Maincrop Pea 'Senator'

'Senator' is an old-fashioned, heritage maincrop pea that remains a top choice for UK growers due to its heavy yields and excellent flavour. It is a "tall" variety, reaching about 1-1.2m, and therefore requires sturdy support such as pea sticks or trellis. It produces pairs of large, well-filled pods, each containing about 7-9 sweet, succulent peas. One of its standout features is its resilience to drought and powdery mildew, making it a reliable performer even in less-than-ideal British summers. The white flowers are followed by a concentrated harvest in mid-to-late summer. It thrives in a moisture-retentive, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. Like all peas, it actually improves the soil by fixing nitrogen. 'Senator' is widely considered one of the best varieties for freezing, as it retains its bright green colour and sweetness exceptionally well. It is a nostalgic and rewarding choice for the allotment.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul.