VegetablePea
Lincoln Pea
Shelling Pea
Lincoln Pea is a classic American heirloom shelling pea that delivers exceptional yields and sweet flavor, even in warmer spring conditions. This vining variety grows 24 to 36 inches tall and produces smooth green pods packed with 6 to 9 tender peas ready to harvest in 60 to 69 days. Hardy across zones 1 through 9 and naturally frost-tolerant, Lincoln thrives in full sun with consistent moisture and well-draining soil. Whether you're canning, freezing, or eating fresh, this reliable cultivar has earned its place in American gardens for generations.
Photo © True Leaf Market(https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/pea-lincoln-treated-seed)
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
1-9
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam, Moderately Rich
Preferred Temp50-75°F
Growth Stats
36 in
Height
PeriodAnnual
TypeBush - Heat-tolerant Growth
Spacing
3-4 inches apart
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Zones
1-9
Size
36in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
Lincoln peas stand out for their legendary heat tolerance and ability to produce prolifically even as temperatures warm into spring, a trait that sets them apart from many other shelling pea varieties. The pods are distinctly smooth and green, stuffed with 6 to 9 sweet peas that taste just as good frozen or canned as they do fresh from the vine. This heirloom variety has maintained a devoted following among home gardeners specifically because of its consistency: high yields, excellent flavor, and the kind of reliable performance that keeps gardeners coming back year after year.
Common Uses
Lincoln Peas excel as fresh eating straight from the pod, offering that sweet, tender flavor best captured at peak ripeness. These shelling peas are particularly suited to freezing and canning, where their firm texture and sweet taste hold up beautifully during preservation. Many gardeners grow Lincoln specifically for these purposes, appreciating how the pods contain enough peas to make large-batch preservation worthwhile. They can also be briefly cooked and served as a side dish, and the fresh peas are nutritious raw or lightly steamed to retain their vitamin C and niacin content.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
30-40 Days After Sowing
First Harvest
65-75 Days After Sowing
Last Harvest
Determinate
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Direct sow Lincoln Pea seeds into garden soil or containers when soil temperatures are between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This cool-season crop germinates readily in spring conditions and thrives when planted early for a spring harvest or in late summer for a fall crop.
Harvesting
Begin harvesting Lincoln Peas once the pods have swollen and feel plump between your fingers, typically 60 to 69 days after planting. Harvest in the early morning when peas are crispiest and water content is highest. For shelling peas like Lincoln, pick pods before they turn waxy in appearance; the peas inside should still be bright green and tender. Harvest frequently to encourage continued pod production, and use both hands when picking to avoid damaging the vine. Daily checks during peak harvest season ensure you catch peas at their sweetest and most nutritious stage.
Pruning
Lincoln Peas require sturdy support as they vine upward to 24 to 36 inches. Install trellises, stakes, or pea netting early in the season so plants can climb as they grow. While pruning isn't necessary, removing any damaged or diseased foliage promotes air circulation and reduces disease pressure.
Growing Calendar
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Soil pH Range
6 – 7
Scientific Classification
Pisum L.
Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Pisum
History & Origin
“Lincoln Pea earned its name and reputation as a classic American variety with deep roots in American homesteading tradition. Known also as Homesteader peas, this cultivar has become synonymous with self-sufficiency and traditional home food preservation. The variety's preservation and continued popularity speaks to its performance in American gardens, where successive generations of gardeners have saved seeds and maintained its open-pollinated genetics. Its non-GMO, heirloom status reflects a commitment to heritage seed keeping and the values of gardeners who prioritize genetic diversity and traditional crop stewardship.”