Beauregarde Snow Pea Seeds

Pisum sativum

How to make a purple pea purpler, and more delicious, too? Just ask Michael Mazourek, our Willy Wonka of vegetables. 

Named for Violet Beauregarde, these wavy, dark purple snow peas have a high anthocyanin content—the same antioxidant found in blueberries. (Don’t worry, if they turn your fingers violet, the color rinses off with water.) These anthocyanins don’t just contribute to the peas’ striking appearance; they also improve their defenses in the field. 

Beauregarde’s natural advantage is just as evident on the plate. Michael selected the peas to hold their color through cooking, so you can truly taste the purple. 

For peak flavor, we recommend waiting to harvest until small peas are visible in the pods, past traditional snow pea size. 

We kindly request that those wishing to propagate or breed with these seeds for commercial purposes obtain a license from the breeder.

Our Beauregarde seeds were produced in Idaho. Each Beauregarde seed sold supports public plant breeding research at Cornell University. The creation of this variety was funded in part by a USDA-NIFA grant. Certified organic by NOFA-NY.

Days to Maturity

• 60+ days, depending on planting date

Appearance

• 3” wavy-podded, dark purple peas. Wait for small peas to develop in the pod.

Field Notes

• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil, with optimal pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Prefers cooler temperatures. 
• Plant Support: Install trellis at planting for strong plant growth and easy harvest.  
• Spacing After Thinning/Transplanting
• Plant Spacing: 1-2” 
• Row Spacing: 4' trellised 

Direct Seeding

• Sow seeds 1” deep, when soil reaches 45˚F. Do not thin.
• Sow additional plantings every two weeks until the weather warms beyond 70 degrees. For fall harvest, sow 8-10 weeks before first frost date. 
• 7-14 days to emergence, slower in cold soil.

Transplanting

• Not recommended.  

Container Growing

• Peas can be grown in a sturdy container with a trellis. 

Pest + Disease Info

• Diseases: Use well-drained soil and crop rotation to avoid pea root rot (Fusarium sp./Aphanomyces euteiches). This variety is susceptible to powdery mildew late in the season. 

Harvest

• For peak flavor, we recommend waiting to harvest until small peas are visible in the pods, past traditional snow pea size. Bumps should be clearly pronounced: more than a traditional snow pea; less than a shelling pea.

Storage

• Store whole and dry under plastic in refrigeration. Peas will store up to one week maintaining crispness and flavor. Good for freezing and canning. 

Seed Specs

• Average 125 seeds/ounce; 2,000 seeds/pound

Quickly sauté pods over high heat. Add salt and a splash of water. Cover with lid for 30 seconds. Season and serve.