Editing Pea (section)

== Characteristics ==

* '''Physical Characteristics''': Peas are cool-season annual vines with smooth, bluish-green stems that can grow up to 9 feet long, though modern cultivars are often shorter<ref>https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_pisa6.pdf</ref><ref>https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_pisa6.pdf</ref>. The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, with terminal tendrils<ref>https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_pisa6.pdf</ref>. Flowers are typically white, purple, or pink, and the fruit is a pod containing several seeds<ref>https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_pisa6.pdf</ref>.
* '''Growing Conditions''': Peas thrive in temperate climates and are best grown in cool seasons with temperatures between 55°F and 65°F<ref>https://missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a682</ref><ref>https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_pisa6.pdf</ref>. They require fertile, moisture-retentive soil and often need support for climbing<ref>https://missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a682</ref>.
* '''Lifecycle''': Peas are self-pollinating, which facilitates breeding for specific traits<ref>https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_pisa6.pdf</ref>. They are typically planted in spring or fall and mature within about 50 to 60 days<ref>https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_pisa6.pdf</ref>.

<span id="why-is-this-crop-useful-for-space"></span>