Organic 'Royal Snow' snow peas
Organic 'Royal Snow' snap peas (Pisum sativum) from seed producer Gaia, a spectacular purple pea with a delicate sweetness and crunchy texture
The 'Royal Snow' snap pea is distinguished by its deep purple pods, 3 to 3 1/2 inches long, a rare and elegant hue that provides a striking contrast in salads, colorful bowls, and fresh dishes. Their sweet , subtly bitter flavor is best enjoyed raw, although they retain their color when very lightly cooked. Developed by the late Dr. Calvin Lamborn, this exclusive variety combines visual appeal, delicate crispness, and culinary versatility. The plants produce long vines, 60 to 90 cm , adorned with pink flowers and typically producing two pods per node , ensuring a regular and bountiful harvest. Its ability to thrive in cooler climates makes it an ideal pea for spring or late summer.
Its purple sheen, fine texture and horticultural heritage make it a remarkable variety for edible gardens.
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 90 cm
Quantity per packet : 50 seeds
Certification : Environmentally friendly product
Special features : Purple pods 3–3.5 in., bittersweet flavor, two pods per node, pink flowers, Dr. Calvin Lamborn variety
Leaf color : Medium green
Texture/flavor : Crunchy, sweet with a slight bitterness
Cold tolerance : Down to -9.5 °C
Farming method
Soak the seeds for up to 8 hours in lukewarm water to improve germination, then sow directly outdoors at a depth of 2.5 cm . Avoid hot, dry conditions. Space plants 10 to 15 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 . Sowing in late summer is also possible for an autumn harvest. Provide partial sun/partial shade (level 2) and regular watering (level 2). A light trellis is recommended to support the vines.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest the immature, flat pods before the seeds develop. Pick them every two days to prevent them from becoming too thick. The peas can be eaten whole or shelled like garden peas. Store the pods at 1 to 2°C for about a week.
Usage ideas
• In salads , to highlight their unique purple color
• As an edible garnish for elegant dishes
• Lightly sautéed to retain crispness and color
• In rolls, meal bowls or poke bowls
• Raw to fully enjoy their sweetness
The 'Royal Snow' snap pea combines visual brilliance, delicate taste and horticultural heritage, becoming an essential variety for gardeners seeking beauty, productivity and originality in their harvests.
