Organic 'St-Hubert' soup peas
identification
description
'St-Hubert' soup peas (Pisum sativum), offered by Ferme Tourne-Sol
The 'St-Hubert' soup pea is a heritage Quebec variety with a robust character, cultivated for its rich and nutritious dry peas . Early-maturing and productive, it forms plants reaching approximately 1 meter in height , bearing pods that are easy to dry and shell . It is a hardy pea, simple to grow, perfectly suited to cool springs and northern gardens.
Beyond its culinary value, the 'St-Hubert' pea plays an important role in cultivated biodiversity . Rare and not widely distributed, it deserves to be sown, harvested, and passed on. Its vigorous growth also contributes to soil structure : like all legumes, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen and naturally enriches the soil, making it an excellent preceding crop or even a nourishing green manure when incorporated into the soil after harvest.
Type: Annual legume
Plant habit: Upright, slightly climbing
Plant height: Approximately 100 cm
Quantity per packet: 60 seeds
Maturity: Approximately 85 days
Family: Fabaceae
Uses: Dried peas, soups, traditional dishes
Companion plants: Carrot, turnip, corn, lettuce, radish
Enemy plants: Garlic, onion (avoid planting nearby)
Farming method
The 'St-Hubert' soup pea is sown directly outdoors as soon as the ground thaws in spring . It tolerates light cold well and appreciates an early start. Choose well-drained soil , even moderately fertile, and a sunny location.
Sow only once per season. Providing light support (netting or branches) can help the plants stand upright and make harvesting easier. Like all legumes, it requires little fertilizer: healthy soil is sufficient. After harvesting, crop residue can be left on the soil or incorporated into the soil , contributing to fertility for subsequent crops.
Harvesting and use
Harvest when the pods are completely dry . The beans keep very well and are perfect for pea soup , purées, stews, and traditional recipes. Their richness and texture when cooked make them a comforting staple.
Uses and benefits
Growing 'St-Hubert' peas is much more than just producing a legume: it's about keeping an heirloom variety alive , preserving threatened biodiversity, and nourishing both the soil and the table . Whether for a sugar shack-inspired meal or to improve your soil structure, this pea has a rightful place in the garden.
A small pea… but with great historical, agricultural and nutritional weight.
