will return year after year with consistent bloom times to add color and diversity to your garden.

What is the difference between annuals and perennials?

The key difference between annuals and perennials is their lifespan. Annuals live for one growing season, although some of our annual plants do re-seed, thereby prolonging their benefits past a single season. Perennial plants and perennial flowers persist for several years, returning year after year, every growing season. Another difference is that true annuals will bloom throughout the entire season; whereas, perennials may bloom intermittently during or between seasons.

What are the benefits of growing perennials?

Perennial plants and flowers provide lasting beauty and structure to your garden. They have specific seasonal bloom times that remain consistent year after year, ensuring vibrant color for your garden throughout the seasons. Perennials also contribute to biodiversity and help the overall environment. Their deep root systems help prevent soil erosion and retain nutrients, while also sequestering carbon. Planting lots of different perennials with varied bloom times ensures consistent, reliable food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial wildlife.

When should I buy perennials to plant?

The ideal time to plant perennials is spring or early fall. This allows them to establish their root system before extreme weather.

How do I care for perennial plants?

In general, Perennials need watering, occasional fertilization, and deadheading to encourage repeat blooming. The specific care needs can vary by type. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer many native and low water, low-maintenance perennials to make planting and caring for them easy. We want to make gardening success attainable for everyone.

Can you plant perennials in pots or containers?

Yes! We have hundreds of perennial plants that work well in containers as well as in garden beds. Just make sure your pot size is adequate for the root system of your particular plant.

Do perennials require full sun?

Some perennials prefer full sun, which typically means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Other varieties require full or partial shade. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer you many options for both shade and sun plants to fit every gardening need.

Do perennials attract pollinators and wildlife?

Yes! Perennials, with their reliable bloom times, are valuable additions to a pollinator-friendly garden. They provide consistent food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other beneficial wildlife. Planting many different perennials with varied bloom times will attract and feed pollinators throughout all of the seasons.

What are some popular perennial flowers?

Some common perennials include <strong>Yarrow</strong> (Achillea millefolium), </strong>African daisies</strong> (Arctotis) </strong>Butterfly Bush</strong> (Buddleja davidii), <strong>Campanula, Dahlia, Delphiniums, Peonies (Paeonia), Roses (Rosa), Irises, and Coneflowers</strong> (Echinacea). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost hundreds and hundreds of popular perennials – like the ones previously mentioned, along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we also offer many more perennials that are quite unusual and hard to find

What are hardy perennials?

Hardy perennials are perennial plants that grow for multiple seasons and can survive very cold weather in their growing zones. For this reason, hardy perennial plants are the perfect plant selection for any garden.

Do perennials come back every year?

Yes, if planted and cared for properly, perennials will return year after year. At Annie’s, we offer hundreds of perennials that are perfect beginner plants– easy to grow and easy to care for - so everyone can garden successfully.

What are different types of perennials?

Flowering Perennials: Are known for vibrant, consistent and long-lasting blooms. Examples include peonies (Paenonia), roses (Rosa), coneflowers (Echinaea), Abutilon, Alstroemeria, african daisy (Arctotis), foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), carnations (dianthus), geraniums, sages (Salvia), Strawflowers (helichrysum bracteatum), hollyhocks and impatiens, among many others.

Foliage Perennials: Are known for their striking, colorful foliage. Hostas, heucheras, and ornamental grasses are some common varieties.

Shade-Loving Perennials: Thrive in low-light or partial shade conditions. Examples include astilbes, ferns, and bleeding hearts (dicentras). Some of our favorite shade perennials at Annie’s are Begonias, Fuchsias, Sedges, Hellebores, Heucheras, and Impatiens.

Sun-loving perennials: Thrive in full sun conditions (meaning full sun for at least 6 hours per day). Some common examples of sun-loving perennials are lavender (Lavandula), sage (Salvia), African daisy (Arctotis), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost one thousand sun-loving perennials – like the ones previously mentioned along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

Herbaceous Perennials: These are perennial plants that die back to the ground each Fall or Winter, but whose roots remain alive and send up new growth and reemerge in the Spring or Summer. They include a variety of flowers and foliage, like columbines (Aquilegia), delphiniums, foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), and Iris.

Woody Perennials: These are shrubs and small trees that persist for many years, bringing useful structure and seasonal blooms to your garden. Examples include hydrangeas, California lilac (Ceanothus), fuchsias, and butterfly bushes (Buddleja).

Native Perennials: are well-suited to specific regions and often need less maintenance and human intervention. California native plant species might include yarrow (Achillea), California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), milkweed (Asclepias), monkey flowers (Mimulus), and some sages (Salvias), depending on your location. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer one of the largest selections of CA native perennials to be found anywhere.

Long-Blooming Perennials: Have extended blooming periods and can include varieties like Alstroemeria, Abutilon (Flowering Maples), African daisies (Actotis), Agastache, coreopsis, yarrow (Achillea), and sages (Salvias).

Drought-Tolerant Perennials: Can withstand periods of dry conditions and need less watering. Examples include lavender (Lavandula), yarrow (Achillea), sedum (stonecrop), Agastache, Aloe, milkweed (Asclepias), and some sages (Salvias).

Deer-resistant Perennials: Have characteristics that make them less appealing to deer. Options include yarrow (Achillea), lambs' ears (Stachys byzantine), Agastache, and some ornamental sages (Salvia).

Perennial Bulbs: Some perennials grow from bulbs, including favorites like tulips, daffodils, freesias, ranunculus, and irises. They return year after year, adding color to your garden each spring.

Climbing Perennials: Perennial vines like clematis and wisteria add vertical interest to your garden, climbing trellises, arbors, and fences.