Telephone Pea

Why I grow it
Telephone is a reliably productive climbing pea and one I grow because it just gets on with producing plenty to pick. These plants are already well underway, so they’re ready to get onto a support and start climbing.

At this time of year, I wouldn’t give them the hottest position in the garden. Planting somewhere with part shade, particularly protection from the afternoon heat, should help extend their productive period before summer temperatures really arrive.

At a glance
Type: Climbing shelling pea
Variety: Telephone
Growth: Tall climbing vine
Harvest: Fresh peas from the pod
Good for: Potagers, vegetable gardens and vertical growing
Inventory: 3 pots — approximately 3 plants per pot

In the kitchen
Pick the pods once they’re nicely filled and shell the peas inside. Eat them fresh, cook them briefly, or freeze any excess for later.

And, obviously, standing in the garden eating freshly shelled peas while supposedly harvesting them remains entirely legitimate quality control.

In the garden
These are climbing peas and need a trellis, netting, fence or other support from the start.

Because these are being planted relatively late in the pea-growing season, I’d choose part shade rather than an exposed, baking summer position. Morning sun with some afternoon protection is ideal. Keeping the roots cool and consistently watered should help maximise the crop before hotter weather brings production to an end.

Care
Part shade for this late planting, fertile well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Provide climbing support immediately and keep picking once the pods begin maturing to encourage continued production.

What you’ll receive
One pot containing approximately three established Telephone pea plants, already well underway and ready to plant beside a climbing support.

Plants naturally vary in size and shape and may be supplied in reused nursery pots or growing bags — perfectly useful plastic doesn’t need replacing simply because it doesn’t match.