Afila 595 Pea is a heirloom annual vine pea from the Fabaceae family that grows 24-30 inches tall and reaches harvest in just 60-69 days. What makes this variety genuinely special is its distinctive afila type, which replaces traditional pea leaves with graceful, twisting tendrils that are as beautiful as they are edible. Frost-tolerant and cold-hardy from zones 1-9, it thrives in full sun with moderate soil pH between 6.0-7.5, producing abundant pods containing an average of 11-13 peas each.
Full Sun
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1-9
30in H x ?in W
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High
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Afila 595 stands apart because its tender shoot tips and twisting tendrils are edible delicacies in their own right, not just ornamental curiosities. Gardeners prize it for its dual personality: grow it to maturity for traditional pea harvest, or snip the young tips and tendrils as microgreens or sophisticated garnishes. Each vine produces pods packed with 11-13 peas, making it surprisingly productive despite its non-traditional leaf structure. The combination of culinary versatility, heirloom genetics, and genuine visual appeal in the garden makes this an unexpectedly rewarding choice for growers willing to embrace something different.
Afila 595 is grown primarily for fresh pea pod harvest, with each mature pod containing substantial yields of tender peas. What distinguishes this variety is its dual-harvest potential: the young tendrils and shoot tips serve as premium microgreens or delicate garnishes for refined cuisine, while the mature pods deliver classic pea eating. The tendril tips are also popular for microgreen production, appealing to gardeners and chefs seeking distinctive, restaurant-quality garnishes.
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Direct sow Afila 595 seeds as soon as soil can be worked in spring, when temperatures are between 45-75°F. Plant seeds approximately 1-2 inches deep in well-prepared soil, spacing them along your trellis or support structure. These frost-tolerant peas can tolerate cool spring conditions and will germinate steadily once soil begins to warm.
For mature peas, harvest pods when they feel plump and full, typically around 60-69 days from sowing. Snap pods off cleanly where they attach to the vine. If you're harvesting for tendrils and microgreens, begin picking when the young shoots are 3-4 inches long with the characteristic twisting tendril structure fully visible. Tender tips are best harvested in the morning after dew has dried, and they can be repeatedly cropped throughout the growing season.
As a vining growth habit pea, Afila 595 benefits from training onto trellising rather than pruning. Guide young tendrils toward your support structure; they will naturally attach and climb. If you're harvesting tendrils as microgreens, pinch back the growing tips regularly to encourage bushier tendril production. For mature pod production, allow the vine to develop fully without removing excessive foliage.
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“Afila peas represent a fascinating branch of pea breeding history. The variety name itself reflects the botanical term 'afila' or 'aphyllous,' referring to the absence of traditional leaflets in favor of tendrils. This trait emerged from deliberate cultivation and selection, creating a pea that functions beautifully in the garden while offering unique culinary applications. As a non-GMO heirloom, Afila 595 preserves this distinctive morphology for modern gardeners, carrying forward decades of seed-saving tradition.”