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 S S        
      T T T T T T      
      P P P P P P      

(Best months for growing Snow Peas in Australia - temperate 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

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
12 Feb 14, Kit Kat (Australia - temperate climate)
Why cant they grow with chives?
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27 Jan 14, mick (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
the frosts start here mid april and can be constant when should i plant snow peas
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10 Dec 13, Kitty (Australia - temperate climate)
And don't throw the snow pea leaves away- delicious sauteed with garlic!
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06 Oct 13, Tiffany (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi all, Does anyone have any experience growing in SEQLD in spring? Will it definitely be too hot or is it worth a try? I was thinking of putting them in the shade of my corn so they wouldn't get much direct sun. Thanks :-)
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24 Aug 13, craig (Australia - temperate climate)
let a few snow peas go until the pods are ready to open as this is naturally how they reproduce. replanting peas from a successful plant gives 10 times better seedlings than mass produced seedling factory types. The new plants are produced from a plant in that soil and climate not a greenhouse in another state. Try not to use any pesticides and hang a couple of mothballs to keep possums away. liquid fertiliser once a week is a certain winner.
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01 Jul 13, Martin (Australia - temperate climate)
Planted snow peas in May growing great. Vines are favourites of my chooks. Lots of white flowers little pods. When do pods start appearing? Also looking at getting some seeds for next year. How do I do that?
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02 Jul 13, Germaine (Australia - arid climate)
I grow them yearly, just keep some of the peas and dry them out and plant again next year, it works for me
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18 Jun 13, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
Planted snow peas live in dandynong area but after 2+ monts still small at 1 foot is this normal just a beginner help
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11 May 13, Mike Croshaw (Australia - temperate climate)
Do snow peas require potash?
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28 Apr 13, Kris (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi We live in Perth and have just planted snow peas for the first time. The plants are still quite small (under 30cm) and the first one has a flower. We were wondering whether we should pinch it out and allow the plant to put its energy into growing more before it puts it into the peas? Looking forward to your reply. Thanks. Kris
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Showing 101 - 110 of 188 comments
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This is a somewhat late reply I'm afraid but it may help you in the coming 2021 year. Peas are just pollinated by wind so bees are not required. Giving the flowers a little shake after they form may help but this is unlikely to be your issue if your peas are not very well wind shielded. Mostly I would be concerned that you are posting this in August (peak frost time!) As I understand pea flowers will go sterile if the flowers are hit by frost. I think that this web site is incorrect in advising people to plant peas as early as April. I would recommend not putting peas in the ground any earlier than June. My wife loves peas and so I plant peas twice a year to maximize yield. I put one set down in July and another in September.

- Richard

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