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 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

30 Apr 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Emily, you can plant some right now (April/May) in Melbourne
10 May 10, nicole (Australia - temperate climate)
i have a few snow peas growing they dont seem to be flowering how do i promote the flowering they r about 1mtr tall on support wire ( protected from wind get a couple hours sun in the morning well looked after ) im 1 half hours north of perth
12 May 10, sara (Australia - temperate climate)
They might need to just grow a bit longer. A bit too late for you, but a pinch or two of potash in the trench when you plant is good for peas.
19 May 10, Annaliese (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, pot ash from a fire? Or can you buy this from a nursery?
21 May 10, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Annaliese, Potash (mostly potassium carbonate) from a nursery is what I use. A bag will last for years unless you grow 'commercial quantities' of peas.
17 May 10, pauline ferguson (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
is it ok to use fertilizer such as worm wee.ie from a worm farm and then water it down to 1in 10 dilution or is this too strong
18 May 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I always heard that diluting to 'weak tea' colour is the way to go. Admittedly I drink tea quite strong so I expect I don't dilute enough, but they seem to survive.
19 May 10, Annaliese (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I use the liquid from my worm farm at a 1 to 8 dilution on my vegetable garden which seems to work quite well. With my indoor tropical plants I can use the liquid straight. - Annaliese
22 May 10, Jessica (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, I just recently moved into a house with an established vegie garden and there are snow peas in there. I was wondering whether to remove them now and sow next year or keep them for a second year as they are? thanks.
23 May 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Snow peas should grow well through the winter so if they are fairly young plants then I would keep them. If they've already finished podding then rip them out.
Showing 11 - 20 of 188 comments

As with all legumes, snow peas host beneficial bacteria, rhizobia, that fixes nitrogen in the soil — this is called a mutualistic relationship and are therefore a useful companion plant, especially useful to grow intercropped with green, leafy vegetables that benefit from high nitrogen content in their soil. (wikipedia)

- Jeneara

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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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