Pea Shiraz

Shiraz is known for its stunning rich purple coloured pods set off against bright green plants. Tasty & beautiful: you must give these a chance in your garden! The plants are a very easy garden size, 90-120cm tall. First you will see lovely bicoloured flowers and then you will soon be picking the pods. I love them young in salad where they make a glossy impact. These can also be lightly sautéed or stir fried. All this and it is a British bred variety.

SOW: from March to July. We sow our peas 3 per pot; sowing in guttering to be slid into place is a popular method. They can also be sown in situ.

GROW: pot grown plants need to be hardened off before planting out. Space your plant clumps about 10cm apart. Shiraz plants will grow up to 120cm tall and will need support (netting works well). Peas like moisture and will tolerate light shade, they will need watering in dry weather. Pick regularly to encourage more growth.

EAT & ENJOY: I like picking these when they're young and glossy to pop in salads: they look stunning and taste superb. We have also cooked them – lightly sautéed or stir fried is enough to cook them and still retain as much of the colour as possible. Avoid blanching before freezing for the same reason