Perfect peas and pod plants
Peas and pod plants might look simple but they’re full of surprises. From tiny seeds hiding inside cosy pods to curly tendrils that love to climb, these plants are clever growers with lots of tricks up their sleeves.
What are peas and pod plants?
Peas belong to a special group of plants called legumes. Legumes grow their seeds inside special cases called pods. These pods keep the seeds safe while they grow.
Other pod plants include:
- Beans (runner beans, broad beans, French beans)
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Peanuts (yes — peanuts grow in pods underground!)
A peek inside a pod
What’s actually happening inside a pod?
Each pod starts life as a flower. Once the flower is pollinated, the petals fall away, and a pod begins to grow. Inside the pod, seeds grow. These will become peas or beans.
As the seeds grow:
- The pod stretches to make room
- The seeds line up in a neat row
- The pod protects them from wind, rain, and hungry insects
When the seeds are ready, the pod can be picked or left to dry and pop, which scatters the seeds so new plants can grow.
How do peas grow?
Let’s follow a pea plant’s journey from seed to pod.
1. Seed
A dry pea seed is planted into soil.
2. Sprout
With water and sunlight, the seed sprouts and a shoot pushes up through the soil.
3. Leaves and stems
The plant grows taller, growing leaves to catch sunlight and make food for the plant.
4. Flowers
Soon, pretty flowers appear.
5. Pods
The flowers turn into pods, and peas grow inside.
6. Ready to pick
Pods become plump and firm. This means it’s time to harvest!
Clever climbers
Pea plants don’t like to just grow; they also love to climb! They grow curly arms called tendrils that wrap around sticks, canes, fences, or netting. This helps the plant:
- Reach more sunlight
- Stay upright
- Keep pods off the ground