Snow Peas: A planting and care guide

Last Updated on: 18th October 2023, 02:33 pm

Sugar snaps are so tasty for a cool-season garden.

Snow peas, also known as Chinese peas or sugar snap peas, are a tasty and nutritious addition to any cool-weather garden. They are easy to grow and make an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. 

In this growing guide, we will go over all that you need to know to grow your snow peas, including the description of the plant, how to care for them, the Latin name, the USDA growing zone, when to plant snow peas, and the nutrition of snow peas.

About Snow Peas 

The Latin name for snow peas is Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon. Snow peas are a cool-season crop and can be grown in USDA growing zones 3-9.

Snow peas are a fast-growing vine that can grow up to six feet long. They have green leaves and small white flowers. The edible part of the Chinese pea plant is the immature pod, which is crisp and sweet. These pods are a type of pea harvested before the seeds inside the pod fully develop. They are the most delicious raw or cooked briefly to preserve their crunchy texture and sweet flavor.

The Wonderful Nutrition of Sugar Snaps

Snow peas are an excellent source of nutrition. They are low in calories and also high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to lose weight. They are also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron minerals. These yummy vegetables are also high in antioxidants, which help to protect the body from harm caused by free radicals.

When and How to Plant Sugar Snap Peas

You can seed Chinese peas as early as the soil thaws in the spring, usually four to six weeks ahead of the last expected frost date. Alternatively, you can seed them in the fall, two to three months before the first frost date.

These veggie plants are easy to care for, but there are a few things to remember.

• They prefer well-drained soil with a pH somewhere between 6.0 and 6.8.
• They also like plenty of sunlight, so plant them in an area with at least six hours of full sunshine per day.
• Plant sugar snap seeds an inch deep and two to three inches apart in rows two to three feet apart. Thin seedlings to three to four inches apart when they are two to three inches tall.
• They break through the ground quickly, maturing in around 65 days. Please keep your eyes open for them to emerge from their cozy nest of soil in seven to ten days.

How to Care for Snow Peas

Here are the few things you must do to ensure these tender spring veggies thrive:

• Water your tender plants regularly, but be careful not to over-water them. Snow peas are not drought-tolerant and need to be kept evenly moist. 
• Fertilize your snow peas once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
• To help your in-season peas grow strong and healthy, support the vines by tying them to a trellis or stake. This structure will keep them off the ground and allow for better air circulation, reducing disease risk.

The Takeaway: Chinese Peas Are Delicious, Nutritious, and Oh So Easy to Grow!

Growing snow peas is easy and rewarding. You can enjoy these tasty and nutritious plants in your backyard with care and attention. You may eat them raw or lightly cooked. Or, you can put them to use in your favorite recipes. This little green veggie is a superb addition to any sunny springtime or fall garden.

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