Knowing when are purple hull peas ready to pick is the key to a perfect harvest. Getting the timing right means peas that are tender, sweet, and perfect for your table. If you pick them to early, they’ll be starchy. Too late, and they become tough and mealy. This guide will walk you through the simple signs to look for, so you can harvest your peas at their peak.
We’ll cover everything from the visual cues on the pods to the feel of the peas inside. You’ll learn how weather affects timing and the best methods for picking. Let’s get started so you can enjoy your homegrown peas at their very best.
When Are Purple Hull Peas Ready To Pick
This is the main question every grower has. The answer lies in a combination of factors. You need to check the pod’s color, its feel, and what’s inside. Typically, purple hull peas are ready for harvest about 70 to 80 days after planting. But the days are just a guideline. Your eyes and fingers are the best tools you have.
The Visual Signs on the Pod
First, look closely at the pods on your plants. They give you the first clear signals.
- Color Change: The pods will start out green. As they mature, they develop a distinctive purple or reddish-purple hue, especially along the seams. Many varieties will be almost entirely purple when ready.
- Plumpness: The pods will look full and swollen. You should be able to see the outline of the individual peas inside pushing against the pod’s shell.
- Surface Texture: A ripe pod often has a slight glossy sheen and may show a faint pink or purple blush even before it turns fully.
The Tactile Test: Feeling for Readiness
After you note the color, it’s time to feel the pod. This step is crucial.
- Gently squeeze a pod that looks ready. It should feel firm and well-filled, not flat or skinny.
- The peas inside should feel distinct and separate from one another when you apply light pressure. You shouldn’t have to guess if peas are in there.
- If the pod feels spongy or the peas seem to blend together, it’s likely not fully mature yet. Give it a few more days.
The Final Check: Peeking Inside
If you’re still unsure, you can carefully open one test pod. This is the definitive check.
- Select a pod that looks and feels ripe.
- Use your thumbnail to snap open the seam along the side.
- Look at the peas. They should be a vibrant green, plump, and glossy. They will be nestled tightly together in the pod.
- Press a pea with your fingernail. It should be firm but still puncture easily. If it’s rock hard, it’s underripe. If it’s mushy or has a dull, whitish look, it’s past its prime.
Remember, the “purple hull” refers to the pod, not the pea. The peas themselves are almost always green.
How Weather and Growing Conditions Affect Timing
Hot, dry weather can speed up maturation. Your peas might be ready a bit sooner than the seed packet says. Conversely, a cool, cloudy summer can slow things down. Consistent watering is key, especially as pods are developing. Drought stress can cause peas to mature unevenly or become tough.
The Stages of Purple Hull Pea Development
Understanding the growth stages helps you anticipate the harvest.
- Flowering: The plant produces pretty little flowers, usualy white or light pink.
- Pod Set: After flowers fade, tiny green pods begin to form.
- Pod Fill: The pods lengthen and the peas inside start to swell. This is when they need plenty of water.
- Color Change: The pods begin to show their purple color, signaling the final stage of maturation.
- Harvest Window: Once purple and plump, you have a window of about 3 to 5 days for peak picking before quality declines.
The Right Way to Pick Your Peas
Harvesting correctly protects your plant and ensures a continuous yield.
- Use two hands. Hold the vine with one hand and pull the pod off with the other. This prevents damaging the delicate plant.
- Pick in the morning after the dew has dried. The peas will be crisp and full of moisture.
- Check your plants every other day during the harvest season. Pods can ripen surprisingly fast.
- Don’t yank or tear. A gentle, snapping motion is best.
Regular picking encourages the plant to produce more pods. If you leave overripe pods on the vine, the plant thinks its job is done and will stop producing.
What If You Miss the Perfect Window?
Sometimes a few pods get overlooked. That’s okay. If the pods have turned a deep, dark purple or brown and feel very hard, the peas inside are probably too mature for fresh shelling. Don’t throw them away. You can let these pods dry completely on the plant and then harvest them for dried peas. They are perfect for storing and using in soups later.
Post-Harvest: Shelling and Storing Your Bounty
Once picked, it’s best to shell purple hull peas within a day or two for the freshest flavor.
- Shell the peas by pressing your thumb along the seam of the pod to pop it open.
- Run your thumb along the inside to scoop the peas into a bowl.
- Discard the empty pods to your compost pile.
For storage, fresh shelled peas can be refrigerated in a breathable bag for 2-3 days. For long-term storage, blanching and freezing is the best method. Spread the blanched peas on a tray to freeze individually before bagging them, this prevents them from clumping together.
Common Problems That Can Fool You
Be aware of these issues that might make judging ripeness tricky.
- Overly Dry Soil: Can cause pods to look ready sooner than they are, but the peas will be small.
- Poor Pollination: Results in flat pods with only one or two peas inside, even if the pod color looks right.
- Varietal Differences: Some newer varieties may have less pronounced purple coloring. Always check the seed description.
FAQ: Your Purple Hull Pea Questions Answered
How do I know when purple hull peas are ready for picking?
Look for plump pods with strong purple color, especially on the seams. They should feel firm and the peas inside should be distinct when you squeeze gently.
Can you pick purple hull peas too early?
Yes. If picked to early, the peas will be tiny, starchy, and lack sweetness. It’s better to wait for the full color and plumpness.
What happens if you pick purple hull peas too late?
The pods become tough and woody. The peas inside lose their vibrant green color, turn creamy or white, and become hard and mealy in texture.
How long after flowering are purple hull peas ready?
Generally, pods are ready for harvest about 3 to 4 weeks after the plant has finished flowering, depending on weather conditions.
Do purple hull peas keep producing?
Yes, they are a “continuous bearing” plant. If you keep harvesting the ripe pods regularly, the plant will often produce new flowers and pods for several weeks.
What’s the best time of day to harvest?
Mid to late morning is ideal, once any dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day sets in. The peas are at their crispiest then.
With these tips, you’ll confidently know the perfect moment to harvest. The reward is a bowl of fresh, sweet peas that taste far better than anything you can buy. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of growing and picking your own food at its absolute peak.