Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon (Snow pea)

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Plant description

The snow pea, or mange-tout, is an annual plant grown for the edible pods.  Peas are amongst the most popular vegetables to grow in the home garden, as they are easily grown and can produce pods for many months.

Peas prefer a well drained, moist soil, and a sunny position. They like a dusting of lime, especially if the soil is acidic. Compost added before planting will be beneficial. Peas are a legume, which means that they can fix nitrogen in their roots. Fertilisers used should be higher in potassium and phosphorus than nitrogen for good production and plant health.

There are low growing and climbing cultivars, but both like to grow with something to cling onto. They cling with the aid of soft tendrils, so need suitable supports to wrap around. Wire mesh, string lines and twigs are all good. Climbing peas will grow tall, so make sure you have a good trellis for them to climb. The trellis can be a long straight fence, or a tripod shape made from stakes and wire or string.

Peas are a cool season crop, which means that they should be planted in autumn in warmer areas. In cold areas they are best planted after winter to avoid frost damage. Peas should be planted directly where they are to grow, about 5 cms deep. After planting the seed, water once and not again till they start sprouting, to avoid seed rot. Once sprouted, young seedlings should be kept moist.

Peas are troubled by few pests or diseases. Powdery mildew and spider mites is two problems, but tend to occur mostly in warm humid weather. Sunny cool weather and good feeding should see healthy plant growth. Birds can be a problem, as they love the newly sprouted plants. Twigs or wire mesh around the seedlings can deter them.

The pod is picked while the seeds are very small for best flavour. Harvest regularly to keep the plants productive, as pods left on the plant will reduce cropping.

Read more about peas here.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: White, purple
Flowering season: spring autumn winter

Plant size

Maximum height: 3 metres
Minimum height: 0.3 metres

Maximum width: not specified
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full or partial sunlight.
Medium frost tolerance.
Plant is not salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Yes. Attracts: Birds and bees.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: cool, temperate, subtropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: moist, well-drained.

Clay: well-drained.

Sand: moist.

Soil pH: 5.8-7.0

Diseases

Powdery mildew

Pests

Red spider mites

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Plant autumn to spring in warmer areas, and after frosts in cold areas.

Types of fertiliser: Fertiliser low in nitrogen, and high in potassium and phosphorus.

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