Zuckererbsen ‘Grijze Roodbloeiende’ Junior Pea Seeds (Pisum sativum var. saccharatum) – Beautiful red-flowering sugar pea with sweet, edible pods; an heirloom favorite for colorful garden displays.

Minimum: 15+ Seeds

The Zuckererbsen ‘Grijze Roodbloeiende’ is an extraordinary heirloom sugar pea that beautifully bridges the worlds of edible gardening and ornamental horticulture. Its name translates to “Gray Red-Flowered,” perfectly describing its silvery-green foliage, vivid red to pink blossoms, and purple-tinged pods that shimmer with color under sunlight. This beloved old-world European variety offers gardeners a dual reward, stunning beauty and remarkable sweetness, making it one of the most eye-catching and flavorful peas you can grow.

Unlike standard green sugar peas, ‘Grijze Roodbloeiende’ is celebrated for its visual drama and culinary versatility. The plants produce clusters of fragrant red-pink flowers that attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and beneficial hoverflies. As the blossoms fade, elegant pods develop, filled with tender, crisp peas that burst with natural sweetness. You can enjoy them whole while still young or let them mature for shelling. Either way, their mild flavor, subtle crunch, and juicy texture make them a delightful addition to salads, stir-fries, or as a fresh snack right off the vine.

This variety has a rich heritage, passed down through generations of European gardeners who valued it for its vigor, ornamental charm, and adaptability. The vines can grow 5–6 feet tall with sturdy, twining stems that love to climb trellises, fences, or even decorative supports. It performs exceptionally well in cool spring and fall conditions, tolerating light frost better than most vegetables. Whether you’re growing it in a large garden bed or a decorative container setup, ‘Grijze Roodbloeiende’ will reward you with a show-stopping display of color and an abundant harvest.

🌿 Growing Tips:

• When to Sow: Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in early spring, or late summer for a fall harvest. For milder climates, fall sowings yield sweet, cool-weather pods.

• Soil Requirements: Prefers loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Add compost or aged manure before planting for the best results.

• Light Needs: Full sun (6–8 hours daily) promotes strong vines and maximum flower production.

• Spacing: Sow seeds 1 inch deep, spacing plants 2 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart.

• Support: Provide a trellis, pea fence, or string netting early on to support the vigorous vines and improve airflow.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod formation. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

• Temperature Range: Grows best between 45–75°F (7–24°C).

🥗 Harvesting and Culinary Uses:
Begin harvesting 10–12 weeks after sowing when pods are young and flat. Pick frequently to encourage continuous blooming and fruiting. The tender pods are sweet and crunchy, excellent raw, steamed, or stir-fried. As they mature, the peas inside swell and can be shelled for soups, risottos, or side dishes.

Try tossing freshly picked pods with olive oil, lemon juice, and sea salt for a quick salad, or sauté them lightly with garlic and sesame oil for a fragrant stir-fry. Young shoots and blossoms are also edible, making gorgeous garnishes for plates and cocktails. For creative gardeners, this variety doubles as an edible ornamental, perfect for vertical garden displays, edible flower borders, or balcony containers.

💚 Medicinal and Nutritional Benefits:
Sugar peas like ‘Grijze Roodbloeiende’ are packed with vitamins A, B-complex, and C, iron, magnesium, and plant-based protein. They support immune function, eye health, and digestive balance. The high fiber content aids metabolism and satiety, while antioxidants from their vibrant pigments help combat free radicals. Consuming them raw or lightly cooked preserves their nutrient density and crisp texture.

🌼 Why Grow Zuckererbsen ‘Grijze Roodbloeiende’?

• Rare heirloom with stunning red-pink blossoms

• Combines ornamental elegance with culinary excellence

• Naturally attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects

• Thrives in cool-season gardens, tolerating mild frost

• Easy to grow, perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike

• Great for vertical gardening, balcony gardens, or pollinator-friendly landscapes

• Provides nutrient-rich, low-calorie food that’s both beautiful and functional

🌸 Fun Historical Note:
This pea’s lineage traces back centuries to northern Europe, where gardeners prized it not only for flavor but as a symbol of abundance and beauty. Its ornamental nature made it a favorite in cottage gardens, planted near fences and garden edges to intertwine with other flowering vegetables.

✨ Bring history, color, and sweetness to your garden with Zuckererbsen ‘Grijze Roodbloeiende’. From the moment its red blossoms open to the first bite of a crisp purple pod, this variety offers a feast for both the eyes and the palate. A must-grow for heirloom enthusiasts, edible landscapers, and anyone seeking a plant that’s as stunning as it is delicious.