Description

Snow peas are herbaceous annual vines that can reach up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) in height. They have compound leaves with 1-3 pairs of oval to elliptic leaflets and produce butterfly-shaped flowers in clusters of 2-3, which can be white, pink, lavender, or purple. The plant yields flat, thin, and tender pods, typically 2.5-7 cm (1-2.8 inches) long, containing 5-7 small, flat seeds. These pods are harvested and consumed whole before the seeds fully develop. Snow peas thrive in cool seasons and prefer well-drained, moderately rich soil. They are commonly grown on trellises to support their climbing habit.

✂️🫘 Methods to Propagate:
Snow peas are propagated by direct seeding. Sow seeds 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 inches) deep and 2.5 cm (1 inch) apart in rows. Inoculating seeds with Rhizobium leguminosarum before planting can enhance nitrogen fixation, especially in soils where peas haven't been previously grown.

🌞💧 Sun and Water Requirements:
Snow peas prefer full sun, especially when sown early or late in the year, but can tolerate partial shade when sown in late spring. They require consistent moisture, with well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

🧑‍🌾👩‍🌾 When to Harvest:
Harvest snow peas approximately 9-10 weeks after sowing, when pods are flat and before seeds fully develop. Regular harvesting encourages continuous pod production. Delaying harvest can result in tougher pods and reduced yield.

Purpose

- **Edible:** Snow peas provide nutritious pods rich in vitamins and minerals, suitable for fresh consumption or cooking.
- **Nitrogen Fixer:** As legumes, snow peas fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching soil fertility for subsequent crops.
- **Ground Cover:** Their dense foliage helps suppress weeds and protect soil from erosion.