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

Pisum sativum 'Wando' is an annual vegetable reaching 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) tall with a spread of 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) and a semi-dwarf, bushy, upright habit with tendrils. Developed by USDA in South Carolina in the 1940s, it produces medium green, blunt-ended pods 3-3.5 inches (8-9 cm) long containing 6-8 medium-sized, sweet peas. The defining characteristic is heat tolerance—'Wando' sets pods at temperatures that cause other peas to stop producing (up to 85°F / 29°C), extending the pea season 2-3 weeks beyond other varieties. Also cold-tolerant—withstands light frost. Days to maturity 65-70 from direct sow. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Pisum sativum originated in the Mediterranean basin, the Near East, and Central Asia. 'Wando' was developed by USDA in South Carolina in the 1940s.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—fresh shelling, freezing, soups. Most heat-tolerant shelling pea—extends season 2-3 weeks. Semi-dwarf 24-30 in. Also cold-tolerant. USDA South Carolina 1940s. 65-70 days. 6-8 peas per pod. Suitable for warmer climates where other peas fail. Not as sweet as Little Marvel—traded some sweetness for heat tolerance.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Little Marvel' by the greater heat tolerance (sets pods to 85°F versus stops at 80°F), the taller (24-30 versus 15-18 inches) habit, and the later maturity (65-70 versus 55-65 days). Distinguished from 'Alderman' by the semi-dwarf (versus tall 5-6 ft) habit and the heat tolerance. Wando—most heat-tolerant shelling pea, extends pea season 2-3 weeks, USDA South Carolina 1940s, also cold-tolerant, semi-dwarf.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 2'6"

Width/Spread6" - 10"

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

White papilionaceous flowers along the stem. Self-pollinating. Late spring into early summer—continues producing in warmer temperatures than other peas.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White; papilionaceous; late spring-early summer

Foliage Description

Medium green; pinnate with tendrils; semi-dwarf bushy

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

65-70 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow in early spring or late spring (for later harvest—heat tolerance extends season). Inoculate with Rhizobium. Moderate support 2-3 feet (60-90 cm). Cool, moist, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.5). Days to maturity 65-70 from direct sow. Most heat-tolerant shelling pea—sets pods to 85°F (29°C). Also cold-tolerant. Harvest when pods are plump.