Mrs Lei (mangetout)

[jayb Enjoying the scenery. Find all posts View Profile Close jayb]

This is a new to me variety this year, I'm a sucker for pink flowering peas as I think they are just to pretty. From the description I'm not entirely sure if it is a mange-tout or snap type of pea, although it should have pale pink flowers and grow to around 4 1/2 foot. I believe it is a fairly modern variety and Japanese bred?

I started these quite late but I think they will have time to crop and I can't wait to see the flower colour and what type pods they have!

[jayb Enjoying the scenery. Find all posts View Profile Close jayb]

Mrs Lei has a rather pretty double axil ring, it does look 'pink' rather than 'purple'.

[Galina Isolating and Pollinating Find all posts View Profile Close Galina]

Now that is easy to see. A nice double ring. Yes please more photos as the season progresses and - if possible - pretty please - a few seeds if you have any to spare?

[jayb Enjoying the scenery. Find all posts View Profile Close jayb]

Will do on both counts

Mrs Lei is earlier to flower than Elisabeth. Both were sown the same day, Mrs Lei is just getting going and has several flowers, Elisabeth is just starting to form buds.
As hoped Mrs Lei is pink flowered, a pale pink. Just a short wait for pods
Pictures taken to day between showers!

[Silverleaf Weeding between the plants. Find all posts View Profile Close Silverleaf]

Pretty!

[jayb Enjoying the scenery. Find all posts View Profile Close jayb]

No surprises, pods are green!

[Galina Isolating and Pollinating Find all posts View Profile Close Galina]

Pods look mangetout rather than snap. Interesting colour. Looks paler to me than Elisabeth (well what Elisabeth flowers look like most of the time! - never mind the whites and the redder pinks ;-))

[jayb Enjoying the scenery. Find all posts View Profile Close jayb]

The colour is definitely paler than Elisabeth and although they get a little darker as they grow they remain on the pale side throughout. Yes it is looking like a Mangetout!
I can't believe there are so few varieties of pink peas, I think they are just beautiful - tasty too!

[Silverleaf Weeding between the plants. Find all posts View Profile Close Silverleaf]

Well I'm certainly interested in pink-flowered peas, and I think between us we'll end up with some brilliant varieties.

[jayb Enjoying the scenery. Find all posts View Profile Close jayb]

That would be awesome

[jayb Enjoying the scenery. Find all posts View Profile Close jayb]

Mrs Lei has cropped well with still quite a few left to pick but mildew is taking it's toll now and affecting some pods. The vines grew to about 5' and flowers are born singularly. The pods are slightly curved when fully mature, with a pointy end and typically contain 8 seeds. The pods have a nice taste, juicy, tender and slightly sweeter than Elisabeth. It's a nice mangetout and one I'll grow again.

[jayb Enjoying the scenery. Find all posts View Profile Close jayb]

Some more pictures.

[Galina Isolating and Pollinating Find all posts View Profile Close Galina]

lovely!

[jayb Enjoying the scenery. Find all posts View Profile Close jayb]

lovely!

I love pink peas!

I've picked some of the early ones for seed, when they are dry I'll put them on one side ready to send to you, I think you will like Mrs Lei

[Galina Isolating and Pollinating Find all posts View Profile Close Galina]

Yes please, looking forward to growing them indeed! No arm twisting needed ;-)