Round (First Early)

Neat, dwarf habit producing an abundance of small but well-filled pods. Very good winter hardiness, even in exposed areas as a an autumn variety. Better flavoured than the old variety Feltham First and ideal for that first dish of the season.

Ideal autumn sown for over-wintering but can be spring sown. Sow late October-November, or sow in March. Sow 5cm (2in) deep in flat bottomed drills spacing seeds about 2.5-5cm (1-2in) apart in rows about 60cm (2ft) apart.

When plants are about 10cm (4in) tall provide twiggy sticks or netting for support. Over-wintered sowings will be ready in May for the first dish of the season. From spring sowings the seed will be ready to harvest around 12 weeks from sowing, and regular picking will encourage further cropping.

Net against pigeons, which can be a problem in many areas, and cover with muslin just before flowering to avoid attack by pea moth.

Prefers well drained, moist, rich soil in an open situation and fully winter hardy if not grown in waterlogged soils. Harvest from May.