Dwarf grey sugar peas

Dwarf grey sugar peas

Scientific Name:
Pisum sativum

Family:
Fabacaea

Varieties:

• Default (ID: 89)
• Default (ID: 84)

Introduction

Pisum sativum, commonly known as the garden pea, is a variable annual leguminous vine belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is cultivated for its edible seeds and immature pods, which are rich in protein. The plant is widely recognized for its nutritional value and has been a staple crop for thousands of years, with origins in Ethiopia, the Mediterranean, and central Asia. The Dwarf Grey Sugar Pea is a specific variety known for its sweet, stringless pods and ornamental flowers.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Pisum sativum has pinnately compound leaves with two large leaf-like stipules and terminal tendrils. The flowers are bilaterally symmetrical with five petals, typically white, purple, or pink, and are self-pollinating. The fruit is a dry pod that splits open when ripe, containing smooth or wrinkled seeds.
• Growing Conditions: Peas are a cool-season crop, thriving in cool, moist conditions. They prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 6.8. Direct sowing is recommended in early spring or late summer for fall crops.
• Lifecycle: Pisum sativum is an annual plant, completing its lifecycle within a year. It grows relatively quickly, making it suitable for multiple harvests in a single growing season.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Pisum sativum is a promising crop for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Nutritional Value: Peas are rich in protein and other essential nutrients, making them a valuable food source in space missions where nutritional balance is crucial. - Easy to Grow: Peas are relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal support and care, which is advantageous in controlled environments like space stations. - Air and Water Efficiency: As a legume, Pisum sativum can fix nitrogen, potentially reducing the need for external fertilizers in space-based agriculture systems. - Psychological Benefits: Growing plants in space can provide psychological benefits for astronauts, such as stress reduction and a sense of connection to nature.

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)

While there is no specific record of Pisum sativum being cultivated in space, various experiments have been conducted to grow plants in space environments. For example, NASA’s Veggie project has successfully grown lettuce and other crops on the International Space Station (ISS), demonstrating the feasibility of plant growth in microgravity. These experiments lay the groundwork for future cultivation of crops like Pisum sativum in space.

References: PubChem. (2025). Pisum sativum (garden pea). Monticello Shop. (n.d.). Dwarf Gray Sugar Pea Seeds (Pisum sativum cv.). Go Botany. (n.d.). Pisum sativum (garden pea). Johnny’s Selected Seeds. (n.d.). Dwarf Grey Sugar Pea Seed. USDA Plants Database. (2012). Pea (Pisum sativum L.). Note: Psychological benefits are generally acknowledged but not specifically referenced in the search results. Note: Specific details about NASA’s Veggie project are not included in the search results but are well-documented in other sources.