Organic 'Oregon Sugar Pod' snow peas

Organic 'Oregon Sugar Pod' snap peas (Pisum sativum) from seed producer Gaia, a tender and productive pea for cooler seasons

The 'Oregon Sugar Pod' snap pea produces flat , tender , and crisp pods about 3 inches long, ideal for fresh cooking or quick stir-fries. A highly productive heirloom variety, it forms robust plants 60 to 75 cm tall, suitable for early spring or late fall sowing, when it performs best. It is also distinguished by its natural resistance to several major diseases: Fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, pea mosaic virus, and pea trace virus. This combination of sweet flavor, pleasant texture, and horticultural reliability makes it a must-have pea for cooler climate gardens.

Abundant, easy and delicious, it offers regular harvests of delicate pods perfect for everyday cooking.

Companion plants : Beans, Carrot, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Pepper, Radish, Spinach, Tomato, Turnip, Mint
Enemy plants : Alliums

Spread/Habit : Light climbing vine
Plant height : 60 to 75 cm
Quantity per packet : 50 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Flat pods 3 inches long, tender and crisp, very productive, ideal for cool seasons, multiple resistances (Fusarium, powdery mildew, viruses)

Leaf color : Medium green
Texture/flavor : Tender, crunchy, sweet
Cold tolerance : Down to -9.5 °C

Farming method

Soak the seeds for up to 8 hours to improve germination, then sow directly outdoors at a depth of 2.5 cm . Space plants 3 to 5 cm apart and rows 30 to 45 cm apart. Germination occurs in seven to twenty-one days at temperatures between 4 and 20°C , with an optimum around 15°C . This variety prefers cooler seasons and can be sown in late summer for an autumn harvest. Provide partial sun/partial shade (level 2) and regular watering (level 2). Depending on the vigor, a small trellis can help keep the plants tidy.

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest the flat, immature pods before the seeds develop. Pick every two days to maintain a tender texture. The peas can be eaten whole or shelled like garden peas. Store at 1-2°C for about a week.

Usage ideas

• In quick stir-fries , where their crispness remains intact
• In fresh salads for a sweet and tender touch
• As an accompaniment to Asian or vegetarian dishes
• Lightly steamed to preserve flavour and texture
• As a fresh snack straight from the garden

The 'Oregon Sugar Pod' pea combines ease of cultivation, productivity, and tenderness in a heritage variety perfect for cooler climates. Versatile and reliable, it remains a staple in spring and autumn vegetable gardens.