Ive always loved growing my own food, and growing sugar snap peas has been a delightful addition to my garden and our kitchen. That snap and crunch you get when biting into them, with their refreshing sweet taste, is indeed a fun moment!
Sugar snap peas are a cool-season crop and an annual vegetable, meaning they complete their life cycle in a year. These charming vining plants not only offer delicious pods but also add a touch of lush greenery to any garden space.
Let me share my experience growing sugar snap peas, from planting to harvesting, so you can also grow your own!
Sugar snap peas are a garden favorite for many reasons – they are easy to grow, versatile in the kitchen, and delightfully sweet and crunchy. If you’ve been looking for a new vegetable to add to your garden, sugar snap peas are a great option. In this complete guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to grow a bountiful crop of sugar snap peas.
Sugar snap peas are a hybrid variety of garden pea. They have plump, edible pods like snow peas, but with a sweet flavor more like English peas The entire pod is eaten, unlike standard peas which must be shelled
Sugar snap peas first appeared in 1979, when Calvin Lamborn crossed snow peas with shelling peas. His goal was to create a pea with the best traits of both – the edible pod of snow peas and the sweetness of English peas. The resulting sugar snap pea combined these desired characteristics and quickly became a hit with home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
These peas are now a staple of spring gardens. They are also increasingly popular at farmers markets and grocery stores. Their crunchy texture and sweet flavor make them ideal for eating raw or lightly cooked. Sugar snap peas can be stir fried, steamed sautéed, or added to salads. Their versatility in the kitchen is one reason why they are so popular to grow.
When and Where to Plant Sugar Snap Peas
Sugar snap peas thrive in cool weather They can tolerate light frosts, so they are usually one of the first crops planted in spring. The ideal soil temperature for germination is 45-75°F
In most climates, sugar snaps can be planted 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. They take 50-70 days to mature, so time your planting accordingly. If you have a short growing season, choose an early-maturing pea variety.
Sugar snap peas need full sun – at least 6 hours per day. They prefer nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Avoid planting in soggy spots. Amend clay soils with compost to improve drainage before planting.
You can grow sugar snap peas in garden beds, containers, or raised beds. Give them vertical support like a trellis so the vines can climb upwards as they grow.
How to Plant Sugar Snap Peas
Sugar snap peas can be planted from seed or transplanted. Direct sowing is recommended as peas dislike being transplanted.
To direct sow:
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Prepare your planting area and add trellising if needed. Peas like loose, fertile soil amended with compost.
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Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows spaced 1-2 feet apart.
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Water well after planting and keep the soil moist. Germination takes 7-14 days in optimal soil temperatures.
To transplant:
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Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before your last frost date.
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Transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening them off for 7-10 days. Take care not to damage the fragile root system.
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Space transplants 6 inches apart in rows 1-2 feet apart. Water transplants daily for the first week after transplanting.
Caring for Sugar Snap Peas
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Water peas regularly, especially during flowering and pod set. Mature plants are drought tolerant.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer or organic compost when plants are 4-6 inches tall. Side dress again when pods start to form.
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Install trellises and teepees when plants are 4-6 inches tall. This supports the climbing vines.
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Weed weekly to prevent weeds from crowding out peas. Mulch also suppresses weeds.
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Scout for aphids, Japanese beetles, and other pests. Remove by hand or use insecticidal soap if needed.
Harvesting Sugar Snap Peas
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Begin harvesting once pods fill out, but before peas start to bulge inside the pods. Pods should snap crisply when picked.
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Pick every 2-3 days to encourage more pod production. Don’t let pods overmature on the vines.
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Use scissors or your fingers to snip pods from the vine. Handle carefully to avoid bruising.
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Stop harvesting once hot summer weather arrives. Remove plants once production declines.
Store freshly picked sugar snap peas in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Tips for Maximizing Your Sugar Snap Pea Harvest
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Choose disease-resistant varieties if peas struggle in your area. Heat and disease tolerance are especially important.
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Don’t let peas dry out. Water deeply once or twice a week if rain is lacking.
