This is a quite distinct and useful pea; an abundant bearer; and the pods are of a fine deep-green color, which is a recommendation for it when grown for market. It comes in at the same time as the Auvergne and Shillings Grotto, but is of a more tender constitution.
Tom Thumb.
Beck's Gem. Bush Pea. Pois nain hatif extra, of the French.
Plant of remarkably low growth, seldom much exceeding nine inches in height, stout and branching; pods single, rarely in pairs, two inches and a half in length, half an inch broad, containing five or six peas, which are cream-yellow, and measure about a fourth of an inch in diameter.
Planted the 1st of May, the variety blossomed the 12th of June, and the pods were of suitable size for plucking July 4.
In the color of its foliage, its height and general habit, the variety is very distinct, and readily distinguishable from all other kinds. It is early, of good quality, and, the height of the plant considered, yields abundantly. It may be cultivated in rows ten inches apart.
Mr. Landreth, of Philadelphia, remarks as follows: "For sowing at this season (November, in the Middle States), we recommend trial of a new variety, which we have designated 'Tom Thumb,' in allusion to its extreme dwarfness. It seldom rises over twelve inches, is an abundant bearer, and is, withal, quite early. It seems to be admirably adapted to autumn sowings in the South, where, on apprehended frost, protection may be given: it is also equally well suited to early spring planting for the same reason. It is curious, as well as useful; and, if planted on ground well enriched, will yield as much to a given quantity of land as any pea known to us."
It is a desirable variety in the kitchen garden; as, from its exceeding dwarfish habit, it may be so sown as to form a neat edging for the walk or border.
Veitch's Perfection. Trans.
Plant three feet and a half to four feet high, of strong, robust growth, somewhat branched; pods ten or twelve on a stalk or branch, large, flat, straight, containing six or eight large peas, which are very sugary and excellent. The ripe seeds are large, of a light olive-green color; some being nearly white.