Growing Pea in Centre-Val de Loire
3 adapted varieties
In Centre-Val de Loire, the local agronomic conditions (Cfb — oceanic temperate climate, 1324 growing degree days, loam soil at pH 5.8, 292 frost-free days) allow pea cultivation.
Favorable growing period: April to October.
Recommended varieties: LS Envergure, LS Paprika, LS Kalina
Climate
Sufficient growing degree days (1324 GDD) to complete the pea cycle.
Notable summer water deficit (-271 mm). Pick drought-tolerant varieties.
Long frost-free season (292 days), allowing broad crop cycles.
Sowing calendar
Favorable growing period: April to October.
Soil & recommendations
Slightly acidic soil (pH 5.8). Liming can improve performance.
Recommended varieties
LS Envergure
Very early green spring protein pea with high yield potential, vegetative plant structure and easy harvesting.
LS Paprika
Early spring protein pea with small yellow grain, excellent consistency and strong yield potential.
LS Kalina
High-yield spring protein pea with yellow grain, easy harvesting and strong adaptability to all pea markets.
| Variety | Type | Use | Earliness | Sowing | Suitability for the region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS Envergure | Green spring pea | Feed / Food / Processing | Semi-late | — | 7/10 |
| LS Paprika | Yellow kernel | Animal and human nutrition, bird feeding | Early to semi-early | Sowing (deep, silty soils): 70–85 seeds/m² ; Sowing (light, chalk soils): 100–110 seeds/m² | 7/10 |
| LS Kalina | Yellow kernel | Animal and human nutrition, bird feeding | Early | Sowing (deep, silty soils): 70–85 seeds/m² ; Sowing (light, chalk soils): 100–110 seeds/m² | 7/10 |
Risks & watchpoints
Key agronomic watchpoints in this zone:
- Drought stress: 5/10.
Other adapted crops in this zone
Other regions to grow pea
Agronomic summary
Protein pea is traditionally well established in Centre-Val de Loire, especially in Beauce where it complements the wheat–rapeseed rotation. Deep soils and slightly acidic pH (5.8) suit it. LS Envergure, LS Kalina and LS Paprika find an ideal environment for spring sowing, provided very drying soils are avoided in years with -271 mm summer deficit.
Frequently asked questions
Which pea variety is best suited for Centre-Val de Loire?
The varieties recommended above are pre-selected based on local climate, soil and disease pressure. Top picks combine adapted maturity, yield stability and the specific disease tolerances needed in Centre-Val de Loire.
When is the best time to sow pea in Centre-Val de Loire?
The favorable sowing window is typically from April to October. Exact timing depends on soil temperature (>10°C at 5 cm), weather forecast and your local agronomist's advice.
What yield can I expect from pea in Centre-Val de Loire?
Yields depend on variety, agronomic management and the season. Under typical Centre-Val de Loire conditions with good practices, our adapted varieties target stable, competitive commercial yields. Precise ranges are available on request.