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 New Zealand - cool/mountain 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

Your comments and tips

02 May 20, Simon (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi They will grow in winter, but not where there are hard frosts. If you get heavy frost wait till the threat of them is over.
15 Dec 11, Cygnetian (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Following the planting month advice above for my region, I planted snowpeas last September (or possibly October) and have just had to pull them all out as they developed a bad case of powdery mildew. Upon further reading elsewhere, this makes sense, as snow peas are not meant to be grown in hot weather, and it is now summer. Given that they are harvestable in 3-4 months, I think the absolute latest that one should sow them is August (in this region). They could possibly be sown as early as February and March, though. Another useful bit of advice I discovered was to completely avoid foliar watering, since snow peas are so susceptible to fungal diseases.
17 Mar 12, Abe (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Powdery mildew can be a problem if you water from above, wetting the foliage in the process. But yes, it does seem a bit late in the year. I've never started them as early as Feb in Canberra though.
15 Dec 11, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
If this is a common experience, the dates will be adjusted. Remember that there are variations in the climate from year to year, and the planting dates are recommendations only.
07 May 12, Cygnetian (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I suggest adding something like "water the roots only, avoid wetting the leaves and stems" to the tips section, too.
07 May 12, Cygnetian (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
The Peter Cundall site recommends sowing snow peas (in a cool climate) only in August. I might experiment with a few months before that as well, since I have plenty of seeds. (And avoid foliar watering, of course.)
02 Nov 11, Cynthia Bateman (Australia - temperate climate)
My sugar snap pea plants are not a healthy green, tend to be very pale. They are about 4" high and growing in a self watering pot. They were planted beginning of October. I have been feeding them fortnightly with Seasol. Does anyone have any ideas as to how I can improve their growth?
19 Oct 11, Rachel (Australia - temperate climate)
I grew some snow peas during the winter but while there was plenty of leave we got few peas. Any ideas on how to produce more snowpeas
10 Mar 13, GreatPeaFarmer (Australia - temperate climate)
you can buy em from coles.
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?
Showing 151 - 160 of 215 comments

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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. GardenGrow 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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