Sugar Snap Pea
Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon
vegetableSugar snap peas are edible-pod peas eaten whole, combining the plump sweetness of a shelling pea with a crisp, stringless pod when young. Climbing vines crop heavily in cool weather, and the sweet, crunchy pods are a favorite for fresh snacking, salads, and quick stir-fries.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 3 days
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Harvest
~65 days
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Difficulty
easy
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Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
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Spacing
2-3 in. apart
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Planting Depth
1-1.5 in.
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Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Growing Details
Soil Type
Well-drained
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 9
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
Little needed; the plant fixes its own nitrogen
Fertilizer
Low-nitrogen (5-10-10) if any
🌱 Growing Guide
A frost-hardy cool-season crop, sow as early as the soil can be worked, since summer heat ends production; peas grow best between 55 and 65F. Provide a trellis or netting for the tendrils, and because peas fix their own nitrogen, avoid heavy fertilizer. Keep moisture steady through flowering and pod fill, and sow again 55 to 70 days before the first frost for a fall crop.
Planting Calendar
Sign in to personalize →spring planting
🌿
Direct sow
Mar 18
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Projected first harvest
May 22
fall planting
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Direct sow
Aug 4
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Projected first harvest
Oct 8
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Carrots — Different root zones share space well
- Radishes — Quick interplant that loosens the soil
- Sweet Alyssum — Draws hoverflies and beneficial wasps
- Mint (in pots nearby) — Said to deter aphids
❌ Keep away from
OnionsGarlic
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Encourage ladybugs and lacewings with flowering companions; rinse colonies off
Give airflow with a trellis, water at the base, and space plants
🌾 Harvest & storage
Pick when the pods are plump and nearly filled with peas but still bright, glossy, and tender, sampling often as they mature and before they turn starchy. Frequent picking keeps the vines producing.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Sugar snap peas are low in calories and a good source of vitamin C, with one cup providing roughly half to two-thirds of a day's worth, plus vitamin K, folate, fiber, and some plant protein and iron.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.