Winter Pea, Austrian

Austrian winter peas have been a commonly used cover crop for many years. The demand for their use has increased and sometimes leads to short-term shortages. They are sometimes not desirable because of their limited winter hardiness. Winter Pea is known for being highly palatable to livestock as winter forage. Its advantages are availability, fast germination and good biomass addition to soil. Winter Pea can be planted in fall as a cover crop, or in spring for forage, and contributes heavily to biomass when terminated. Winter Pea provides good weed suppression and is cost effective.

Type: Legume

Season: Cool Season

Seeding & Growth

• Precision: 30 lb/A
• Drilled: 40 lb/A, 1″ to 1/2″ deep
• Broadcast: Not recommended
• Aerial: Not recommended
• Dates: Aug. to Oct., early enough so plants are 6-8″ tall before soil freezes, because peas are shallow rooted and susceptible to heaving. Frost seeding in early spring
• Avg seeds/lb: 1,800-4,000
• Emergence: 9 days
• Height: 2′-4′
• Inoculate: Yes, pea or vetch inoculant
• Drought and Heat: Low drought and heat tolerance
• Flooding: Does not tolerate flooding or ponding