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

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17 Jun 15, harriet (Australia - temperate climate)
what are the pests for snowpeas???????????????
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27 Apr 15, Ziggy (Australia - temperate climate)
Are snow peas easy to grow
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27 Aug 15, david (Australia - temperate climate)
Easy peasy, pardon the pun. Support when young and keep rows at least 450 mm apart so you can find the peas before they mature. Good luck.
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27 Apr 15, Dee (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Ziggy Yes, they're very easy to grow although you need to make sure they have enough ventilation as they can easily get white powdery mildew (I think that's what it's called). They come up pretty quickly too which I always find exciting. I soak my seeds in warm water overnight before I plant them. Happy growing!
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06 Mar 15, Lois Hermiston (Australia - temperate climate)
I have just removed tomato plants and am wondering if I can put snow peas in the same plot. Is there a hint as to how to prepare the soil? I know with Sweet Peas the soil needs some Lime. Is it the same with edible peas?
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06 Oct 14, Craig (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How do I store the seeds for next winter ? They are currently still in the pods, looking half green to pale green. Some with mould on them.
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29 Aug 14, josie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I planted peas before the winter its now end of August and there are no pod on them,the plant looks ok with lots of foliage , some are wilting and dying the base are brown i've scattered some fresh soil on the base to see if that would help the fruiting, we had a lot of rain. Pls what am i doing wrong.
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16 Aug 14, christy (Australia - temperate climate)
I am doing my first box of snow peas, there were going ok till a few days back when I noticed they look like they are dying from the roots up slowly. what is happening? I am not over watering or underwatering. what do I do to get them to stay alive?
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17 Aug 14, Bob (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have a look at your potting mix. Most commercial mixes hold so much water your plants are rotting. Take a hand full out and squeeze it and you will see. I am having the same problem with seed raising mixture. Will be making my own from now on
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15 Aug 14, Robert Bills (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try putting peas under damp bag and let them sprout before planting. Will increase germination.
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Showing 101 - 110 of 215 comments
See comments for all plants

Snow peas grow fast - my kids LOVE them because of this. TIP: Make sure you have a trellace or something for them to climb on right away because if they don't have anywhere to climb, they will start to become really "sad". Also - roots can go VERY deep, so make sure there's room downwards as well. I used to pot them, but learned quickly that the roots travel too far for small pots.

- Annalisa

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