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Growing Asparagus Pea

(Lotus tetragonobolus)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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(Best months for planting Asparagus Pea in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)


  • Easy to grow.
  • Harvest in 56-80 days
  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed.
  • Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 20°C.
  • Space plants: 20-25cm

This low spreading plant has small trifoliate leaves, and deep crimson flowers are borne in pairs. Harvest pods when approximately 3cm long. ( about 80 days) Asparagus pea is easy to cultivate. It needs average moisture, full sun, and ordinary soil. It needs a long growing season to flower and fruit properly, so start it indoors in cooler areas.

Support with twigs to keep the stems off the ground. Protect from slugs and snails. Pick pods when small as they become hard and dry if left too long.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Asparagus Pea

Cook quickly by steaming and serve with just a touch of butter and they are said to taste like their namesake .

Your comments and tips

07 Sep 10 sakina bibi (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Where can I get some asparagus pea seeds. I am in Hamilton.
08 Sep 10 Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Have you tried your local garden shop? Otherwise, online you might find them www.kingsseeds.co.nz

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See planting calendar for these climate zones

New Zealand - cool/mountain,   New Zealand - sub-tropical,   New Zealand - temperate  

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