How to Grow Sugar Snap Peas [Crisp, Sweet Harvests]

Sugar snap peas are a garden favorite—crisp, sweet, and perfect for snacking straight off the vine. They thrive in cool weather, grow quickly, and produce continuous harvests with proper care.

This guide will take you through every step of growing sugar snaps, from planting to picking.

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Sugar snap peas are one of the easiest vegetables to grow. They require minimal space, can be grown in containers or garden beds, and their vining habit makes them a great vertical crop.

Benefits of Growing Sugar Snap Peas

✅ Fast-growing: Ready to harvest in 50–70 days.
✅ Sweet and Crunchy: Delicious raw, steamed, or stir-fried.
✅ Cold-Weather Friendly: One of the first crops you can plant in spring.
✅ Nitrogen-Fixing: Enriches soil by adding nitrogen naturally.
✅ Continuous Harvests: The more you pick, the more they produce!

Excited to grow your own Sugar snap peas? Here’s what you need to know!

There are a few different types of sugar snap peas, each with unique characteristics.

1. Classic Vining Varieties (Best for tall trellises and high yields)

• ‘Sugar Snap’ – The original variety, sweet and crisp, grows up to 6 feet tall.
• ‘Super Sugar Snap’ – Disease-resistant and produces larger pods.

2. Semi-Dwarf Varieties (Great for smaller gardens or containers)

• ‘Sugar Ann’ – A compact, bushy plant that grows only 2 feet tall.
• ‘Sugar Daddy’ – A stringless variety with extra-sweet pods.

🌱 Tip: If space is limited, choose a bush variety or grow vining types in a container with a trellis.

Sugar snap peas love cool temperatures and grow best in early spring or fall.

Spring Planting (Best for most gardeners)

• Plant 4–6 weeks before the last frost when soil temperatures reach 40–50°F (4–10°C).
• If frost is expected, cover young seedlings with row covers.

Fall Planting (For mild winter climates)

• Plant 8–10 weeks before the first frost to enjoy a late-season harvest.
• In warm zones (8–10), you can grow peas through winter.

🌱 Pro Tip: Sugar snap peas can handle light frost, but hot weather (above 85°F/29°C) will cause them to stop producing.

1. Choose the Right Location

• Pick a spot with full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight daily).
• Sugar snap peas grow best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

2. Prepare the Soil

• Loosen the soil and mix in compost or aged manure for nutrients.
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers—peas fix their own nitrogen!

3. Planting the Seeds

• Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows.
• Space rows 12–18 inches apart for proper airflow.

🚿 Water well after planting and keep soil moist but not soggy.

1. Supporting the Vines

Most sugar snap peas are climbing plants and need support. Install a trellis, netting, or stakes before plants grow too tall.

2. Watering

• Peas need 1 inch of water per week, more during dry spells.
• Keep soil evenly moist—dry conditions can cause tough pods.

🌱 Tip: Mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

3. Fertilizing

• Sugar snap peas don’t need much fertilizer—too much nitrogen will promote leaf growth instead of pods.
• Side-dress with compost midway through the season for a nutrient boost.

4. Pest and Disease Control

🐛 Common Pests:

• Aphids – Rinse off with water or use neem oil.
• Pea Weevils – Cover plants with row covers to prevent damage.
• Powdery Mildew – Avoid overhead watering and ensure good airflow.

🚫 Disease Prevention: Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases like root rot and fusarium wilt.

Sugar snap peas are ready to harvest 50–70 days after planting.

1. Signs It’s Time to Harvest

• Pods should be plump, crisp, and about 2–3 inches long.
• The seeds inside should be developed but not too large.

2. How to Pick Peas Properly

• Use two hands—hold the vine with one and gently twist the pod off with the other.
• Frequent harvesting encourages more production!

🌱 Pro Tip: If pods become too mature, the peas inside get starchy, and the sweetness decreases.

Storage Tips:

• Store fresh peas in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to a week.
• For longer storage, blanch and freeze them.

How to Use Them:

• Eat raw as a crunchy snack.
• Stir-fry with garlic and soy sauce.
• Add to salads, pasta, or rice dishes.

How long do sugar snap peas take to grow?

They take 50–70 days to mature, depending on the variety.

Do sugar snap peas need full sun?

Yes, they need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Can sugar snap peas survive frost?

Yes! They tolerate light frost but struggle in high heat.

How often should I water them?

Keep soil moist but not soggy—about 1 inch of water per week.

Do sugar snap peas need fertilizer?

Not much! Too much nitrogen leads to excess leaves and fewer pods.

How do I prevent powdery mildew?

Ensure good airflow and avoid watering the leaves.

Do sugar snap peas regrow after harvesting?

Yes! Pick continuously, and the plant will keep producing.

Can I grow them in containers?

Absolutely! Use a deep container with a trellis for vining varieties.

How do I store fresh sugar snap peas?

Refrigerate in a plastic bag for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.

Why are my peas bitter?

Bitterness is caused by hot weather or over-mature pods. Harvest when they’re young!

✅ Plant early – They love cool temperatures.
✅ Use a trellis – Helps maximize space and increase airflow.
✅ Water consistently – Dry soil leads to tough pods.
✅ Harvest often – The more you pick, the more they produce!
✅ Rotate crops – Helps prevent diseases and soil depletion.

Growing sugar snap peas is easy, rewarding, and fun. Whether you have a big garden or just a patio container, you can enjoy fresh, sweet peas all season long.

Get our Gardening Buddy and find veggies that fit your conditions best.

You Can Grow It!