Grasshopper (Lathyrus sativus)

La grass pea is a fast growing herbaceous that is of great commercial importance due to its delicious edible seeds. But in addition, its flowers, although small, are very beautiful, so it can also be a wonderful garden and / or pot plant.

Its cultivation is very simple, so much so that even children will enjoy watching it grow. This is your cultivation.

Origin and characteristics

Our protagonist is a herbaceous native to the Mediterranean Region and Asia. Its scientific name is Lathyrus sativus, although popularly it is known as pea, pea, tito or almorta. It is a fast-growing plant that reaches a height of 40-50 centimeters, characterized by having lanceolate green leaves.. The flowers are small, 1-2cm, bluish, and sprout in spring. The fruit is a legume inside which we will find the seeds.

Its cultivation is very simple, since it also produces a large amount of seeds, which we can use to prepare different dishes, such as soups or stews.

How is it grown?

If we want to grow peas, we have to keep these tips in mind:

• Location: outside, in full sun.
• Earth:
  • Pot: universal growing substrate mixed with 30% perlite. It must have a diameter of about 35-40cm.
  • Garden: it is indifferent as long as it has good drainage.
• Irrigation: frequent. It must be watered every time it is necessary, preventing the substrate or soil from drying out.
• Subscriber: throughout the season. We will pay with organic fertilizers, using liquids if we grow it in a pot.
• Multiplication: by seeds in spring. Direct sowing in seedbed, or in napkin or cotton.
• Rusticity: does not stand the cold. It is a seasonal plant (annual), when it drops below 10ºC it starts to spoil.

What did you think of the almorta? Do you dare to grow a specimen? You are sure to enjoy it a lot. 😉