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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
23 Jul 21, Garry Searle (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
But this occurs in all seasons I was wondering if I am overwatering or underwatering
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02 Jun 21, Tom (Australia - temperate climate)
Do I need vegetable dust to protect snow peas?
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14 Jun 21, John Mauger (Australia - temperate climate)
peas are relatively pest resistant apart from, perhaps, slugs. The main problem you can have with peas is Powdery Mildew, a white powder on the leaves. This can be controlled with a fungicide or with a spray made from 10% milk (any sort) in water. This spray is used by organic growers.. Trust this helps
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20 Feb 21, Jean Shitabata (USA - Zone 12a climate)
I am growing some Chinese peas. Plants are about 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall. But no flowers . Any advice.
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22 Feb 21, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
Depends what variety they are - some don't flower until 4-5' some about 3'. I grow Oregon Giant .
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31 Aug 20, Mandy (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Are snow peas better to be staked and do they grow up tall like beans or not so high? (Gardenate : see info here /www.gardenate.com/plant/Snow Peas?zone=5 )
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01 Sep 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
There are snow peas that can grow over 2m tall. Then there are some that grow to 1.2-1.5m. In sub tropical Australia I grow Giant Oregon, to about 1.2-1.5m. Good heavy producer. You need to build a trellis for them to grow on. I have 2 posts 2.4m apart and 1.8m out of the ground. A cross beam at the top to stop them falling inwards. I use chicken wire as my trellis. Plant about 15 peas each side of the wire. Then I put 3-4 stakes (15-18mm square) on each side. I then wrap cord/twine/?? around the stakes and posts, each 150-200mm up the posts, for the plant to grip onto.
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25 Aug 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am having trouble with leaf curl and a whitish mottling on some of the leaves. I am using a quality vegetable growing soil mix. Any ideas as to why?
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26 Aug 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google leaf curl snow peas. Look for comment by harvesttotable.
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08 Aug 20, Lalitah (Australia - temperate climate)
Growing peas this year(snow,sugar snap and green peas) Why they are having flowers but no fruits? There are some small fruits but mature. Do they needs bees to pollinate?
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Showing 11 - 20 of 215 comments
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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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