Papilionaceae – The Pea and Bean Family
                                                                 
Papillionaceae Family Members
Alfalfa Asparagus Pea Clover Common Vetch Fava Bean Fenugreek Field Beans
Hyacinth Bean Lupine Peas Runner Bean String Bean Trefoil  


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The pea and bean family or papilionaceae are still widely referred to as legumes. They are grown primarily for there fleshy pods or seeds. Papilionaceae characteristically develop root nodules containing bacteria that fix nitrogen gas from the air. When the nodules decay the nitrogen is released into the soil, which is why the green manures are so valuable from this vegetable family.


Pea and broad beans are hardy cool season/climate crops that grow best below 60F (15C). String and runner beans are frost sensitive and need warmer conditions to thrive. Young broad pods and shoot tips can be eaten, but the green, white, and red seeds are the main crop.

Traditionally, peas are shelled from their pods, but snow and sugarsnap peas are eaten whole. Peas can vary in height from 2ft to 10ft(60cm to 3m) and most are supported with twiggy branches or wide-mesh pea netting. Dwarf bush beans are ideal for small spaces. Pole beans will climb up canes are sticks setup like a teepee and do best in warm to hot climates. They are also tolerant of dry conditions.





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Papilionaceae thrive in a well drained but moisture retentive soil that has been fed from a previous crop such as potatoes. In a rotation they can be followed by the brassica(cabbage) family crops, which will make use of the nitrogen provided by the papilionaceae.

Use crop rotation to avoid a build up of root rot. Mice may eat early spring-sown pea and bean seeds. Setting traps may curtail this problem. The pea and bean weevil eats notches out of the leaves from early spring. Healthy pea and bean plants may withstand this. A row cover can be used  when plants are young. The black bean aphids usually appear in summer.

Early and late planting of the papilionaceae family can usually curtail the aphid.. Broad bean chocolate spot is an early season disease common in wet soil. Powdery mildew is common in dry soil usually later in the season.

Slugs and snails are attracted to young string and runner beans. In cooler climates it is best to transplant the first crop as opposed to direct sowing.

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