How to Grow Peas: Tips, Facts, and Information

Peas are a cool-weather crop that can be grown in the spring and fall, offering delicious and sweet pods that are perfect for eating fresh, freezing, or using in soups and stews. There are three main types of peas: shelling peas (for fresh peas), snap peas (for edible pods), and snow peas (for flat, edible pods). They are easy to grow and thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Here’s your guide to the top 20 pea varieties to grow, along with essential growing tips, fascinating facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Pea Varieties to Grow

1. Sugar Snap

Tips: Sugar Snap peas grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring and provide a trellis or support for the vines.
Facts: This popular variety produces sweet, crisp, and edible pods that are perfect for fresh eating or stir-fries.

2. Wando

Tips: Wando peas prefer cool weather and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring for a summer harvest or in late summer for a fall crop.
Facts: Wando is known for its heat tolerance and sweet, tender peas, making it ideal for warmer climates.

3. Alderman (Tall Telephone)

Tips: Plant Alderman peas in early spring and provide tall supports for the climbing vines. They prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces large, sweet peas in long pods. The tall vines are highly productive and perfect for vertical gardening.

4. Lincoln

Tips: Lincoln peas thrive in cool weather and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: Known for its tender, sweet peas, Lincoln is an excellent shelling variety, perfect for freezing or fresh eating.

5. Oregon Sugar Pod II

Tips: Oregon Sugar Pod II grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Provide a trellis or netting for the vines to climb.
Facts: This snow pea variety produces flat, tender pods that are perfect for stir-fries and fresh eating.

6. Little Marvel

Tips: Little Marvel peas thrive in cool weather and fertile soil. Plant seeds in early spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: This dwarf variety produces sweet, tender peas in small, compact plants, making it perfect for small gardens and containers.

7. Mammoth Melting Sugar

Tips: Mammoth Melting Sugar grows well in full sun and rich, moist soil. Provide supports for the tall vines to climb.
Facts: This snow pea variety produces large, sweet, and tender pods that are ideal for stir-fries and salads.

8. Green Arrow

Tips: Green Arrow peas prefer cool weather and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring for a high-yielding harvest.
Facts: Known for its long, straight pods filled with sweet peas, Green Arrow is a shelling variety that’s perfect for freezing or fresh eating.

9. Sugar Ann

Tips: Plant Sugar Ann peas in early spring in full sun and well-drained soil. This dwarf variety doesn’t need much support.
Facts: Sugar Ann is an early-maturing snap pea variety that produces sweet, crisp pods perfect for fresh eating.

10. Progress No. 9

Tips: Progress No. 9 peas grow best in cool weather and fertile soil. Plant in early spring and water consistently.
Facts: This shelling pea variety produces large, sweet peas in short vines, making it a great choice for small gardens.

11. Super Sugar Snap

Tips: Super Sugar Snap peas thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Provide a trellis or support for the tall vines.
Facts: This snap pea variety produces sweet, crunchy pods that are perfect for fresh eating, salads, and stir-fries.

12. Blue Podded Blauwschokker

Tips: Blue Podded peas grow best in full sun and rich soil. Plant in early spring and provide support for the vines to climb.
Facts: This striking heirloom variety produces purple pods filled with sweet peas, adding a colorful touch to your garden.

13. Snap Pea Cascadia

Tips: Cascadia peas thrive in cool weather and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: This variety produces crisp, sweet snap peas with thick, juicy pods that are perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

14. Kelvedon Wonder

Tips: Kelvedon Wonder peas grow well in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Plant in early spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: This early-maturing shelling variety produces tender, sweet peas in short vines, making it perfect for small spaces.

15. Tom Thumb

Tips: Tom Thumb peas are perfect for container gardening. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil in early spring.
Facts: This dwarf heirloom variety is only 8-9 inches tall and produces sweet, tender peas. It’s perfect for small spaces and pots.

16. Meteor

Tips: Meteor peas thrive in cool weather and full sun. Plant in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Facts: Known for its frost tolerance, Meteor is an early-maturing variety that produces sweet, flavorful peas in compact plants.

17. Golden Sweet

Tips: Plant Golden Sweet peas in early spring in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Provide support for the vines.
Facts: This beautiful heirloom variety produces vibrant yellow pods that are sweet and tender, perfect for fresh eating or stir-fries.

18. Carouby de Maussane

Tips: Carouby de Maussane peas grow best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant in early spring and provide a trellis for support.
Facts: This French heirloom snow pea variety produces large, flat pods with a sweet flavor, perfect for salads and stir-fries.

19. Twinkle

Tips: Twinkle peas thrive in cool weather and rich, moist soil. Plant in early spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: This compact variety produces tender, sweet snap peas and is perfect for container gardening or small spaces.

20. Dwarf Grey Sugar

Tips: Dwarf Grey Sugar peas grow well in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring and provide low supports for the vines.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces small, sweet snow peas and is known for its beautiful purple flowers.

Common Questions About Growing Peas

Q: When should I plant peas?
A: Peas are a cool-season crop and should be planted in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, about 4-6 weeks before the last frost. They can also be planted in late summer for a fall harvest in cooler climates.

Q: Can I grow peas in containers?
A: Yes, many pea varieties, especially dwarf or compact ones like Tom Thumb and Little Marvel, grow well in containers. Use a pot that is at least 8-12 inches deep, with good drainage, and place it in a sunny location.

Q: How long do peas take to grow?
A: Peas typically take 60-70 days to mature, depending on the variety. Some early-maturing varieties may be ready in as little as 50 days, while others take longer.

Q: How do I know when to harvest peas?
A: Peas are ready to harvest when the pods are plump and full, but before they start to harden. Snap peas and snow peas should be harvested when the pods are tender and crisp, before the peas inside fully develop.

Q: How do I store peas after harvesting?
A: Fresh peas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For long-term storage, peas can be blanched and frozen. Dried peas can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for several months.