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
14 May 17, Lizi Hofer (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Darren, They are about 1 month old.
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14 May 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Liz, A dose of potash might encourage some early flowering, otherwise they should flower in time.
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17 May 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I had a bit of the same problem this year. Normally I have flowers when the plants are 2' high. Didn't get them this year until 3-4' high'. Had to replant most of them - birds eat them so I put up netting - they grew a bit spindly. Had heaps of rain in March so hit them up with a bit more fertilizer. And the weather changed from day temps of 32-34 to 25-27C. They are now on their way to the moon - first few are 7' high now. I'm picking peas now. I would say I over fertilised them.
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20 May 17, Lizi Hofer (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
thank you.
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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.
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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.
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20 Dec 16, Beverley stowe (Australia - temperate climate)
What PH reading do Snow Peas prefer please? Thank you, Beverley.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Showing 61 - 70 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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