Telefono is a classic Italian climbing pea that reaches 160cm tall. Late variety with intense green, straight pods, 10 to 11cm long, each containing 8 to 10 sweet peas. You need a sturdy support structure for this one, but the harvest is worth the effort.
The flavour is excellent fresh or frozen. One of those heritage varieties that reminds you why garden peas taste nothing like the frozen ones from the supermarket.
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.
