In the middle of the nineteenth century, 'Prince Albert' was the most popular of all the varieties of English Pea in the United States. It was grown in England before 1837 and introduced into the United States in 1845. Fearing Burr, who described American vegetables in 1863, felt 'Prince Albert' was indistinguishable from 'Early Frame', one of Thomas Jefferson's favorites among the fifteen varieties he cultivated at Monticello.

Garden peas enjoy cool, moist growing conditions. At Monticello, gardeners sow them around March 1 for a crop in mid-May. We also use four-foot-high branches, or "pea sticks," to support this twining vegetable. Sow the seed in a well-drained, garden soil about six feet apart. Approximately 16-20 seeds per pack.