Pisum arvense is a cool-season annual legume valued for nitrogen fixation, winter soil protection, weed competition, and high-quality forage. Austrian winter peas establish in cooler soil than many other legumes and tolerate temperatures down to approximately 10°F once established. Their low, spreading early growth helps cover exposed soil, while longer vines can reach about 3 feet when supported by companion crops. Plant Austrian winter peas in early to mid-fall in most regions. They perform well in heavy soils but prefer a reasonably well-drained seedbed where water will not remain standing. The plants develop rapidly as temperatures warm, typically reaching maturity in April in warmer climates. Their spring flowers also provide an early food source for bees and other beneficial insects. As a green manure crop, Austrian winter peas can fix approximately 70–125 pounds of nitrogen per acre under favorable growing conditions. For effective nodulation and nitrogen fixation, treat this raw seed with the appropriate Rhizobium inoculant before planting. The peas can be grown alone or combined with cereal rye, oats, triticale, or another upright grass that provides support and adds fibrous biomass. Mixed plantings can also improve winter ground coverage and produce balanced forage containing both protein-rich legumes and grasses. For green manure, mow or incorporate the crop while it is still tender and before mature seed develops. Terminating near early bloom generally provides a useful balance between biomass production and manageable plant residue. Allow incorporated material time to begin decomposing before planting the next crop. Scientific Name: Pisum arvense Growth Cycle: Cool-season annual legume Application Rate: 70–120 lb per acre (about 1.6–2.8 lb per 1,000 sq ft) Planting Depth: 1–2 inches; drilling provides the most reliable placement Inoculant: Strongly recommended for effective nodulation and nitrogen fixation. Use Pea Vetch Lentil Inoculant (treats 100 lb), Garden Combination Mix Inoculant (treats 8 lb), or Garden Combination Mix Inoculant (treats 50 lb). Choose the package size that matches the amount of seed being planted, and plant promptly after treating the seed. Germination: Approximately 5–10 days under suitable conditions Plant Height: Vines can reach approximately 3 feet when supported Cold Tolerance: Established plants can withstand temperatures down to approximately 10°F Uses: Nitrogen fixation, green manure, winter soil protection, weed competition, beneficial-insect forage, and livestock forage mixtures Management: Mow or incorporate before mature seed develops; plants mature early in spring in warmer regions Minimum order quantity: 50 pounds.
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