Thomas Jefferson regularly planted Marrowfat Peas at Monticello every two weeks in early spring. They first appeared in his Garden Book on March 12, 1773: “sowed a patch of Early peas, and another of Marrow fats.” This large pea ripens later than other garden peas and was generally dried and used in soups, but is also enjoyable when boiled or canned. This late-season English, or shelling, pea prefers cool, moist conditions; Monticello gardeners support the twining vines with tall branches, or “pea sticks.”
Visit Monticello’s Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of Marrowfat Pea.
Color(s): White (flower), Green (Pod)
Location at Monticello: Vegetable Garden
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
