Does anyone know about

[IamBlessed]

the pea named "Red Ripper"? We got some from a lady at the flea market in April. Some of the older folks at the church said they used to plant them all the time in their corn rows so that the peas could climb up the corn.

We planted the seed when we planted the first peas. They have come up, but are not bearing yet. So, are they just slow growing? Are they very prolific? I'm curious as to why they haven't made yet.

[suki]

Hubby asks:

How long since the plants came up? What size are the plants?

Then, he comments: These are field peas, like cow peas or black-eyed peas. It's touted as being prolific, but there are better performers. This is an open-pollinated heirloom type.

[IamBlessed]

These plants have been up maybe a month and a half??? They are good sized and they are starting to put on blooms. I was just curious. You don't see a lot of the old time plants anymore and, if they are reliable, we were going to save some of the seed.

[suki]

Oh, if they're just starting to bloom then you'll have some peas soon. Of course, you'll have to let the pods dry before you can collect them. You can have some for planting and some for eating.
The immature beans (3-4 inches long) can be eaten as green beans but are generally stir fried rather than boiled.