What hardiness zones is Pisum sativum 'Little Marvel' suitable for?

Pisum sativum 'Little Marvel' is an annual vegetable reaching 15-18 inches (38-45 cm) tall with a spread of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) and a compact, dwarf, bushy habit with tendrils. An English heirloom dwarf shelling pea from 1908 (Sutton & Sons), it produces dark green, blunt-ended pods 3 inches (8 cm) long containing 6-8 large, sweet, tender peas tightly packed in each pod. The dwarf vines require minimal support—a short pea fence or brush is sufficient. Days to maturity 55-65 from direct sow. Growth rate is fast. Cool-season crop. Among the sweetest dwarf shelling peas. Double-podded—pods produced in pairs at each node, increasing yield from the compact plant. Heavy cropping over a concentrated 2-week harvest window.

Native Range

Pisum sativum originated in the Mediterranean basin, the Near East, and Central Asia. 'Little Marvel' was introduced by Sutton & Sons, England, in 1908.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens or containers for culinary use—fresh shelling, freezing, soups. Sweetest dwarf shelling pea. Double-podded. 15-18 in—minimal support. English heirloom 1908. 55-65 days. Concentrated 2-week harvest. Cool-season. Not suitable for hot climates or extended harvest (short window).

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Alderman' by the dwarf (15-18 versus 60-72 inches) habit, the earlier maturity (55-65 versus 65-75 days), and the double-podding at each node. Distinguished from snap peas by the inedible (versus edible) pod—must be shelled. Distinguished from 'Wando' by the earlier maturity and the less heat-tolerant character. Little Marvel—dwarf 15-18 in, double-podded, sweetest dwarf shelling, English 1908, minimal support, concentrated harvest.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'3" - 1'6"

Width/Spread6" - 8"

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks

Spring

White papilionaceous flowers in pairs along the stem. Self-pollinating. Each pair produces two pods at the same node. Late spring to early summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White; papilionaceous; pairs; late spring

Foliage Description

Medium green; pinnate with tendrils; compact

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

55-65 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow in early spring as soon as soil is workable—tolerates light frost. Inoculate with Rhizobium if first time in that soil. Short support 18-24 inches (45-60 cm)—brush, short fence, or twiggy branches. Cool, moist, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.5). Days to maturity 55-65 from direct sow. Harvest when pods are plump. Concentrated harvest over 2 weeks. Cool-season—production stops in heat.