Snow Pea Seeds - Dwarf Sugar Grey - Pisum sativum

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Grows as a cool-season annual across all zones. Planting times are critical and must be scheduled to allow the plant to mature and produce pods before the onset of hot weather (above 80 degrees F).

Best performance in all Zones during periods of cool, stable weather. It thrives when daytime temperatures are between 60-75 degrees F, producing the sweetest, most tender pods.

Northern Zones (2-6) - An ideal early spring crop. Direct sow seeds as soon as the soil is workable, even 4-6 weeks before the last average frost date. A second crop can often be planted in late summer for a fall harvest.

Hot Climate Zones (7-11) - Primarily grown as a fall, winter, and very early spring crop. Plant seeds in the fall to harvest throughout the cooler winter months into spring. Spring plantings must be done very early (late winter) to ensure a harvest before summer heat arrives and ends production.

Soil Temperature - Requires cool soil for germination. Plant when soil temperature is between 45-75 degrees F. Germination will be slow in very cold soil but will fail in soil that is too warm.

Growing Season - Requires 60-70 days of cool weather to reach full production. High temperatures will cause flowers to drop and stop pod formation, so planting at the correct time for your zone is essential.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Peas are a cool-season crop. In cool climates, direct sow in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring (4-6 weeks before your last frost). For a fall crop, plant in late summer, about 8-10 weeks before your first expected fall frost. In mild-winter climates (Zones 7+), plant in the fall for a winter and early spring harvest.

Where to Plant:
Choose a location with full sun (6+ hours per day). Plant in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting in areas where legumes have grown in the last couple of years to prevent soil-borne diseases.

How to Plant:

Preparation: For an extra boost, you can treat the seeds with a pea inoculant before planting. This beneficial bacteria helps the plant fix nitrogen more effectively.

Sowing: Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart. Space rows 18-24 inches apart.

Support: Even though this is a dwarf variety, providing a small trellis, netting, or stakes about 2-3 feet tall will keep the vines off the ground, improve air circulation, and make harvesting much easier.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering: Water regularly, providing about 1 inch of water per week, especially when the plants begin to flower and form pods. Do not let the soil dry out.

Fertilizing: Peas create their own nitrogen, so they do not need nitrogen-rich fertilizer. If your soil is poor, amend it with compost before planting.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants when they are about 6 inches tall to help suppress weeds and keep the soil cool and moist.

Harvesting: Harvest snow peas when the pods have reached their full length but are still flat (before the peas inside begin to swell significantly). Harvest every 1-3 days. Frequent harvesting is crucial as it encourages the plant to produce more pods and extends the harvest season. Use scissors or pinch the pods off carefully to avoid damaging the vine.