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
  • Snow Pea on plant (commons.wikimedia.org - JS - CC BY-SA 3.0)

They are similar to garden peas but have a softer pod.

Snow peas are best grown in cooler seasons. They need some support when growing, tree prunings with lots of small twigs are a cheap and handy source. Or else strings between posts or wire netting. Peas need tying in the early stages, until they start producing tendrils and clinging to the support.

Will not grow well in hot weather. Protect seeds from birds and mice. Pick early and often before the pods become tough.

Start in pots in frost prone areas.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Snow Peas

Cook whole or eat raw in salads

Your comments and tips

04 Jan 23, Fred R soto (USA - Zone 12a climate)
We love Chinese cuisine and have moved to Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico. It is in Zone 12A. We e have cool nights (low 60F) and our patio has areas when it is never in full sun. Is it possible to grow snow peas here. I ask because we are not allowed to bring in seeds into the country and getting them from any source is as much as $50USD for even a packet of 20 to 50 seeds. Thanks in advance.
05 Jan 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Plants need sunlight and generally plenty of it.
08 Jul 22, Betty Brady (USA - Zone 2a climate)
When can sugar peas be planted in central Mississippi?
29 Mar 19, Jacqueline Burel (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Can seeds for sugar snow peas be planted in april?
31 Mar 19, liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
They like cool weather to grow well, so April might be a bit late in your zone.
19 Mar 11, Ray Wilson (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Desert climate. Sun exposed parsley grows through fall, winter & spring. Will planting parsley in shaded area during summer/hot 110 degrees temperatures help or will the heat destroy plant? Geraniums will not normally survive the summer months in shade or sun exposure.
19 Mar 11, Ray Wilson (USA - Zone 8a climate)
How soon can seedlings/sprouts be fertilized to encourage growth? The soil here on the desert is sandy and lacks nutrient. Planted seeds two weeks ago and plants are now 1 1/2 inches tall.

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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