What hardiness zones is Pisum sativum 'Alderman' suitable for?

Pisum sativum 'Alderman' (also known as 'Tall Telephone') is an annual vegetable reaching 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m) tall with a spread of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) and a vigorous, climbing, vining habit with tendrils. An English heirloom shelling pea from the 1880s—one of the tallest pea varieties—it produces large, plump, dark green pods 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) long containing 8-10 large, sweet, tender peas per pod. The tall vines require sturdy support—pea fence, trellis, or netting. Days to maturity 65-75 from direct sow. Growth rate is fast. Cool-season crop—peas stop producing above 80°F (27°C). Harvest window is 2-3 weeks. The large pod size and high pea count make it among the most productive shelling peas per pod.

Native Range

Pisum sativum originated in the Mediterranean basin, the Near East, and Central Asia. 'Alderman' (syn. 'Tall Telephone') is an English heirloom from the 1880s.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens with trellis for culinary use—fresh shelling, freezing, soups, side dishes. Tallest shelling pea. 8-10 large sweet peas per pod—most productive per pod. English heirloom 1880s (Tall Telephone). Cool-season 65-75 days. Requires 5-6 ft support. Short harvest window 2-3 weeks. Stops producing above 80°F. Not suitable for hot climates or where dwarf unsupported peas are preferred.

How to Identify

Distinguished from bush/dwarf peas by the tall 5-6 foot (versus 18-30 inch) vines requiring support. Distinguished from snap peas by the tough, inedible (versus edible) pod—must be shelled. Distinguished from snow peas by the round, plump (versus flat) pods. Alderman/Tall Telephone—tallest shelling pea, 8-10 peas per large pod, English heirloom 1880s, requires support, most productive per pod.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height5' - 6'

Width/Spread6" - 1'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

White papilionaceous flowers in pairs along the stem from late spring into early summer. Self-pollinating. Each flower produces one pod.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White; papilionaceous; pairs along stem; late spring-early summer

Foliage Description

Medium green; pinnate with tendrils; blue-green bloom on stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

65-75 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow in early spring as soon as soil is workable—peas tolerate light frost. Inoculate seed with Rhizobium leguminosarum for nitrogen fixation if peas have not been grown in that soil before. Provide sturdy support 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m)—pea fence, netting, or trellis. Cool, moist, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.5). Days to maturity 65-75 from direct sow. Harvest when pods are plump and bright green—before peas become starchy. Harvest window 2-3 weeks. Cool-season—production stops above 80°F.