Pea Dark Skin Perfection – Heritage Variety by Franchi Seeds

Pea Dark Skin Perfection (Pisum sativum L.) is a mid‑early heritage variety producing compact plants 70–80 cm tall. Known for its dark green pods, this variety is highly recommended for freezing thanks to its excellent flavour, high protein content and fibre. Pods reach about 11 cm in length and contain 9–10 sweet peas each.

With approximately 200 seeds per packet (70 g), Dark Skin Perfection offers reliable 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 light support if needed as plants reach 70–80 cm tall.

☀️ 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 70–80 cm tall.

🌼 Harvesting notes

Harvest pods when they reach 11 cm long and are plump with 9–10 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: 70–80 cm
• 🪴 Spacing: 5–8 cm between plants, 45 cm between rows
• ⏳ Days to maturity: 65–80 days depending on sowing date
• 🧪 Approximate seeds quantity: about 200 seeds per packet (70 g)
• 🌿 Pods: 11 cm long, 9–10 peas per pod

🌱 Tips & Tricks for Growing (Garden Expert Section)

• 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)

Pea Dark Skin Perfection & Mint Soup

• 300 g fresh peas (Dark Skin Perfection)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 potato, diced
• 750 ml vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh mint leaves
• Salt & pepper to taste

Method – step-by-step

1. Sauté onion and potato in olive oil until soft.
2. Add peas and vegetable stock, simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Blend until smooth, season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in fresh mint leaves before serving.

Serving suggestions & variations
Serve hot with crusty bread. For variation, add a swirl of cream or substitute mint with basil.