Description
Soaring, vining plants are smothered in the most striking dark purple pea pods. A rich eggplant colour, these shelling peas are as delicious as they are beautiful; pick early for best flavor. The vining stems make a wonderful and unexpected addition to summer flower arrangements and are a real conversation starter. A must grow heirloom. Harvest when pods are brightly coloured, taking care when handling delicate vines. Expect a vase life of 5-7 days.
The Blue-podded Capucijner (cap-ou-SIGH-nah) is a hardy pea first grown by the Franciscan Capuchin monks in Holland and Germany during the early 1600s, who ate it as standard fare in soups, stews and casseroles. This is a variety of Capucijners Pea, well known in Holland. Its particularly beautiful, bi-colored flowers are lilac/pink and wine-red/purple, fading to blue as they wilt; pods are deep inky purple/blue. It is best used by picking the pods when full of large olive -green to brown seed which make delicious, full-bodied soups. Great long term storage food. It can also be grown as an edible-podded sugar pea by harvesting before peas have developed.
Apparently, there is no food more typically Dutch, that you can grow in your garden, than the purple podded capucijner pea. When cooked they stay whole, make their own rich gravy, and have a distinctive pea taste. Some people believe some strains of this pea came from the Mennonites in Pennsylvania, as the seeds were likely brought over with the early German settlers by way of Holland. It seems all roads lead back to Holland and the Capuchin Monks for the origin of this delightful vegetable.
Beautiful heirloom pea that is pretty enough to grow as an ornamental for the edible gardening fans, even if you don’t like peas. The dark colored pods really stand out against the background of the bright green leaves making them very easy to pick. It is a good choice for children and the elderly.
Tall vines grow 5-6’ which require support. Plant 1″ deep, sprinkle them in a trench (they don’t seem to mind company) but don’t overcrowd for air circulation 70-100 days
Approximately 30 seeds per packet.
Lynn Doell (verified owner) –
I thought the flowers were beautiful sweet peas! I was mistaken as the flowers soon turned into purple pods and had the tastiest green peas ever. I will plant them again
Beth Janvrin (verified owner) –
Such a beautiful pea! Dark blue-purple flowers and then lovely purple pea pods. Tasted great fresh and saved some for dried peas to add to soups and stews.
Will grow again!