Sugar peas, often sold as “sugar snap peas,” are a popular cool-season crop for the home garden. They are a hybrid created by crossing the flat-podded snow pea with the round-podded garden pea, resulting in a sweet, thick-walled, and crunchy edible pod. Unlike shelling peas, the entire sugar pea pod is eaten, offering a crisp texture and high sugar content. These vigorous vining plants are relatively simple to cultivate, making them an excellent choice for gardeners seeking an early-season harvest.
Preparing the Planting Location
Sugar peas are a cool-weather annual, so planting must be done as soon as the soil is workable in early spring. The ideal period is generally four to six weeks before the last expected frost, as the plants can tolerate a light frost. They perform best when temperatures are between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and stop producing when the weather becomes too hot.
The planting location should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day, though they can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates. Proper soil preparation is necessary, as peas require well-draining soil to prevent issues like root rot. Amending the site with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, improves aeration and provides essential nutrients. Sugar peas prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
Sowing and Spacing Requirements
The most reliable method for starting sugar peas is direct sowing into the garden bed, as they do not transplant well due to root sensitivity. To encourage faster germination, soak the seeds in water for twelve to twenty-four hours before planting. This softens the tough outer seed coat, allowing the seed to absorb water more readily.
Many gardeners coat the seeds with a nitrogen-fixing inoculant, a powdery material containing Rhizobium bacteria. This beneficial bacteria colonizes the pea roots, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for the plant, which enhances growth. This is highly recommended if peas have not been grown in the area before. The proper planting depth is about one to two inches deep.
Planting seeds close together is beneficial, with the ideal spacing being about two to four inches apart within the row. If planting in multiple rows, leave eighteen to twenty-four inches between each row for trellising and adequate air circulation. Peas are often planted in double rows, with the seeds placed on either side of the planned support structure. Avoid planting when the soil is still too cold, as this can slow germination and increase the risk of the seeds rotting.
Providing Trellis Support and Watering
Most sugar pea varieties are vigorous climbers that develop long vines, sometimes reaching six to eight feet in height, requiring a sturdy support system. Providing a trellis keeps the vines and developing pods off the ground, which improves air circulation and prevents disease. Install the support structure, such as netting, wire mesh, or a bamboo teepee, at the time of planting to prevent accidental damage to the roots later on.
The pea plants climb by extending delicate tendrils that wrap around supports. For best results, ensure the trellis is positioned so the plants receive maximum sunlight, often running from north to south. Consistent moisture is necessary for healthy growth, but the soil should never become waterlogged, which is a common cause of pea failure.
Water the seeds thoroughly immediately after planting, but avoid watering again for a few days to prevent rotting. Once the plants have sprouted, they need consistent irrigation, typically about one inch of water per week. This is especially important as they begin to flower and the pods start to fill. Allowing the soil to dry out will stress the plants and reduce the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Harvesting and Storing Sugar Peas
Sugar peas are typically ready for harvest about sixty days after planting, though the exact time varies by cultivar. The pods are ready to pick when they have plumped up and the small peas inside have begun to swell, but before the pod becomes tough or pale. Unlike snow peas, which are harvested when flat, sugar snap peas should have a rounded, full appearance.
The most effective action to ensure a prolonged and abundant harvest is to pick the pods frequently. Harvesting the mature pods every one to two days signals the plant to continue producing more flowers and fruit. Use sharp pruners or scissors to snip the pod cleanly from the vine, cutting just above the calyx. Avoid pulling on the pod, which can damage the delicate vine.
Freshly harvested sugar peas are best consumed immediately for the sweetest flavor and crunch. For short-term storage, keep the peas unwashed and dry in a perforated bag in the refrigerator for a few days. If a large quantity is harvested, they can be blanched briefly and then frozen for longer preservation.