If planted May 1, the variety will blossom June 16, afford pods of sufficient size for shelling about July 7, and ripen the 20th of the same month.
It is early, very productive, of superior quality, and an excellent sort for growing for market, or in small gardens for family use. In an experimental cultivation of the variety, it proved one of the most prolific of all the early sorts.
Shillings Grotto. Cot. Gard.
Plant with a simple stem, four feet and a half to five feet high; the pods are generally single, but frequently in pairs, three inches and a half long, about half an inch wide, slightly curved, and, when fully matured, assuming a thick-backed and somewhat quadrangular form. Each pod contains, on an average, seven large peas. The ripe seed is white.
A great objection to this variety is the tardiness with which it fills; the pods being fully grown, and apparently filled, when the peas are quite small and only half grown. Though considered a standard sort, it is not superior to the Champion of England; and will probably soon give place to it, or some other of the more recent varieties.
Spanish Dwarf. Cot. Gard.
Early Spanish Dwarf. Dwarf Fan. Strawberry.
Plant about a foot high, branching on each side in the manner of a fan; and hence often called the "Dwarf Fan." The pods are sometimes single, but generally in pairs, two inches and a half long, half an inch broad, terminate rather abruptly at the point, and contain from five to six rather large peas. The ripe seed is cream-white.
Sown May 1, the plants were in blossom June 26, and pods were plucked for use July 14.
The Spanish Dwarf is an old variety, and still maintains its position as an Early Dwarf for small gardens, though it can hardly be considered equal to Burbridge's Eclipse or Bishop's Long-podded.