The Sugar Ann snap pea variety is a popular choice for home gardeners. This plant is known for its early maturity, often producing one of the first harvests of the spring season. The variety is also prized for its tender, crisp, and exceptionally sweet pods.
Defining the Sugar Ann Pea’s Growth Habit
The Sugar Ann snap pea is classified as a dwarf or bush-type variety, meaning it has a significantly shorter and more compact structure than traditional vining peas. This plant’s mature height generally falls within a range of 18 to 24 inches, or about 45 to 60 centimeters, making it highly manageable in small garden spaces. Unlike tall vining cultivars that can reach six feet or more, the Sugar Ann’s modest stature is a result of selective breeding for a shorter, more concentrated growth pattern.
The plant’s short stems and compact growth habit mean it puts less energy into climbing and more into pod production. It is a stringless pea, simplifying harvest and consumption. The Sugar Ann variety is frequently recommended for container gardening or raised beds where vertical space is limited.
Support Needs and Trellising
Because the Sugar Ann pea is a dwarf variety, it possesses a naturally self-supporting structure that eliminates the need for tall trellises. Gardeners do not typically need to install vertical netting or six-foot stakes, which are required for taller, vining pea types. The plant’s short vines are robust enough to hold their own weight and the weight of the developing pods without collapsing.
However, a minimal amount of support can be beneficial to keep the plants tidy and healthy. If the pea patch is exposed to frequent high winds or heavy rainfall, the plants can sometimes be pushed onto the soil. Placing short stakes or a low, simple pea fence around the perimeter, perhaps 12 to 18 inches high, helps prevent the bush from sprawling onto the ground. Keeping the foliage and pods slightly elevated promotes better air circulation and reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases.
Optimal Planting Density
The bush growth habit of the Sugar Ann pea allows for a more intensive planting strategy compared to the wide spacing needed for tall vining peas. Seeds should be planted approximately one to two inches deep into the prepared soil. This depth ensures good contact with the soil moisture needed for reliable germination.
The close in-row spacing is a direct consequence of the plant’s dwarf nature, as individual plants do not require much horizontal space for their root systems or foliage. Seeds should be spaced about one to two inches apart within the row. This close planting encourages the plants to slightly lean on each other for mutual support, creating a dense, productive row.
For the space between rows, a distance of 18 to 24 inches is sufficient to allow for gardener access and proper air circulation. While some vining peas require up to 36 inches between rows, the compact size of Sugar Ann means a narrower pathway is possible. This efficient use of space is one of the main appeals of growing a dwarf variety, as it allows for a higher concentration of plants in a limited garden plot.