Marrowfat Pea
Pisum sativum var. medullare
This large late-season English, or shelling, pea prefers cool, moist conditions and were among the varieties grown at Monticello.
Marrowfat Peas were sown at Monticello every two weeks in early spring. They first appeared in Thomas Jefferson's Garden Book on March 12, 1773: “sowed a patch of Early peas, and another of Marrow fats.” They are a large pea that ripens later than other garden peas. Generally dried and used in soups, they are 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.”
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
When you're here...
Between April and October, all house tours come with a free guided Garden Tour, or you can explore the grounds on your own with the Bloomberg Connects App
Shop
Heirloom Seeds and Plants from the Monticello collection
Plant history in your gardens with seeds and plants from Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants.