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Feed plants with compost tea or fish emulsion when blooms appear. This boosts pod production.
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Pick pods as soon as they are plump and crisp. Don’t wait until peas bulge inside pods.
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Plant an early crop in spring then again in late summer for fall harvest. Staggered plantings extend the harvest.
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Grow peas where they will receive some afternoon shade in hot climates. Provide shade with row covers if needed.
With proper planting and care, sugar snap peas are easy for beginners and provide very productive yields. Their sweet flavor and satisfying crunch make them a treat to grow and eat. Follow this guide to success with sugar snap peas in your own garden!
How to grow sugar Snap Peas
Growing sugar snap peas is very simple. You can simply directly sow them in your garden beds.
I start by soaking the seeds overnight to speed up germination. Just before planting, you can also dust the seeds with an inoculant that helps with the formation of nitrogen-producing nodules on the plant roots and improves crop production.
Types of Snap Peas to Consider
There are a few varieties of snap peas to choose from, each with its unique characteristics.
Climbing Vine: Can grow up to 6-feet
Harvest Time: Also quick with 58 days to maturity
Flavor: Extra sweet with long pods.
Yield: High production with many seeds.
Growth: Dwarf variety.
Harvest Time: Quick to mature (51 days).
Space: Ideal for small gardens or containers.
Resistance: Disease-resistant.
Taste: Reliable and delicious.
Peas Little Marvel is my absolute FAVORITE variety. I get it from Baker Creek Seeds. I love it because they are tiny pods and have the perfect crunch. Sugar Daddy Snap is another favorite variety of mine. Extra yummy and crunchy!
Want To Grow Sugar Snap Peas? My Tips
FAQ
Do sugar snap peas need to climb?
Though bush peas are only 2 to 3 feet tall, they will flop on the ground if you don’t give them something to climb on. Climbing peas may reach 6 to 8 feet tall and they need a sturdy trellis. Peas climb with 1″ tendrils that they wrap around anything that’s less than about a quarter inch.
Do sugar snap peas grow well in containers?
Some favorite types of peas for container gardening include: Sugar snap peas. English peas (including the ‘Little Marvel,’ ‘Tom Thumb,’ and ‘Early Frosty’ varietals) Snow peas.
Do sugar snap peas like sun or shade?
Snap peas thrive in full sun, so choose a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates, which can help prevent the plants from overheating and improve pod quality.
How do you grow sugar snap peas?
Look for sugar snap pea cultivars at your local gardening center, greenhouse, or plant nursery. If garden space is at a premium, you might fare better with a vining type. Since these grow more upright, they’ll take up less overall space. Plant the seeds in 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil.
Are peas high in protein?
Peas are a great vegetarian or vegan protein source. Per 100g of peas, it contains 5g of protein. This is not necessarily high in protein because if compared to something like chicken, there is 27g of protein per 100g. Peas do contain protein but are not necessarily high in protein.
Are sugar snap peas easy to grow?
Sugar snap peas are easy and delicious garden crops. And they’re wicked easy to grow! Here’s why. Peas need fewer fertilizers than other crops. They’re also famous for their resilience. They rarely suffer from any insect pests. And we’ve never lost our pea harvest due to disease or blight.
How to plant sugar snap peas in early spring?
How To Plant Sugar Snap Peas In Early Spring – Why You Need To Plant Early! Sugar snap peas are not only one of the easiest of all vegetables to plant and grow – they also happen to be one of the first vegetables you need to plant in the early spring – all by simply directly sowing seeds right into the cool soil!
Why should you grow sugar snap peas?
Larry aims to share his vast knowledge in the field of gardening and create a one-stop shop for all gardening information and needs. Growing sugar snap peas is a delightful venture that rewards you with sweet, crunchy pods, perfect for munching both raw and cooked.
How do I choose a sugar snap pea plant?
When selecting sugar snap pea varieties for starting indoors, go for types that: Mature quickly – Look for varieties that ripen in 60 days or less. Are compact – Dwarf and bush types are best suited for transplanting. Have disease resistance – This avoids problems and stresses after transplanting.