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

20 May 17, Lizi Hofer (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
thank you.
24 May 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Another point - I planted seeds bought on the internet this year. Other years I buy seedlings from Bunnings. Planted (19th April) some Bunnings seedlings at a school project and they are flowering now - plants are only 18-24" tall. Early days yet but I think the seedlings produce more SP than the ones from the seeds I bought.
21 Mar 17, Deborah Ford (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Although we have had a lot of hot days this summer in South West Victoria, my sugar peas have just started producing beautifully and will make a nice quickly steamed vege with our Salmon tonight. I have watered them most days since they started showing shoots.
20 Dec 16, Beverley stowe (Australia - temperate climate)
What PH reading do Snow Peas prefer please? Thank you, Beverley.
31 Dec 16, Phil (Australia - temperate climate)
pH 6.0-7.0, add Lime if needed to raise the pH. You're in a similar zone to me... I have had no joy at all with any of the pea/bean family this Sydney summer, far too hot, growth has been really stunted. I didn't realise they were a much cooler weather plant, so keep an eye on the climate too.
01 Jan 17, Beverley Stowe (Australia - temperate climate)
Thank you Phil. I started again with a fresh punnet of Snow Peas. First I added lime and dug it well in. Since planting, I've made sure I don't water more than 2 X weekly. Even though I keep water up to my other green vegies. Early weeks yet, but the Snow Peas are looking good this time. Your answer was appreciated. Beverley.
22 Dec 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Peas like pH of 5.8 - 7.0 which would suit most vegetables. 7 ia neutral. Trust this helps.
06 Dec 16, Tom (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted Snow Peas early November, and I'm not getting much growth and are slightly yellow at base of stem. I'm getting flowers and fruit but not many. What can i do to get them to grow better, taller?
07 Dec 16, shaz (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Snow peas are a winter crop, I'm sure of it, that could be your problem. I only grow them in winter.
03 Nov 16, david wade (Australia - temperate climate)
snow peas healthy plants lots of flowers not many pods?
Showing 81 - 90 of 215 comments

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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