Snow Peas

Pisum sativum var. saccharatum

Overview:

Difficulty Codes:

Planting Instructions:

Snow peas prefer well-draining soil and full sun or partial shade.
Plant seeds directly in the garden after the last frost or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep and 2-4 inches apart.
Provide a trellis or support for the plants to climb.
Water regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

Water Requirements:

They require regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
They are susceptible to drought
- Can cause the plants to wilt and produce fewer pods.

History:

Originated in the Mediterranean region
Brought to Asia by traders and explorers
They have been cultivated in China for thousands of years and are now grown around the world.

Health Benefits:

They are nutritious vegetable that are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and other important nutrients
They have been shown to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes
They are a good source of plant-based protein, for vegetarians and vegans

Recipes:

Facts:

Unlike other types of peas, snow peas are eaten whole, including the flat pods and the immature peas inside.
The first snow peas were introduced to the United States in the early 1800s by the botanist Thomas Nuttall.
Snow peas are easy to grow in home gardens and can be harvested in as little as 60 days after planting.

References:

The Old Farmer's Almanac. (n.d.). Snow Peas. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/plant/snow-peas
University of Illinois Extension. (2016). Snow Pea. Retrieved from https://web.extension.illinois.edu/veggies/snowpea.cfm
Medical News Today. (2019). What are the health benefits of snow peas? Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325976
Burpee. (n.d.). Snow Pea, Mammoth Melting Sugar. Retrieved from https://www.burpee.com/vegetables/peas/pea-snow-mammoth-melting-sugar-prod000675.html

USDA Planting Zones Scale