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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24 Aug 11, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When I used raw chicken manure (right from the hen house) less seeds grew. I think the extra nitrogen or acid damaged them.
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29 Aug 11, Georgi (Australia - tropical climate)
not too late. I'm growing them up in tropics of far nth qld and they're fruting well. just plant from seed not store bought punnet trays and they'll adapt to your climate better.
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03 Jul 11, peggy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have never heard of Chinese PEAS - I like growing Asian veggies - most are not eaten by insects (exception Chinese Green Cabbage) and they are quick to grow and tasty. What are Chinese Peas - are they similar to snow peas ? Are there any "tricks" to growing peas and beans - so far I have had NO success with either - except for Broad Beans - bumper crops!
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03 Jul 11, Hank (Australia - temperate climate)
I only have a tiny back yard (approx 2.5 metres) and only gets about 3 hours max of direct sunlight. Can snow peas be grown in a hanging garden to give them more sunlight? Not that there's much at this time of the year. Hank.
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04 Aug 11, georgi (Australia - tropical climate)
just try it and see :) i'm growing them in qld tropics despite it not reccomended ;)
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29 May 11, Aliza (Australia - temperate climate)
How do I treat the spotting on my snow Peas, they are about 8 inches high, and how much sun do they need.
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30 Mar 11, Sarah (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I used an old faux iron shelf unit, about 4 feet tall and wide and added rungs of wire vertically and horizontally. Snow peas are beautifully lush and are growing really well but no flowers as yet. Is there anything I can add to encourage flowers?
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21 May 11, john (Australia - temperate climate)
potash encourages flowering
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23 Mar 11, (Australia - temperate climate)
how much sunlight do snow peas need?
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09 Aug 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
the more sunlight in the winter is very good for snow peas
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Showing 141 - 150 of 188 comments
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The cooler the better for snow peas. Mine are 5 ft tall and no flowers at 7 weeks grown from seeds from last years crop. Drops to 9c at night and July august is 0-6. Dosen't faze them.Good rich soil with blood and bone and a bit of ozmacote and seaweed fertilizer gets them going like beasts. I was still picking heaps of peas in September last year. good stringing and trellis is very important. once they are going only the possums will stop them.They are a tougher plant than they look.

- Craig

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