Growing Green Arrow Peas

[grandpasrose]

I have grown Green Arrow variety peas for years, and have had wonderful, long full pods, with nice sweet peas that did not age too quickly. My father has always grown this variety as well.

Over the last couple of years we have noticed that germination has been very sporadic, my father had to sow three times this year! But also, many of the vines have grown way past their normal height - up to six feet or so. The pods on these longer vines are short, and don't seem to fill out, but stay small. We have tried several different suppliers to ensure that it wasn't just a bad batch.
Is anyone else noticing this problem? I am wondering if this particular variety is reverting back to it's parent?
VAL

[opabinia51]

I've never grown green arrow peas before but, if you have tried ordering the seeds from several different companies, I would think that there is nothing wrong with your seeds and that you either have soil that is lacking something or has to much of something.

Actually, as I was typing this I had an idea. Your soil may be lacking the commensile bacteria that peas and beans grow with in a mutualistic relationship. You can get the inoculant from most nurseries. Try that and see what happens.

(And composted manure never hurts)

[grandpasrose]

The plants aren't from every brand that are doing this, and it's not all the seeds from one brand, and it's from more than one garden a whole city apart, so I don't see how it could just be my soil.
VAL

[opabinia51]

So, you think it is the particular strain that you have? Try ordering a different strain from a different seed company, lots of seed catalogues out there.

I personally like West Coast Seeds. They have a website and the seeds can be bought at Dig This Stores and most nurseries here in BC.

[grandpasrose]

I planted seed from three different seed companies this year - same thing! That's what I'm saying - it seems to be throughout all the seed, no matter where it comes from, or where it is planted. I'm just wondering if anyone else out there has noticed this, and what may be causing it to happen to a whole variety of seed?
VAL

[opabinia51]

Very curious. I have no idea what might be the problem. Maybe the seeds have been inbred to much. I really don't know.

[grandpasrose]

That's what I am wondering. If they have been inbred too much, or are reverting back. I just would like to know if anyone even is having the same problem! Thanks for the brainstorming though Opa!
VAL

[The Helpful Gardener]

Interesting issue. I'll ask around, but hadn't heard anything...

Scott

[grandpasrose]

Thanks Scott! They're my favourite peas, so would really like to stick with them, but can't count on them.
VAL