Identify a Pisum sativum "garden pea" with a long peduncle?

Started by Tarruvi, 2026-05-09, 12:47:42 AM

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Tarruvi

I came across this image of what appears to be a garden pea with long peduncles, the flowers are also quite large:
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Source: badsyntax on Reddit

The author of this post refers to this pea as a Sweet Pea, yet I am having a hard time believing it's just that.
-For one, the plant has large stipules where Lathyrus odoratus have very little in the way of stipules.
-Two, the stems lack the frays that most (if not all) sweet peas have.
-Three, the plant's flowers are in the wild-type shades where most sweet peas in cultivation would have mono coloration or be in other shades (this isn't an attack on the flowers, they look fantastic).

This might be a regional thing, but I haven't seen a "Sweet Pea" like this before. Are there unique pea varieties like this in Europe where they have long peduncles? Has anyone seen it before?

Tim DH

Carlin Peas are that colour, maybe its a selection with a particularly long peduncle.

Tarruvi

Quote from: Tim DH on 2026-05-09, 02:44:47 AMCarlin Peas are that colour, maybe its a selection with a particularly long peduncle.
It could be, and regionally it makes sense. Additionally, the brown seed color of Carlin Peas could be mistaken for sweet peas. Which would explain the author referring to this plant as a sweet pea, he might have noted the seed color and thought he was growing an ornamental.

Only issue now is finding a packet in the states, the one seller I did find is out of stock. Great Lakes Staple Seeds sells them, and in both the regular "Carlin Peas" and the "Red Fox Carlin Pea". If they restock, I hope to buy 1 packet of each and see if a long peduncle is characteristic of the variety.

Edit: One thing to add, is that in the states they seem to mostly be known as maple peas. Sold primarily as pigeon feed. So... they are readily available for $5 per 5 pounds from Jedds. But, other seed companies have them in packets which is a relief after seeing most results had bulk options.

Edit2: The "Red Fox Carlin Pea" seems to be selling as fish bait by Big Carp Tackle named "Hinders Maple Peas". I'm learning that names for varieties don't stick as well as they should when shipped across the globe. Leading to confusion, either with a bunch of names for one pea or mix ups with already existing varieties/plant species. I've ordered both types (I think), so I hope I get them in time to plant and observe their growth compared to my other peas.

Tarruvi

The Red Fox Carlin Peas arrived in the mail, I may have an issue trying to find a use for 24,000 seeds:
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I inspected the seeds, and they look like the red variant of Carlin Peas. Exactly what I was wishing for. While I was removing damaged seeds, I found 3 white seeds... (and a corn seed?) I have seen some small white seeds in my other bulk orders of peas, and this has left me to ponder why these smaller white seeds pop up in almost all of them. Sure I get a few off types, maybe some seeds from another variety that fell in one way or another. But, these white seeds are always consistently smaller than the intended variety.

I haven't planted them to see what they turn into. But, now's a good time to try growing them alongside the Red Foxes. My theory is that they could be a less productive plant, and not as hardy due to the small seed size.

Tim DH

Ha!
I sympathise with your 24,000 conundrum.
I once bought a sack of race horse feed, to try growing oats. ... After I'd taken the handful I wanted the rest got added into the chicken's diet.

With your surplus carlins, you might experiment making hummus. I'd try with a basic Chickpea recipe and modify it in the light of experience. We use wood ash to soften pulses. Bring them to the boil and stand overnight.

Tarruvi

Quote from: Tim DH on 2026-05-16, 08:34:43 AMWith your surplus carlins, you might experiment making hummus. I'd try with a basic Chickpea recipe and modify it in the light of experience. We use wood ash to soften pulses. Bring them to the boil and stand overnight.

That sounds like a good idea, I like having tortilla chips from time to time and homemade hummus would put the excess peas to good use!