Alaska Pea is an heirloom open-pollinated variety of Pisum sativum prized for its exceptional cold tolerance and lightning-fast maturity. Reaching 26 to 36 inches tall, these vigorous vining plants produce sweet, tender pods ready to harvest in just 60 to 69 days, making them the go-to choice for gardeners racing against short growing seasons or eager for an early spring harvest. Known as 'Earliest of All,' Alaska Peas thrive in full sun across hardiness zones 1 through 9, earning their reputation as one of the most reliable early-season legumes.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
1-9
Sunlight
Full Sun
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam, Moderately Rich
Preferred Temp55-75°F
Growth Stats
36 in
Height
—
Width
9 in
Spacing
60–69
Days to Harvest
PeriodAnnual
TypeVine
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
—
Zones
1-9
Size
36in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
Alaska Peas deliver remarkable speed without sacrificing flavor or tenderness. Their legendary cold tolerance means you can sow them as soon as soil is workable in spring, often weeks before other vegetables dare to go in the ground. The combination of early maturity, proven powdery mildew resistance, and their ability to produce in challenging climates has kept this heirloom in continuous cultivation for generations. From short growing seasons to compact raised beds, Alaska Peas consistently outperform.
Common Uses
Alaska Peas shine in both the fresh and cooked kitchen. The sweet, tender pods are wonderful eaten raw straight from the garden, shelled into salads, or lightly steamed as a side dish. They freeze beautifully, which has made them a staple for preserving early spring harvests into the winter months.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Late Spring
First Harvest
Early Summer
Last Harvest
Mid-summer
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Direct sow Alaska Pea seeds 0.5 to 1 inch deep in early spring as soon as soil is workable, when temperatures hover between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This variety's cold tolerance means it can tolerate light frosts and cool conditions that would stop other crops.
Harvesting
Pick Alaska Pea pods when they are full but still tender, typically 60 to 69 days after sowing. The pods should feel firm when gently squeezed but not hard or starchy. Harvest regularly by pinching or cutting pods from the vine; frequent picking encourages continued production. Early-season harvests are usually the sweetest.
Pruning
Alaska Peas are a vining growth habit and require early trellising or staking rather than pruning. Install supports at planting time or when seedlings are small; this prevents the plant from sprawling and maximizes air circulation, which reduces disease pressure.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Pisum L.
Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Pisum
Duration
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Native Status
L48 (I)CAN (W)GL (W)
History & Origin
“Alaska Pea earned its name and 'Earliest of All' moniker through generations of selection for cold tolerance and early production. As an open-pollinated heirloom variety, it has been saved and replanted by gardeners for well over a century, its genetics refined through natural selection for performance in marginal climates. This cultivar represents the kind of practical plant breeding that emerged from real-world gardening needs: how do you feed a family when your growing window is short? Alaska Pea was the answer, and its continued presence in seed catalogs reflects its enduring reliability.”