🥕 Asparagus Pea
Tetragonolobus purpureus (syn. Lotus tetragonolobus)
vegetables Annual
A
☀️ Sun
Full sun
💧 Water
Moderate; avoid overwatering
🗺️ Zones
3–11 (grown as warm-season annual)
🪴 Soil Type
Well-draining, moderately fertile loam
🧪 Soil pH
6.0–7.5
💧 Drainage
Well-draining
📏 Spacing
6–12 in
📐 Height
12–18 in (low-growing, spreading)
📅 Days to Maturity
60–75 (pick pods at 1–1.5 inches)
🍴 Edible Parts
🍽️ Young pods (harvested small)🍽️ flowers🍽️ young leaves
🤝 Companions (8)
Shallow roots, shade from pea foliage
Quick crop, compatible
Cool-season companion
Different root depth, compatible
Ground cover, aphid trap
🤝 Marigold
Pest deterrent
🤝 Chamomile
Improves flavor and health
Different growing habit, compatible
⚠️ Keep Apart (3)
💊 Medicinal Uses
High in protein and fiber; good source of iron and vitamins; legume with soil-enriching nitrogen fixation properties.
📜 History & Traditional Uses
Native to Mediterranean region; cultivated as minor vegetable since ancient times; popular in 19th century European kitchen gardens; also grown ornamentally for crimson flowers.
📝 Notes
Low-growing legume with striking crimson-red flowers; pods taste like asparagus when young (harvest under 1.5 inches); fixes nitrogen; ornamental edible; also called Winged Pea or Lotus Pea.