Knowing the perfect moment to harvest your purple hull peas makes all the difference between a good crop and a great one. This guide will show you exactly when to pick purple hull peas for the best flavor and yield. Getting the timing right ensures your peas are tender, sweet, and not starchy or tough.
Picking them at their peak is a simple skill that any gardener can learn. It just requires you to pay attention to a few clear signs from the plant. Let’s walk through the stages so you can harvest with confidence.
When to Pick Purple Hull Peas
The main rule is to pick purple hull peas when the pods are fully colored but before they look dried out. You’re aiming for the “green shell” stage, where the peas inside are plump but the pod itself is beginning to lose its deep green freshness.
Here are the key visual and tactile clues to look for:
* Pod Color: The pods will have turned a distinctive purple or burgundy color. Some varieties may have a deep reddish-purple or even a mottled green and purple look.
* Pod Feel: The pods should feel firm and well-filled when you gently squeeze them. You should be able to feel the individual peas inside.
* Pod Appearance: The pods will look slightly swollen or bulging from the peas inside. They are not longer sleek and flat.
* A Critical Sign: The pod’s seam (the suture) will start to change color, often becoming a darker purple or even a dull brown. This is a top indicator of readiness.
If you wait to long, the pods will become dry, papery, and brittle. At that point, the peas are better left for saving as seed for next year, as they will be hard and starchy for fresh eating.
The Growth Stages of Purple Hull Peas
Understanding the plant’s lifecycle helps you anticipate the harvest window. Purple hull peas are a warm-season crop and they mature relatively quickly.
From Flower to Pod
After the pretty flowers fade, small, green pods begin to form. At this stage, they are immature and the peas inside are tiny. It’s crucial not to pick them now. The pods will gradually lengthen and fatten over the next 10 to 15 days, depending on weather.
The Color Change
The most exciting stage is when the pods start to change hue. This is your signal that harvest is getting close. The green pods will develop streaks of purple that eventually cover the entire pod. This color change is your countdown clock starting.
Prime Harvest Window
Once the pod is fully colored and feels full, your prime harvest window is open. This window typically lasts about 3 to 5 days. You’ll want to check your plants daily during this period, as peas can go from perfect to over-mature quickly in hot weather.
Step-by-Step Guide to Checking for Ripeness
Follow these simple steps each time you go to check your patch.
1. Look for Color: Scan the plants for pods that are no longer green. Focus on those with solid purple, burgundy, or reddish hues.
2. Perform the Squeeze Test: Gently squeeze a promising pod between your fingers. It should feel firm and rounded, not flat or soft. You should feel distinct bumps from the peas inside.
3. Inspect the Pod Seam: Look closely at the seam that runs the length of the pod. Is it starting to look a little darker or slightly separated? This is a very reliable sign.
4. Do a Snap Test (Optional): Try to gently bend the pod. A ripe pod will often snap crisply, while an immature one will bend without breaking.
5. Open a Test Pod: This is the best way to be sure. Use your thumbnail to pop open a single pod you think is ready. Examine the peas inside.
What Perfect Peas Look Like Inside the Pod
When you open that test pod, here’s what your looking for:
* The peas should be a vibrant, creamy green or pale green color.
* They should be plump and nearly round, filling their indentation in the pod completely.
* The peas should be separate from each other and have a slight sheen.
* There should be no yellowing or wrinkling on the peas.
If the peas are very small and the pod seems hollow, it’s too early. If the peas are very pale, almost white, and look dry or dimpled, the pod is over-mature and best left for seed.
How to Harvest Without Harming the Plant
Use a gentle hand to keep your plants productive. Purple hull peas often produce in flushes, and careful picking encourages more pods to set.
* Use Two Hands: Hold the vine with one hand and pull the pod off with your other hand. This prevents yanking and damaging the tender vines.
* Harvest Frequently: Pick every other day during the main season. This tells the plant to keep producing more pods.
* Check Hidden Spots: Look under leaves and near the base of the plant, where pods can hide and become over-mature.
* Carry a Container: Use a basket or bucket to collect your pods as you go. Avoid using a bag that can crush the tender peas.
Remember, the plants are delicate. Rough handling can break stems and reduce your overall yeild for the season.
What to Do If You Pick Too Early or Too Late
Don’t worry if your timing is occasionally off. It happens to every gardener.
If you picked too early (peas are tiny and green), you can still use them! Tender, very young pods can be cooked whole, similar to snap peas or green beans. They are a tasty, if unexpected, treat.
If you picked too late (pods are dry, peas are hard), all is not lost. Let these pods dry completely indoors. Then shell the hard, dried peas. You can store them in a jar for use as soup peas later, or save them as seeds for planting next year. Make sure they are fully dry before storing to prevent mold.
Post-Harvest Handling and Storage
Freshly picked purple hull peas are perishable. For the best quality, follow these tips.
* Shell Immediately: For the sweetest flavor, shell and use your peas the same day you pick them. The sugars begin to turn to starch quickly after harvest.
* Short-Term Storage: If you must wait, store unshelled pods in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator vegetable drawer. They’ll keep for 2-3 days.
* Long-Term Storage: To freeze your peas, shell them blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then plunge into ice water. Drain thoroughly, pack into freezer bags, and freeze. They’ll keep for up to 10 months.
* Never Wash Before Storing: Moisture speeds up spoilage. Only wash peas right before you are ready to shell or cook them.
Encouraging a Continuous Harvest
To extend your harvest season, consider these two practices:
* Succession Planting: Plant a new, small row every two weeks during your planting season. This staggers the maturity times.
* Regular Picking: The more consistently you pick, the more the plant is triggered to flower and produce more pods. Leaving over-mature pods on the plant signals it to start slowing down production.
Also, ensure your plants have adequate water, especially when flowering and setting pods. Stress from drought can cause blossoms to drop and reduce your harvest.
FAQ: Common Questions About Harvesting Purple Hull Peas
Q: How long after planting until I can harvest?
A: Most purple hull pea varieties are ready for their first harvest about 60 to 70 days after planting. Always check your seed packet for the specific “days to maturity.”
Q: Can you eat the pods of purple hull peas?
A: Typically, no. Unlike sugar snap peas, purple hull pea pods are generally fibrous and tough. They are meant to be shelled. However, very young, tender pods picked early can be eaten.
Q: What time of day is best for picking?
A: Early morning is ideal. The peas are crisp and full of moisture from the cool night. Avoid picking in the heat of the afternoon when plants are stressed.
Q: My pods are green, not purple. Are they still purple hull peas?
A: Yes. Some varieties, especially older heirloom types, may have pods that remain mostly green even when the peas inside are fully mature. Rely more on the feel of the pod and the appearance of the peas inside.
Q: How many times can I harvest from one planting?
A: With regular picking, a healthy planting of purple hull peas can produce for several weeks, often giving you 4 to 5 major harvests before production slows.
Q: What if it rains right before I plan to harvest?
A: It’s best to wait until the vines dry off to avoid spreading fungal diseases. Wet plants are more easily damaged during handling too.
Knowing when to pick purple hull peas is the final, rewarding step in growing them. By focusing on the pod’s color, feel, and the plumpness of the peas inside, you’ll gather a bounty of delicious peas at their absolute best. With this knowledge, you can enjoy the fresh, sweet taste of your garden all season long.