Progress #9 is a classic shelling pea bred for speed and reliability, reaching harvest in just 58 days from planting. This compact variety grows to a modest 18 inches tall, making it accessible for gardeners with limited space, yet still delivers abundant pods filled with tender peas. Hardy across zones 2 through 9 and frost-tolerant enough to handle spring cold snaps, it thrives when sown directly into the garden 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date, when soil temperatures hit 40°F. The short season and sturdy constitution have made Progress #9 a practical choice for cold-climate gardeners and those seeking quick, reliable crops.
Full Sun
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2-9
18in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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Progress #9 combines exceptional earliness with genuine cold hardiness, delivering fresh shelling peas in under two months even in northern gardens. Its compact 18-inch stature eliminates the need for elaborate trellising while still producing abundant harvests. The variety thrives when direct-sown in early spring as soil warms, growing vigorously in cool conditions where other vegetables struggle.
Progress #9 is grown primarily for fresh shelling, where the peas are removed from their pods and eaten fresh, cooked in simple preparations, or added to spring vegetable dishes. The short maturity and reliable productivity make it especially valuable for home gardeners in cooler regions who want to maximize their pea harvest during a compressed growing window.
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Sow Progress #9 directly into the garden 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 40°F (ideally 60 to 80°F). For a fall crop in mild climates, sow again 10 to 12 weeks before your average first frost date. Space seeds 2 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart, at a depth of 1 inch.
Harvest Progress #9 peas when the pods are full and firm but still tender, typically around 58 days after planting. Pick pods by grasping the stem gently with one hand and the pod with the other, snapping the pod upward and away from the plant to avoid breaking branches. For the sweetest flavor, harvest in the morning after dew has dried and before the day becomes hot. Regular picking encourages continued flowering and pod production.
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