PEA-ASPARAGUS-SPREADER

Lotus Tetragonolobus PEA-ASPARAGUS-CLIMBER Heirloom vegetable from the 16^th century, attractive with its pretty red flowers and edible fluted pods. It is an annual native to the Mediterranean region. Also commonly called Winged Pea, Square Podded Pea, Winged Lotus, this annual plant is easy to grow from seed. It blooms with sweet, pea-like, deep-red to crimson flowers that grow in pairs above small trifoliate leaves. Following the flower pollination, it develops four-winged seedpods that can grow up to 8 cm by late summer. A small vine or scrambler growing a maximum 50cm on a support. Pods may be eaten raw, boiled, sautéed, steamed, tempura battered & deep fried or pickled. The flowers can be added to salads & as an edible garnish. Pods allowed to develop beyond 5cm quickly turn fibrous but can be left to provide seed for next season. To improve germination either rub seeds with sandpaper or soak in hot water until the seeds swell. Harvest the pods when 10 - 20 cm long. Use like green beans. Spring planting.