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.
Full Sun
High
1-9
36in H x ?in W
Annual
High
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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“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.”