Explore the differences between major pea varieties and their horticultural significance. Sharpen your knowledge of traits, uses, and growth habits of diverse pea types.
Which pea variety is typically grown for its round, starchy seeds rather than its edible pod?
Explanation: Garden peas (Pisum sativum) are mainly grown for their seeds, which are plump and starchy. Snow peas are cultivated for their flat edible pods, sugar snap peas for their crunchy edible pods with seeds inside, and pigeon pea is a different legume species not primarily used for edible pods.
A chef wants peas with crisp, thick-walled edible pods for a stir-fry; which variety should they select?
Explanation: Sugar snap peas are bred for thick, crunchy, edible pods, ideal for fresh or cooked dishes. Field peas are mainly for animal feed, garden peas for shelled seeds, and wild vetch is not a common edible pea.
Which characteristic flower color is typically seen in most traditional garden pea varieties?
Explanation: Traditional garden pea plants usually have white flowers. Yellow, blue, and red flowers are uncommon or found in unrelated pea species or ornamental types, not most edible garden peas.
Which of the following is NOT botanically classified as a pea but is sometimes mistaken for one in markets?
Explanation: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is a different legume altogether, unrelated to Pisum sativum peas. Sugar snap pea, snow pea, and field pea are true peas in the Pisum genus.
Which pea variety is most likely to have dwarf, bush-type growth suitable for small-space gardening?
Explanation: Dwarf garden pea varieties are bred for compact, bushy growth, making them ideal for small plots or containers. Pigeon pea and Austrian winter pea are different species or larger types, while tall snow pea refers to a climbing variety.