Flower Specifications
- Season: Annual
- USDA Zones: 6 - 10
- Height: 20 inches
- Bloom Season: Summer
- Bloom Color: Red
- Environment: Full sun
- Soil Type: Well drained garden soil, doesn't need to be rich
Planting Directions
- Temperature: 65 - 70F
- Average Germ Time: 10 - 21 days
- Light Required: Yes
- Depth: 1/4 inch
- Sowing Rate: 1 - 2 seeds per plant
- Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
- Plant Spacing: 4 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart
Asparagus Pea (Tetragonolobus Purpureus) - The Asparagus Pea is one of the prettiest vegetables on the planet. Why does the word "asparagus" appear in the common name? It may be because of the seed pods have delicate asparagus-like flavor. Or perhaps it's because some people say that Asparagus Peas are best treated like asparagus spears—boiled or steamed for a brief period of time, drained swiftly, and then anointed with butter. Another common name for Tetragonolobus purpurea is the Winged Pea.
Asparagus Pea is a scrambling, herbaceous annual legume grown from flower seeds endemic to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe, where it is a common spring-blooming wildflower in field and scrub. It grows around 20 inches tall and 24 inches wide, the plant has small trifoliate leaves, and its deep crimson flowers are born in pairs. The winged pods that develop after flower pollination grow up to 3 1/2 inches long. The pods may be boiled, sautéed, steamed, dipped in tempura batter and deep-fried, or pickled. The mature peas have been employed as a coffee substitute. The flowers of Asparagus Peas can be applied as edible garnishes to salads and cheeses. Easily grown from flower seeds.
