Type
shelling pea
Pea variety
Little Marvel Pea
A compact English pea with sweet peas and relatively short vines. It fits smaller gardens and can be grown without a large trellis.
Days to maturity
60
Best for
small spaces, shelling
About Little Marvel
Little Marvel is a classic heirloom shelling pea that produces sweet, tender peas on compact, bushy plants only about 18 inches tall. It earned an All-America Selections award in 1934 and remains popular for small gardens and early harvests. Pods are often borne in pairs and mature relatively early in the season.
Growing Little Marvel Pea
Because the plants are short and nearly self-supporting, they need little or no trellising, though a low brush support keeps pods off the soil. Sow in early spring for a late spring crop, spacing seeds about 2 inches apart in the row. Harvest when pods are well filled and bright green, and pick regularly to encourage continued production.
Full growing guide
For planting dates, care, and harvest that apply to all peas, see the complete guide.
How to grow PeasOther peas varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.