Peas

Garden Help > Vegetables

UC Links

Photo: University of California

Pest management: Pea cultural tips, pests, and diseases

The Basics

Peas are a cool season vegetable in Santa Clara County. There are three types of fresh peas:

• Shelling peas, where the tough pod is removed before eating
• Snow peas, which have edible pods and are harvested while the peas inside are small and immature
• Sugar snap peas, which have edible pods and are harvested when the peas are plump

When to plant

• Transplant: February–March, September–October
• Direct seed: February–March, August–September (maybe October)
• Allow 3 weeks if growing from seed for transplants

Harvest window

• For best flavor and tenderness, harvest shelling and sugar snap peas when the peas have just reached full size. Overly mature peas will be starchy.
• Harvest snow peas while pods are still flat, just as the seeds start to form.
• Cook peas as soon as possible after harvesting, because conversion of sugars to starches will continue even after harvesting.

Care overview

• Pea plants can be either bush (18-24 inches tall) or vining (3-6 feet tall). Vining types require support and generally produce for a longer period. Bush types don't strictly need support but a modest support can help keep the peas off the ground.
• Provide thin supports that pea tendrils can clasp (e.g., string, thin wire) rather than thick supports such as stakes or bamboo.
• Provide good sun exposure and air circulation to reduce incidence of powdery mildew.

More links

• Growing Peas in the Home Garden, Washington State University Extension 

Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County^*

Other recommended varieties: 

• Shelling: Maestro
• Snow Pea: Oregon Sugar Pod II

^* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.