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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
23 Mar 11, (Australia - temperate climate)
how much sunlight do snow peas need?
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Aug 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
the more sunlight in the winter is very good for snow peas
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Mar 11, Ray Wilson (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Desert climate. Sun exposed parsley grows through fall, winter & spring. Will planting parsley in shaded area during summer/hot 110 degrees temperatures help or will the heat destroy plant? Geraniums will not normally survive the summer months in shade or sun exposure.
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Mar 11, Ray Wilson (USA - Zone 8a climate)
How soon can seedlings/sprouts be fertilized to encourage growth? The soil here on the desert is sandy and lacks nutrient. Planted seeds two weeks ago and plants are now 1 1/2 inches tall.
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Mar 11, Buzz (Australia - temperate climate)
how much water do snow peas like? and i also noticed some white patterns developing on the leaves of my snow peas, what could it be and how do i fix it? First time gardener.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Nov 10, Rebecca (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, My snow peas have flowered and produced wonderful snow peas, good size and everything, but i was wondering whether or not the need pruning, (bottom leaves taken off) and how i can get more snow peas to grow. they are only growing from the top stems not the bottom or side shoots. will the eventually grow from side or do they only produce pea's at the top of the plant?
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Nov 10, rebecca (Australia - temperate climate)
Also as above to my first comment i forgot to mention that my snow peas are turning yellow (The bottom leaves) i do not use much fertilizer although i did put a slow release fert on yeasterday to try to fix them.. (turning yellow (leaves) from bottom up.... they are planted directly into the ground, not a built up bed, could the cause of this be too much water? or too much sun??
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Oct 10, Annette (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello, Could you please tell me what is wrong with my snow peas. They seem to start Ok then turn yellow with brown spots and die from the bottom up. thank you, Kind regards Annette
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Oct 10, Hove SA (Australia - temperate climate)
my snow peas are growing with huge green lush leaves and no sign of flowers yet, they were planted about 8 weeks ago. Have I given them too much fertiliser? Is there anything I can put on them to encourage flowering?
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Oct 10, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Andrew, another way of pollinating is to do it yourself (esp if you are in an area like I am, with bees seen rarely!). I use a small, fine paintbrush and gently wipe it over each stamen, therefore transferring the pollen. I do this with my chillis and get excellent results. cheers, John
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 171 - 180 of 215 comments
See comments for all plants

Don't really know what you are getting at here. After a crop has finished, there is not much sense leaving it. Cut down the vine and throw it away (diseased) or chop it up and use as mulch/compost. Dig the soil up and prepare for the next planting. Legumes put N back into the soil so best to plant a leaf crop - lettuce cabbage etc.

- Mike

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.