50 Austrian Winter Pea Seeds – Nitrogen-Fixing Legume and Cover Crop
Austrian Winter Pea (Pisum Sativum), also known as Caley Pea or Hairy Vetchling, is a versatile cool-season annual primarily grown as a cover crop or ground cover. This legume is highly valued for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility and soil health. These 50 seeds will grow into 24-36 inch vining plants adorned with attractive two-tone pink flowers, making them a beautiful and functional addition to any garden or farm.
Perfect for both spring and fall planting, Austrian Winter Peas thrive in a variety of soil conditions, including heavy clay and average soil types. The plants are drought-tolerant and can handle a range of temperatures, overwintering in areas down to 10°F (Zone 6). These peas are especially useful in northern regions during summer or in southern regions during winter as a green manure crop to enrich the soil.
Austrian Winter Peas are also an excellent choice for poultry feed, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, doves, and quail, as well as a food plot for deer and other wildlife. The pods measure 1.5 to 2.5 inches and can contain 3-5 seeds per pod. Leave the pods to naturally reseed or harvest for continued propagation.
Key Features
- Type of Plant: Legume, Cover Crop (Pisum Sativum)
- Condition: Cool-season annual, nitrogen-fixing cover crop
- Mature Size: Grows 24-36 inches tall
- Growing Conditions: Thrives in average to dry soil, including heavy clay, drought-tolerant
- Zone Growing: USDA Zones 6-10 (overwinter to 10°F)
- Soil Type: Well-drained, average to dry soil
- Sunlight Exposure: Full sun
- Expected Planting Period: Plant in spring or fall, blooms late winter to spring
Benefits
- Nitrogen Fixing: Improves soil fertility by converting nitrogen from the air into usable nutrients for plants, making it ideal for sustainable farming and gardening.
- Ground Cover: Acts as a green manure and ground cover, protecting soil from erosion and enhancing its quality during fallow seasons.
- Attractive Two-Tone Flowers: The beautiful pink and purple flowers not only serve a practical purpose but also enhance the aesthetic value of your garden or farm.
- Wildlife & Poultry Friendly: Provides excellent feed for poultry, such as chickens, ducks, and quail, and attracts wildlife, including deer.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of overwintering in temperatures as low as 10°F, making it suitable for colder climates.
Special Features
- Nitrogen-Fixing Legume: Enhances soil fertility naturally by increasing nitrogen levels.
- Cold-Tolerant: Can overwinter in Zone 6 climates, making it ideal for early spring planting or for use as a winter cover crop in warmer areas.
- Multi-Purpose Crop: Excellent for use as livestock feed, a wildlife food plot, and a ground cover crop that prevents erosion and improves soil.
- Attractive Flowering: Adorned with two-tone pink flowers, which add beauty to its practical benefits in a garden or field.
- Self-Reseeding: Once mature, the pods can be left to reseed naturally, providing future generations of plants without replanting.
FAQs
Q1: How should I plant Austrian Winter Pea seeds?
A1: Plant in early spring or fall in well-drained soil with access to full sunlight. The seeds can be directly sown outdoors, spaced 9-12 inches apart.
Q2: Can Austrian Winter Peas tolerate cold temperatures?
A2: Yes, Austrian Winter Peas are hardy to Zone 6 and can survive temperatures as low as 10°F, making them ideal for overwintering in southern regions.
Q3: How do Austrian Winter Peas benefit soil?
A3: As a nitrogen-fixing legume, these peas improve soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use, enriching the soil for future crops.
Q4: Are these plants suitable for feeding livestock and wildlife?
A4: Absolutely! Austrian Winter Peas are a great source of food for poultry (chickens, ducks, quail) and wildlife such as deer, who enjoy both the seeds and foliage.
Q5: Can I harvest the pods for reseeding?
A5: Yes, you can harvest the pods or leave them to naturally reseed. Each pod typically contains 3-5 seeds, allowing for future growth.
Improve your soil and feed your livestock with Austrian Winter Pea seeds! These 50 seeds offer a nitrogen-fixing solution for cover crops and ground cover, perfect for enriching your garden or farm. Their two-tone pink flowers add a beautiful touch to the practical benefits of increased soil fertility, while the plant provides a natural food source for poultry and wildlife. Order now to add this versatile, cold-hardy legume to your landscape!
ajehly –
Shipped quickly – really tiny seeds, so they were interesting to handle, and took a bit of time to germinate due to our cooler weather, but they are coming up nicely now!
Lynn McGreevey –
Came quickly! Thank you, so much!
TONG –
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