Stephens Peas

[jayb]

A heritage tall growing pea variety, purple flowers and part purple pods. Very pretty to look at, the peas have that 'purple podded' taste to them, but not so strong as some.

[jayb]

Looking at these pictures again, the pods are very mottled in appearance, purple colour is really faded. I should really grow this again before the seeds are too old.

[Galina]

Oh you've got 5-6 years for pea seeds easily, if they are stored in paper and reasonably dry and out of direct sunlight. I have had germination with 9 year old pea seeds.

Yes they are partially purple and of the same type as my Reds - the bit where the seeds bulge is not purple (red) but most of the rest of the pod is.

[Silverleaf]

If you do grow them again, we now have the Pur/Pu test we can use - are the bits that attach the peas to the pod purple? That tells us whether the pod colour's from Pur or Pu, because it definitely only has one if them.

[Galina]

If it does have them it is Pur rather than Pu, if I understand the JIC page right.

[Silverleaf]

Without looking it up, I think you're right.

[jayb]

Thanks for the info, I'll bring Stephens up to the top of my 2015 grow list and hope it doesn't get displaced! Last grown in 2010 and from what I remember a good pea variety. I grew several from 2009 and 2010 seeds this year, germination was good which is a reward in itself.

[Galina]

My seeds are a couple of years younger, you are welcome to some if there is a problem.

[jayb]

Thanks for the offer, good to have a back up. I think I have quite a few seeds left so as long as I sow them in the next year or so, I should be ok.