'Oregon Sugar Pod' organic peas (Pisum sativum) from McKenzie Seed Company, a tender, sweet and very productive snow pea
Organic 'Oregon Sugar Pod' peas are a classic snow pea variety , prized for their flat, wide, and entirely edible, stringless pods . The pods, 10 to 11 cm long, are tender, crisp, and naturally sweet , making them ideal for eating fresh, sautéing, or adding to salads. The plants often bear two pods per cluster , pointing upwards, which greatly facilitates harvesting.
This variety grows on dwarf, non-climbing vines , reaching approximately 70 to 80 cm in height , which limits the need for support while maintaining excellent productivity. 'Oregon Sugar Pod' is known for its resistance to several important diseases , including pea virus , common wilt , and powdery mildew , making it a reliable choice for gardeners. Highly valued for freezing , it retains its texture and flavor well after harvest. It is bee-safe and integrates easily into cool-season vegetable gardens.
Spread/Habit: Compact, semi-upright vine
Plant height: 70 to 80 cm
Seed producer: McKenzie
Seed type: Open pollination
Physical seed type: Organic seeds
Quantity per packet: Approximately 30 to 35 seeds
Special features: Stringless snow peas, sweet pods, excellent disease resistance
Pod color: Bright green
Texture/flavor: Tender, crisp, and sweet pods
Tolerance: Good disease resistance, adapted to cool climates
Farming method
Peas are a cool-season crop that is sown directly outdoors in early spring , as soon as the soil can be worked. The ideal soil temperature is between 10 and 16°C . To encourage rapid and even germination, the seeds can be soaked for 30 minutes to 24 hours in room-temperature water before sowing.
Sow at a depth of 2.5 cm , spacing the seeds approximately 2.5 cm apart in rows 75 cm apart. Gently press the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and water lightly. Keep the soil evenly moist , but not waterlogged, during germination, which usually occurs in 5 to 10 days .
When the seedlings have developed 2 to 3 pairs of leaves , thin them out to maintain a spacing of approximately 10 cm between plants. Although the vines are not climbing, light support can help keep the plants upright and facilitate harvesting. Successive sowings every two weeks until mid-June will extend the harvest period.
Harvesting and maintenance
Harvesting typically begins about 65 days after sowing . Pick the young, tender pods before the peas swell excessively to preserve their sweetness and crispness. Regular harvesting encourages continuous production. Consistent watering, equivalent to 2.5 to 5 cm of water per week , promotes optimal quality.
Usage ideas
'Oregon Sugar Pod' peas are delicious raw , straight from the garden, in salads , in quick stir-fries , or lightly blanched. Their natural sweetness and crisp texture also make them an excellent choice for freezing , allowing you to enjoy them all year round.
McKenzie's organic 'Oregon Sugar Pod' pea is a reliable and versatile variety , perfect for gardeners looking for a flavorful, easy-to-grow , and disease-resistant snow pea . A must-have for the spring vegetable garden, promising abundant and delicious harvests.
