Little Marvel Peas

Little Marvel Pea History

Little Marvel peas are a dependable variety introduced in 1908, known for fine quality and excellent yields. At the time it was called American Wonder, but its roots (forgive the pun) were purely British. Little Marvel is a cross between two British varieties, Daisy and William Hurst. It exceeded even the greatest expectations for this cultivar, because Little Marvel plants were only 15-20 inches tall, usually requiring no trellising, but these little plants were prolific producers which produced over a very long season. Since its introduction it has continually been one of the most popular shelling peas available.

Planting Little Marvel Pea Seeds

You can sow them in spring or fall. Peas prefer fertile well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Adding 1 to 2 inches of well-rotted manure or compost over the garden and tilling it into the soil improves both aeration and drainage. Although you can plant “Little Marvel” peas in the spring as soon you are able to work the soil, they still germinate best when the soil is between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Specifically, optimal germination occurs at 75 degrees.

How To Grow Little Marvel Peas

Bushy plants grow 18-24″ and only need minimal support. These sweet and tasty peas germinate in one to two weeks and will produce vegetables in approximately 60 days. For a summer of fresh green vegetables, stagger the growing times two weeks apart to maintain a fresh supply of the peas all season long. Even after remaining in the pod well past the maturation point, the peas remain sweet and edible. Here’s more on growing Little Marvel peas.

Preserving And Storing Your Peas For Later Use

Pods are 3-4″ long and packed with 6-7 dark green peas. Extended picking period.

Learn how to freeze peas. The same procedures apply for pretty much all types of peas. You will simply harvest them and remove the peas from the pod. What containers you choose to pack in is a personal choice. Quart size freezer bags will work very well. Freezer boxes work best for things that are frozen wet in a syrup.

This article will show you how to blanch and freeze peas to keep them fresh for when you need them.

Cooking With Peas

Check this out for 10 ways to cook frozen peas.

Little Marvel Nutrition

Peas contain the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These nutrients help protect your eyes from chronic diseases, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin act as filters from harmful blue light, which contributes to cataracts and macular degeneration. Here are some nutrition facts for peas and some additional health benefits that you can enjoy by eating them.

Other Peas Worth Checking Out

Green Arrow