The Sugar Daddy pea is a popular variety of snap pea, known for its sweetness and ease of preparation. Unlike many other pea types, this cultivar is stringless, meaning the fibrous seam along the pod does not need to be removed before eating. This semi-dwarf plant produces an abundance of curved, plump pods, offering a satisfying crunch and a burst of natural sugar. Successfully growing this cool-season crop requires recognizing the precise moment the pods are at their peak flavor.
Identifying Peak Readiness
The ideal harvest time balances sweetness and texture, usually occurring 60 to 70 days after planting, though visual cues are more accurate than calendar dates. The pods should be a vibrant, deep green color and appear plump and firm when gently squeezed. The sweet spot is when the peas inside have fully developed, but before they start to bulge visibly against the pod walls. If the outline of individual peas is clear, the pod has passed its prime, and the sugars will begin converting to starch, resulting in a less sweet flavor. Best-tasting pods are about three inches long, showing glossy skin and a crisp snap when broken.
Proper Harvesting Technique
The best flavor is preserved by harvesting the peas in the morning, before the heat of the day causes the plant to use up some of its sugar reserves. Proper technique is necessary to avoid damaging the delicate vine, which can cause the plant to stop producing new flowers and pods. It is recommended to use two hands for picking: one hand should firmly hold the vine, while the other gently snaps or twists the ripe pod free at its stem. A safer method is to use small scissors or snips to cut the pod free, eliminating the risk of tearing the fragile vine from the trellis or support structure. Regular, gentle picking secures the best flavor and also encourages the plant to continue flowering and producing new pods.
Maximizing Yield and Flavor
Consistent and frequent harvesting is the most effective way to maximize the overall yield from your Sugar Daddy pea plants throughout the season. When ripe pods are left on the vine, the plant signals that its reproductive cycle is complete, which slows down or stops the production of new flowers. Harvesting every one to three days prevents this signal and stimulates continuous pod growth.
To sustain this high production rate, consistent watering is important, especially during the main harvest period. Peas require steady moisture to keep the pods plump and sweet. An occasional application of a light, balanced fertilizer during the growing season can also help the plant support its heavy load of developing pods.
Once picked, the natural sugars in snap peas immediately begin to convert to starch, meaning the flavor starts to diminish shortly after harvest. Fresh peas should be refrigerated immediately to slow down this process. Store the unwashed pods in a perforated plastic bag or container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where they will retain their crispness and sweetness for approximately three to five days. For long-term storage, the peas can be blanched briefly in boiling water and then frozen, which effectively halts the enzymatic activity that causes flavor and texture degradation.