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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21 May 10, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Annaliese, Potash (mostly potassium carbonate) from a nursery is what I use. A bag will last for years unless you grow 'commercial quantities' of peas.
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10 May 10, nicole (Australia - temperate climate)
i have a few snow peas growing they dont seem to be flowering how do i promote the flowering they r about 1mtr tall on support wire ( protected from wind get a couple hours sun in the morning well looked after ) im 1 half hours north of perth
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30 Apr 10, emily (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i like to start growing snow peas in melbourne but i am afraid that this time of year may be not good to grow, please tell me when is the right time to grow bec the weather is too cold. thank you.
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30 Apr 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Emily, you can plant some right now (April/May) in Melbourne
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21 Mar 10, Andrew (Australia - temperate climate)
Make sure there is plenty of air circulation around the plants this will help with the mildew.
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24 Feb 10, Sara (Australia - temperate climate)
I am going to try my first crop of snow peas,I will prepare the bed first as the soil is not in good condition and hope to get a good result, after reading all the the tips. A bit afraid of powery mildew. I live in Adelaide
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07 Nov 09, (Australia - temperate climate)
thanks for all your great tips! its really helped me with mine :)
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24 Jun 09, Annalisa (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Snow peas grow fast - my kids LOVE them because of this. TIP: Make sure you have a trellace or something for them to climb on right away because if they don't have anywhere to climb, they will start to become really "sad". Also - roots can go VERY deep, so make sure there's room downwards as well. I used to pot them, but learned quickly that the roots travel too far for small pots.
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22 Jun 09, Our awesomesauceness tech group (Australia - temperate climate)
We are just preparing to plant snow peas for school. Is there anyone that can give us some tips for how quickly it grows? Thanks :).
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01 May 09, Son (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I am doing some research on how fertilizers affect the snow peas. Does anyone know any type of fertilizers which could affect the yield of the plant?
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Showing 201 - 210 of 215 comments
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pretty sure peas get most of their nutrients from the air. they don't like heavily composted ground I believe. I wouldn't use commercial fert. but some worm juice might be okay. avoid watering leaves. adding potash to soil before sowing is good as well.

- Natalie

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