PI 244172 Pisum sativum "Konservenstolz"
PI 244172 is Pisum sativum (peas), also called "Konservenstolz" and originated in the Netherlands. It came to me through the Washington State University (facility W6). The envelope indicates "94i" which would mean these seeds were harvested in 1994. The seeds are dented round shaped in varied shades of light green into yellow green (almost white). Each measures 7-9mm by 5-7mm and weigh .2-.3g each. The bag I received had 39 seeds (website indicated 30 would be sent). All 39 weighed together weighed in at 8.5g.
On Tuesday, March 4, 2014, I planted two seeds (one light and one dark) into a recycled indoor container. It has been placed in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Once seedlings sprout, the container will be moved under a grow light.
On Saturday, March 8, 2014, both seeds have broken the surface of the soil. One seed in the morning, and by evening (when photo was taken), both were visible. This means 100% germination rate within four days. The container has been moved under a grow light.
Sunday, March 9, 2014 - both seedlings are growing consistently, but slower by comparison to other commercially available peas. They currently measure 1.5cm and 2cm tall.
Monday, March 10, 2014 - the taller seedling now measures 3cm tall.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014 - the taller seedling is now 4cm tall and starting to grow tendrils.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - The smaller plant is 3.5cm tall with a 1.5cm tendril. The taller is 4cm tall with a 2cm tendril.
Thursday, March 13, 2014 - The taller seedling measures 5cm with a 3cm tendril. The shorter seedling measures 4.5cm tall with a 2.5cm tendril. the leaves remain folded in half, much like a taco shell. Both plants have two branches growing off the main stem below the top pair of leaves and main top tendrils.
Friday, March 14, 2014 - Seedlings are 5.5 and 6cm tall with 4 and 4.5cm tendrils respectively. The leaves are beginning to unfold.
Saturday, March 15, 2014 - Seedlings still measure 5.5 and 6cm tall, with 4 and 4.5cm tendrils. The taller tendril is starting to split at the tip and branch into two tendrils.
Sunday, March 16, 2014 - The taller seedling measures 7cm and has three tendrils on top about 3cm each, and one off to the side measuring 5cm. The shorter seedling measures 6cm tall with 2cm and 4cm tendrils.
Monday, March 17, 2014 - Shorter seedling measures 7cm and 6cm tall (two main branches). The taller seedling measures 8cm and 6cm tall (two main branches).
Thursday, March 20, 2014 - The seedlings are growing and tendrils are getting longer. Tomorrow I plan to add soil to the container, and a wooden rod to give the tendrils something to hold on to.
Saturday, April 5, 2014 - One seedling has wilted completely, and the second is following suit. I suspect this is due to accidental over watering on one occasion. I have moved the container from the artificial light into a South-facing window in hopes of perking the plant up. Despite having stakes to climb, these seedlings continue to "reach out" with their tendrils, never actually grasping anything.
This plant did well initially in the South-facing window once the soil dried up. It set two flowers, which started into little pea pods, but they never made it to maturity before the plant died. I will be trying this variety outside in the spriong to see if it fairs any better in more natural conditions.