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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
24 Apr 16, Jan (Australia - temperate climate)
Snow Peas and Sugar Snaps are tougher than you think. I like to plant a just a few seeds near my trellis then every week plant another half a dozen seeds to extend my growing season as long as possible. I only stop when the weather gets too warm in WA summer. I have these growing for months this way.
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Mar 16, (Australia - arid climate)
When is the best time to plant snow peas as I planted some a week ago there not doing well they are in full sun thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Nov 15, Nicole Taper (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I've planted some snowpeas & were doing really well. But have turned really pale & anemic after some heavy rain lately. They're about 10cm high. It's late spring HELP!
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Jun 15, harriet (Australia - temperate climate)
what are the pests for snowpeas???????????????
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Apr 15, Ziggy (Australia - temperate climate)
Are snow peas easy to grow
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Aug 15, david (Australia - temperate climate)
Easy peasy, pardon the pun. Support when young and keep rows at least 450 mm apart so you can find the peas before they mature. Good luck.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Apr 15, Dee (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Ziggy Yes, they're very easy to grow although you need to make sure they have enough ventilation as they can easily get white powdery mildew (I think that's what it's called). They come up pretty quickly too which I always find exciting. I soak my seeds in warm water overnight before I plant them. Happy growing!
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Mar 15, Lois Hermiston (Australia - temperate climate)
I have just removed tomato plants and am wondering if I can put snow peas in the same plot. Is there a hint as to how to prepare the soil? I know with Sweet Peas the soil needs some Lime. Is it the same with edible peas?
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Oct 14, Craig (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How do I store the seeds for next winter ? They are currently still in the pods, looking half green to pale green. Some with mould on them.
Reply or Post a new comment
29 Aug 14, josie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I planted peas before the winter its now end of August and there are no pod on them,the plant looks ok with lots of foliage , some are wilting and dying the base are brown i've scattered some fresh soil on the base to see if that would help the fruiting, we had a lot of rain. Pls what am i doing wrong.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 81 - 90 of 188 comments
See comments for all plants

Peas like pH of 5.8 - 7.0 which would suit most vegetables. 7 ia neutral. Trust this helps.

- John

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.