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
    S S S S S S        
      T T T T T T      
      P P P P P P      

(Best months for growing Snow Peas in Australia - temperate regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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

14 May 17, Lizi Hofer (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Darren, They are about 1 month old.
14 May 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Liz, A dose of potash might encourage some early flowering, otherwise they should flower in time.
17 May 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I had a bit of the same problem this year. Normally I have flowers when the plants are 2' high. Didn't get them this year until 3-4' high'. Had to replant most of them - birds eat them so I put up netting - they grew a bit spindly. Had heaps of rain in March so hit them up with a bit more fertilizer. And the weather changed from day temps of 32-34 to 25-27C. They are now on their way to the moon - first few are 7' high now. I'm picking peas now. I would say I over fertilised them.
20 May 17, Lizi Hofer (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
thank you.
24 May 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Another point - I planted seeds bought on the internet this year. Other years I buy seedlings from Bunnings. Planted (19th April) some Bunnings seedlings at a school project and they are flowering now - plants are only 18-24" tall. Early days yet but I think the seedlings produce more SP than the ones from the seeds I bought.
21 Mar 17, Deborah Ford (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Although we have had a lot of hot days this summer in South West Victoria, my sugar peas have just started producing beautifully and will make a nice quickly steamed vege with our Salmon tonight. I have watered them most days since they started showing shoots.
20 Dec 16, Beverley stowe (Australia - temperate climate)
What PH reading do Snow Peas prefer please? Thank you, Beverley.
31 Dec 16, Phil (Australia - temperate climate)
pH 6.0-7.0, add Lime if needed to raise the pH. You're in a similar zone to me... I have had no joy at all with any of the pea/bean family this Sydney summer, far too hot, growth has been really stunted. I didn't realise they were a much cooler weather plant, so keep an eye on the climate too.
01 Jan 17, Beverley Stowe (Australia - temperate climate)
Thank you Phil. I started again with a fresh punnet of Snow Peas. First I added lime and dug it well in. Since planting, I've made sure I don't water more than 2 X weekly. Even though I keep water up to my other green vegies. Early weeks yet, but the Snow Peas are looking good this time. Your answer was appreciated. Beverley.
22 Dec 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Peas like pH of 5.8 - 7.0 which would suit most vegetables. 7 ia neutral. Trust this helps.
Showing 61 - 70 of 188 comments

This is a somewhat late reply I'm afraid but it may help you in the coming 2021 year. Peas are just pollinated by wind so bees are not required. Giving the flowers a little shake after they form may help but this is unlikely to be your issue if your peas are not very well wind shielded. Mostly I would be concerned that you are posting this in August (peak frost time!) As I understand pea flowers will go sterile if the flowers are hit by frost. I think that this web site is incorrect in advising people to plant peas as early as April. I would recommend not putting peas in the ground any earlier than June. My wife loves peas and so I plant peas twice a year to maximize yield. I put one set down in July and another in September.

- Richard

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.