Pisum sativum 'Lincoln'
vegetableA compact shelling pea producing heavy yields of small, very sweet peas on 24 to 30-inch vines that often need no trellis. Lincoln is considered one of the sweetest and most reliable heirloom shelling peas for home gardens. It is also among the most heat- and wilt-tolerant of garden peas, which makes it well-adapted to a wide range of climates and one of the best choices for a small garden where a tall trellis is impractical.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 3 days
Harvest
~65 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
2-3 in
Planting Depth
1-1.5 in
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 9
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
Inoculate seeds with pea/bean rhizobium; no nitrogen fertilizer needed
Fertilizer
Low-nitrogen compost; phosphorus-rich soil amendment if soil is deficient
Direct sow 4 to 6 weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked. Peas prefer cool weather and will fail in summer heat. Lincoln is compact enough to grow without a trellis but benefits from a few brushy sticks for support. Make two sowings — early spring and late summer for a fall crop. Water during pod development but reduce as seeds mature.
Direct sow
Mar 18
Projected first harvest
May 22
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Water blast early; insecticidal soap; mint planted nearby as deterrent
Row cover through early growth; inspect seed before saving
Ensure airflow; neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign; plant spacing
Reflective mulch; spinosad spray if severe during flowering
Pick when pods are plump and well-rounded but still bright green. At this stage peas inside are sweet and tender. Over-mature peas become starchy and tough quickly. Pick every 2 to 3 days at the peak of the season. Shell and eat or cook immediately for the best sweetness — sugars convert to starch within hours of harvest.
Excellent source of plant protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and folate. One of the higher-protein garden vegetables, though best as a complement to rather than a substitute for a main protein. Fresh peas also provide thiamine and manganese. Sugars are highest immediately after harvest.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.