Golden Sweet Snow Pea

Pisum sativum   

Approximately 40 seeds per pack.

Packed for 2025

Origins and History
The Golden Sweet Snow Pea (Pisum sativum) is a rare and vibrant heirloom variety believed to have originated in India, where peas have been cultivated for thousands of years. This unique type was introduced to Western seed markets in the late 20th century and has since been cherished by gardeners for its combination of beauty, productivity, and historical intrigue. It is thought to have descended from old Asian snow pea types traditionally grown for both their edible pods and tender shoots.

Appearance and Characteristics
Golden Sweet Snow Pea plants reach 5–6 feet in height and produce striking bicolor purple-and-white blossoms, which give way to flat, bright lemon-yellow pods. The pods grow to about 3–4 inches long, with a crisp texture and mild sweetness. The vines are vigorous climbers and benefit from sturdy trellising. Purple-tinged tendrils and stems add to the plant’s ornamental appeal, making it as attractive in the garden as it is productive.

Culinary Uses
The tender, stringless pods are perfect for fresh eating straight from the vine, adding a bright color accent to salads and crudité platters. Lightly sautéed or stir-fried, they retain their golden hue and delicate flavor, pairing beautifully with ginger, garlic, and soy-based seasonings. Young shoots and blossoms can also be harvested for use as a garnish or in Asian-inspired dishes.

Growing Tips (Vegetation Zones and Sow Depth)
Golden Sweet Snow Peas thrive in cool-season conditions and are well-suited for USDA Zones 3–10. Direct sow seeds 1–1.5 inches deep in well-drained, fertile soil once the danger of hard frost has passed in spring or for a fall crop about 8–10 weeks before the first expected frost. Provide full sun to partial shade and ensure vines have trellis or netting support. Regular moisture is important, but avoid waterlogging.

Harvesting Guidance
Harvest pods when they are fully elongated but before the seeds inside begin to swell, usually 60–70 days after sowing. Frequent picking encourages continued production. For the best flavor and texture, harvest in the cool of the morning and use promptly, as the pods are sweetest and most tender when fresh. Blossoms and shoots should be harvested early in the day before heat stress causes wilting.