GROW GUIDE

Sugar Snap Peas

Pisum sativum

Plant Description

Sugar Snap Peas

A crisp, vibrant legume recognized for its plump, podded shape, with a smooth, slightly curved exterior that snaps cleanly when broken.

This garden favorite, a hybrid of snow and garden peas, is prized for its sweet, juicy crunch, making it a refreshing addition to both raw and cooked dishes.

Gardening Level: easy

Quick Facts:

  • Sun Requirements

    Full Sun

  • Days To Sprout

    7-10 Days

  • Days To Harvest

    55-70 Days

  • Plant Spacing

    2-3"

  • Seeds Per Hole

    2

  • Planting Depth

    1"

Best Planting Locations

  • Garden Beds

    Perfect for ample space, ensuring deep, well-drained soil for strong root development.

  • Trellised Areas

    Ideal for vertical growth, providing support for climbing vines and maximizing garden space.

  • Raised Beds

    Offer excellent drainage and soil control, promoting healthy, robust plants.

  • Cool-Weather Zones

    Best suited for areas with moderate temperatures, thriving in the early spring or fall.

Getting Started

  • 1

    Find the Spot

    Sugar snap peas thrive in cooler weather with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Select a spot with some protection from harsh winds to support the climbing vines.

  • 2

    Prep the Soil & Fertilizer

    Use well-draining, loose soil rich in organic matter and mix in some compost. To boost growth, incorporate a balanced fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.

  • 3

    Plant the Seeds

    Plant 2 seeds or 1 seedling 1 inch deep in soil or pots. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, during germination, and ensure the temperature stays between 50° to 70° F.

    Once seedlings emerge, thin them to about 2–3 inches apart.

Good Neighbors:

  • Cucumber:

    Thrive in the same growing conditions and can share a trellis system

  • Lettuce:

    Benefits from the pea's shade and added nitrogen; lettuce helps suppress weeds

  • Mint:

    Mint improves health and flavor

  • Radish:

    Help deter pests like aphids and beetles

Enemy Plants:

  • Onion, Garlic & Fennel:

    Can stunt growth of peas

  • Tomato:

    Attracts similar pests

Attractants:

  • Aphids, Spider Mites, Slugs & Weevils:

    Feed on the sugar snap pea leaves and sap

Repellents:

  • No known repellents

Best Time to Plant

USDA Hardiness Zones

Day to Day Maintenance

  • Watering

    Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy. They thrive with consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod formation, but avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot.

  • Support

    As the vines grow, provide a trellis or other support to keep the plants upright and off the ground. This helps prevent disease and encourages better air circulation around the leaves and pods.

The Harvest

  • Gathering

    Harvest sugar snap peas when the pods are plump, bright green, and tender, but before the peas inside become too large or starchy. Picking regularly encourages more production.

  • Extra Tip

    For the best flavor and texture, harvest in the early morning when the sugars in the pods are at their peak.

Favorite Uses

  • Snacking

  • Stir-fries

  • Salad

  • Soup

  • Sautéed

How to Store

  • Room Temperature

    • Duration: 1-2 days
    • Location: Keep the jar on a countertop away from direct sunlight
    • Method: Place freshly harvested sugar snap peas in a breathable container like a paper bag or shallow bowl. This helps maintain their crisp texture. Avoid sealing in plastic, as it can cause condensation and lead to spoilage.

  • Refrigeration

    • Duration: Up to 1 week
    • Location: Store in the vegetable drawer
    • Method: Keep peas in a perforated plastic bag or container to allow air circulation. Avoid washing them before storing to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause mold.

  • Freezing

    • Duration: 6-12 months
    • Location: Store in the freezer
    • Method: Blanch sugar snap peas briefly in boiling water, then transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, pat dry and spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps maintain their flavor and texture.

  • Drying

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Warm, dry, and well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight
    • Method: For long-term storage, sugar snap peas can be dehydrated using a food dehydrator or an oven set to low heat. Store the dried peas in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

Fun Facts

  • Sweet & Crunchy Snack

    Sugar snap peas are a cross between garden peas and snow peas, offering a perfectly crisp texture and a naturally sweet flavor.

  • Lucky Legumes

    In some cultures, peas symbolize prosperity and good fortune, making them a common ingredient in New Year's dishes.

  • Climbing High

    Sugar snap pea plants love to climb! Given the right support, they can grow over six feet tall, producing an abundant harvest.

  • Fresh from the Pod

    Unlike garden peas, sugar snap peas have entirely edible pods, making them a convenient, no-waste snack straight from the vine.