When to Plant Snow Peas in Canberra — Cold / Highland Guide
Snow peas (mangetout, sugar peas, Chinese peas) are a cool-season legume grown for flat, edible pods eaten before peas develop. Like garden peas, fundamentally cool-season crops that fail in heat. Higher edible yield per plant than shelling peas since the entire pod is eaten.
Planting Calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — | — | — | S | S/T/D | S/T/D | T/D | T | — |
S = Seed Tray T = Transplant D = Direct Sow
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 6.4°C (optimal range: 8–24°C) ✗ Outside optimal range
How to Grow Snow Peas in Cold / Highland Australia
When to Plant
August to November after last frost.
- Soil
- Well-drained, moderately fertile. Do not over-enrich with nitrogen.
- pH Range
- 6.0-7.5
- Sunlight
- Full sun to light shade.
- Spacing
- 8cm apart, 60cm between rows
- Watering
- Keep evenly moist especially during flowering and pod production. Water at base.
Companion plants: Carrot, Turnip, Radish, Lettuce
Avoid planting near: Onion, Garlic, Shallot
Cold / Highland Growing Tips for Snow Peas
Recommended Varieties
- Oregon Giant
- Mammoth Melting
Key Challenges
- Late frost
- Short season
Pro Tips
- Good zone once frost passes
- Cloches for early plantings
- Spring crops produce into December
Harvesting Snow Peas
When ready: Pods flat, translucent green, peas inside barely visible. Snap crisply.
How to harvest: Pick with two hands - hold stem, snap pod. Pick every 2 days minimum.
Common Snow Peas Pests in Cold / Highland Zones
Organic prevention: Avoid excess nitrogen.
Supermarket Price
Current average retail: $20.62/kg (12-month range: $1.55–$32.90)
Grow your own and save on grocery bills.
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