Climbing Pea Telefono (A) – Heritage Variety by Franchi Seeds

Pea Telefono (Pisum sativum L.) is a classic climbing heritage variety (B24), producing vigorous plants that reach up to 160 cm in height. Known for its intense green, straight pods, this late variety yields pods 10–11 cm long, each containing 8–10 sweet peas. Highly productive and reliable, it is perfect for gardeners who want abundant harvests and traditional flavour.

With approximately 200 seeds per packet (70 g), Telefono offers generous yields for fresh eating, freezing, or adding to soups and risottos.

🌱 Sowing information

• Sow from February to May for summer crops, and again from September to November for autumn sowings.
• Plant seeds 3–5 cm deep in drills spaced 45 cm apart.
• Provide strong supports (netting or canes) as plants climb to 160 cm.

☀️ Light exposure

Prefers full sun for strong growth and sweet pods. Partial shade is tolerated but may reduce yields.

💧 Water needs

Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod formation. Avoid waterlogging.

🌡️ Germination temperature & time

Seeds germinate at 7–18 °C, usually within 7–14 days.

📏 Plant spacing & final size

Space plants 5–8 cm apart in rows 45 cm apart. Mature plants reach up to 160 cm tall.

🌼 Harvesting notes

Harvest pods when they reach 10–11 cm long and are plump with 8–10 peas. Pick regularly to encourage further production.

Bullet Technical Data

• 🌱 Sowing depth: 3–5 cm
• 📅 Ideal planting months for Ireland: February–May and September–November
• ☀️ Light requirements: Full sun; partial shade tolerated
• 🌡️ Germination time: 7–14 days at 7–18 °C
• 📏 Plant height: up to 160 cm
• 🪴 Spacing: 5–8 cm between plants, 45 cm between rows
• ⏳ Days to maturity: 70–85 days depending on sowing date
• 🧪 Approximate seeds quantity: about 200 seeds per packet (70 g)
• 🌿 Pods: 10–11 cm long, 8–10 peas per pod

🌱 Tips & Tricks for Growing (Garden Expert Section)

• Provide strong supports as plants climb to 160 cm.
• Sow successively for staggered harvests through summer and autumn.
• Companion plants: carrots, beans, lettuce, radishes.
• Rotate crops after peas to enrich soil with nitrogen for brassicas or leafy greens.
• Harvest pods regularly to encourage continuous production.

🍴 Garden-to-Table Recipe (for 4 people)

Climbing Pea Telefono & Pancetta Pasta

• 250 g fresh peas (Telefono)
• 300 g pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 100 g pancetta, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt & pepper to taste

Method – step-by-step

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente.
2. Sauté onion and pancetta in olive oil until golden.
3. Add peas and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Drain pasta, toss with pancetta and peas.
5. Finish with Parmesan, season, and serve hot.

Serving suggestions & variations
Serve with crusty bread. For variation, add mint leaves or substitute pancetta with smoked salmon.