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 46°F and 68°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 3 - 4 inches 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

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13 Aug 14, Lucy (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi all, We had lots of success last year when we planted some snow peas in Autumn in Melbourne, so we thought this year we will just plant our vege garden full of snow peas. But, surprisingly not a single one has turned out. We planted it in early June and now its August and nothing has come up. There has been no signs of digging from birds/mice. We're just wondering if the weird Melbourne Autumn/Winter (its been more windy and warm instead of consistent cold) this year has caused confusion for the seeds? thanks, Lucy
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27 Jul 14, James of Bayswater (Australia - temperate climate)
Cooking snow peas ? I steam them in a bamboo steamer, squirt of lemon juice and yum. They are best eaten young and small. Bigger pods are still good but you'll need to string them. Excellent in stir fries and fresh in salads. Don't over cook. You want to retain some crunch.
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18 Jul 14, geronimo (Canada - Zone 2a Sub-Arctic climate)
please tell me how they are best stored/cooked. IM DESPERATE
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18 May 14, Emma (Australia - temperate climate)
Can snow peas be grown in tamworth NSW
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10 May 14, craig (Australia - temperate climate)
Do not tip snow peas as you do tomatoes. If you can get a plastic greenhouse you will grow a forest. They are cheap and readily available, humidity is the secret. Keeps the possums and birds away also. I use timber stakes with twine for support and plant new seeds as the larger plants are beginning to produce to keep a rolling harvest for 6 months. The older plants are perfect support for the new plants. Always use a liquid/seaweed fertilizer once a week. Mine are 2 metres tall and produce from June until December when the heat beats them.
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05 Apr 14, Judy Bennett (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Do you have to pinch out the tops of snow peas to encourage more lateral growth to get more flowers thus more snow pods??
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10 Mar 14, Peter Roggenkamp (Australia - temperate climate)
Is cow manure good to mix with soil for new trellis snow pea bed? Thank you Peter
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12 Feb 14, Kit Kat (Australia - temperate climate)
Why cant they grow with chives?
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07 Feb 14, urdoh (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
how to found grow seeds in africa
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27 Jan 14, mick (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
the frosts start here mid april and can be constant when should i plant snow peas
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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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