Sugar Snap Pea Fast Facts
Weather: Cool
Size: Large
Sun: 6-8 hours
Days til maturity: 55-85 days
Water: Moderate
Original or Leaf GreenStalk: Both
GreenStalk level: Place below smaller plants
Plant support needed? Yes
Can you grow a crop of peas in a GreenStalk Vertical Planter? Absolutely! Peas are an early-season crop that’s easy to grow and can withstand some cold! As an added bonus, there are three different types to choose from: English Peas, Snow Peas, and Snap Peas. All are planted and tended the same way, so the only decision you need to make is which type of pea to grow.
1) English Peas (also known as Garden Peas or Sweet Peas) are the classic, green shelling pea. The pods are not edible but are shelled to reveal the delicious peas inside. These peas are perfect as a standalone dish or in a variety of recipes, and their smooth, sweet flavor has always been a favorite. Some popular varieties include Lincoln, Green Arrow (dwarf variety), and Little Marvel (dwarf variety).
2) Snow Peas are grown for their edible pods, not the individual peas. Snow Peas are picked when tender and the tiny seeds inside are barely noticeable. Their light green, flat pods are often used in stir-fry dishes. Favorite varieties include Dwarf Gray (dwarf variety), Avalanche, and Oregon Sugar Pod II.
3) Sugar Snap Peas are a cross between English Peas and Snow Peas, offering the best of both worlds. They have thick pods with large seeds. Like Snow Peas, the pods are edible and can be used in stir fry dishes. They are also delicious when cooked as snap peas. Among the favorite varieties are Sugar Snap, Cascadia, and Sugar Bon (dwarf variety).
Sugar Snap Peas growing in a GreenStalk Original Planter
Planting & Growing
To plant, begin with light, fluffy soil in your GreenStalk Vertical Planter. We recommend Happy Frog potting soil, but any high-quality potting soil will work. Avoid using garden soil, raised bed soil, or topsoil, as these types of soil will not allow for proper drainage in your GreenStalk. Peas can be planted in either the Leaf or Original. You can purchase seeds from your local garden center or an online catalog, with many varieties to choose from. Check with your local gardening center or extension service to see which varieties grow best in your area. Dwarf varieties are always encouraged in a GreenStalk planter because they are easier to maintain in a container.
Peas are a cool-season crop, typically grown in early spring, and should be planted 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Be sure to check which USDA zone you are planting in. Unlike many plants, peas can tolerate some frost, but prolonged cold spells or temperatures dropping into the teens for several days can damage them. Direct sow the seeds into your GreenStalk planter when the soil temperatures are at least 40°F, though 50-60°F is preferred. Starting seeds indoors is not recommended, as the roots do not transplant well.
For quicker germination, consider soaking your seeds up to 12 hours before planting. Plant 3 seeds per pocket. After planting, water the GreenStalk well, being careful not to displace seeds, and place it in a location that receives 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. Keep the soil moist (but not waterlogged) to prevent the seeds from rotting. Once the seeds sprout, you may want to protect them from cold winds by placing the planter near a wall or another sheltered area. Alternatively, you can use a GreenStalk Seed House to protect the young plants.
The new GreenStalk Trellis is great for supporting vining plants, like sugar snap peas.
Support
Peas are vining plants and will benefit from some form of support as they grow. We recommend using the GreenStalk Trellis or Plant Support. Most pea varieties mature in 60-70 days but check the information on your seed packet for the exact maturity time for your chosen variety. As long as the pods are regularly harvested, they will continue to bloom and produce more pods. Unfortunately, peas do not tolerate the heat of summer and will stop producing once temperatures reach 85°F. Be sure to plant early to maximize your harvest!
A spring pea harvest is a delicious way to kick off the gardening season! Plant early, harvest early, and enjoy the tasty rewards. Whether served as buttery peas, in a spicy stir-fry, or sprinkled on a fresh salad, there’s a way for everyone to enjoy peas!
Happy gardening!
