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

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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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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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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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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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23 Aug 11, PEGGY (Australia - temperate climate)
I've just started sowing snow peas (late August). Do you think it is too late? I added some chicken manure to the soil hoping it will grow well and produce good peas. What is your opinion?
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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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29 Aug 11, Georgi (Australia - tropical climate)
Peas and beans don't need rich fertilizers. Too much nitrogen will kill them.
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Showing 41 - 50 of 188 comments
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I am growing some Chinese peas. Plants are about 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall. But no flowers . Any advice.

- Jean Shitabata

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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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