Lincoln Pea

Pisum sativum 'Lincoln'

vegetable

A 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.

✅ Plant alongside

Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests

• Carrot — Classic cool-season pairing; both benefit from the companionship
• Radish — Fast-maturing row marker that matures before peas fill in
• Spinach — Compatible cool-season companion with similar timing
• Mint — Deters aphids that commonly attack peas; keep in a container to prevent spreading

❌ Keep away from

🛡️ Pest & disease prevention

Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide

• Aphids →

  Water blast early; insecticidal soap; mint planted nearby as deterrent

• Pea weevil →

  Row cover through early growth; inspect seed before saving

• Powdery mildew →

  Ensure airflow; neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign; plant spacing

• Thrips →

  Reflective mulch; spinosad spray if severe during flowering

🌾 Harvest & storage

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.

🥗 Nutrition & benefits

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.