Growing Snow Peas, also Sugar Peas, Mangetout, Chinese Peas

Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon : Fabaceae / the pea or legume family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    P P P              

(Best months for growing Snow Peas in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 8°C and 20°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 8 - 10 cm apart
  • Harvest in 12-14 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Carrots, Endive, Florence fennel, Winter lettuce, Brassicas.
  • Avoid growing close to: Chives, Alliums, Tomatoes

Your comments and tips

20 Jun 12, Dee Nangle (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi there I love your site! I am busy planting in a summer rainfall area that is prone to frost and some pretty cold temperatures in winter (June/July/August). I am planting a food garden and need to use the food to feed many people, growing peas in pots will not work. What do you suggest, as we are planting in the ground. Warmly Dee
18 Aug 12, sharon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Dee, Raised beds are your best bet for summer rainfall and winter frost. Raised beds will keep the earth warmer in winter and allow for better drainage during the wet summer. email me [email protected] if you need further assistance.
06 Jun 12, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have so many snow pea plants and so many flowers, but no snow peas. Why would that be?
22 Aug 12, Judith (Australia - temperate climate)
Flowers but no fruit suggests something is lacking in the soil. A good serve of Sulphate of Potash every fortnight will help. Sulphate of Potash is excellent for plants such as capsicum/ tomato/ beans/ egg plant/ zucchini. While not all plants need bees to produce fruit - a Greek Basil or two in any garden will attract a lot of bees. I potted a Greek Basil last February and it has been flowering (purple and very strong smelling) consistently in spite of some really cold days and nights. If you do get a Greek Basil, you might consider keeping it in a pot so it can be moved to where you want bees to pollinate the plants. Good luck!
29 Jun 12, Justine (Australia - temperate climate)
Its usually because of the absence of bees. At this time of year it can be a challange to get bees into the garden. Just wait a little bit longer, and you will have heaps of snow peas!
02 Sep 12, Chris (Australia - temperate climate)
Peas of all types are all self pollinating. You don't need any bees to get pods.
19 Apr 12, IB (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Planted snow peas in a no dig garden about 2 weeks ago. Plants were a nice green at the time of planting. They are slowly going yellow. (The whole plant) They are in a well drained sunny position. Any suggestions why they are slowly turning yellow. Are they missing something?
29 Mar 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
Dig lime into the soil before planting for a sweeter crop
28 Feb 12, graham williams (Australia - temperate climate)
I have grown snow peas from punnet in january and obout to start picking my 1st lot of 15to20 peas at the end of febuary they are growing in soil that has 2yr old chicken manure given to me they are looking great
11 Feb 12, Al (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
A little confused with the snow peas info. It says to grow Apr-Oct which is Autumn, winter to spring but then says at the end start in pots in frost prone areas. In New Zealand -cool/mountain we can get hard frosts throughout that entire time. Are the plants really going to grow in the middle of winter?
Showing 141 - 150 of 215 comments

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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