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            
      T T T T T        
      P P P P          

(Best months for growing Snow Peas in Australia - sub-tropical 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
  • Snow Pea on plant (commons.wikimedia.org - JS - CC BY-SA 3.0)

They are similar to garden peas but have a softer pod.

Snow peas are best grown in cooler seasons. They need some support when growing, tree prunings with lots of small twigs are a cheap and handy source. Or else strings between posts or wire netting. Peas need tying in the early stages, until they start producing tendrils and clinging to the support.

Will not grow well in hot weather. Protect seeds from birds and mice. Pick early and often before the pods become tough.

Start in pots in frost prone areas.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Snow Peas

Cook whole or eat raw in salads

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
15 Feb 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Check the planting guide at the top of the page.
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01 Feb 23, Louise (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
Could you tell me if you think it’s too early to plant mange tout seeds in a raised bed now early Feb - I am in the north west of England - will frost wipe the seedlings out? Or does it give me a few months head start ? In hope Cheers Louise
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04 Jan 23, Fred R soto (USA - Zone 12a climate)
We love Chinese cuisine and have moved to Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico. It is in Zone 12A. We e have cool nights (low 60F) and our patio has areas when it is never in full sun. Is it possible to grow snow peas here. I ask because we are not allowed to bring in seeds into the country and getting them from any source is as much as $50USD for even a packet of 20 to 50 seeds. Thanks in advance.
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05 Jan 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Plants need sunlight and generally plenty of it.
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08 Jul 22, Betty Brady (USA - Zone 2a climate)
When can sugar peas be planted in central Mississippi?
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24 May 22, Peter (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi... I notice that you don't recommend planting snow peas in tropical Australia. I live in the Whitsundays and every year when the 'winter birds' arrive I plant snow peas straight into the garden. They are very fast to grow and I get three or four beautiful crops a year by planting about a month apart. This year the birds have come early. The spangled drongo arrived three days ago and he hasn't let me down yet. I hope he finds a nice lady to go out with this year. Cheers
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30 May 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes this website is only a guide as they state on the bottom of the page. You have to take your own climate and position into consideration. The only way you find out is to try sometimes.
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18 Aug 21, Yvonne Maynard (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My snow peas look healthy, are growing well and just starting to flower and produce some peas, however some of the peas are curled up and a little dry looking. I have eaten some and they are lovely, but would like to know what causes them to curl. Also the leaves have always been curled like they have not completed opening. I am also confused about how much water to give them as I used a moisture meter and it recorded the soil as wet, so I only water them about once a week deeply.
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10 Jul 21, Garry Searle (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Why are my pole beans wilting and dying. The runner stem above the ground is hollow but the root is pk
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21 Jul 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Could be bean fly - grown them in the spring.
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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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