Oregon Giant Snow Pea

Pisum sativum

Seeds per pack ~ 40 approx

Germination: 93%  Aug 2024 (Packed for 2025)

DISCOUNTED

The Snow Pea, also known as Oregon Giant (Pisum sativum), is a variety of pea prized for its edible flat pods and sweet, tender peas. As the name suggests, it's often associated with cooler climates and is commonly grown in regions with milder winters.

These peas are distinct for their flattened shape, which distinguishes them from other types of peas. They are typically harvested while the peas inside the pods are still immature, providing a crunchy texture and a delicate, sweet flavor. Snow peas are often used in stir-fries, salads, and various Asian dishes for their crispness and mild taste.

The Oregon Giant variety is particularly renowned for its large, flavorful pods, making it a popular choice among gardeners and farmers alike. It's appreciated not only for its taste but also for its productivity and adaptability to different growing conditions. Whether fresh in salads or lightly cooked in stir-fries, Snow Peas are a delightful addition to culinary creations.

One of the best snow peas on the market, you won't be disappointed by Oregon Giant. Expect an abundant harvest of tasty and enormous pods (up to 5 inches long!) from stout vines growing to three feet tall.

DAYS TO MATURITY: 60-65 days

PLANT DESCRIPTION: (Pisum sativum). One of the best snow peas on the market, you won't be disappointed by Oregon Giant. Expect an abundant harvest of tasty and enormous pods (up to 5 inches long!) from stout vines growing to three feet tall.

HISTORY: Dr. James Baggett bred this popular podded snow pea, which was first made available in 1991 at Oregon State University, where superb pea varieties have been developed since the mid-1950s. A vigorous hybrid of sugar snap and sugar pod 2 that forms hypertendils and self-trellises. This variety is exceptional.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE: These crisp and sweet peas are low in calories, making them a smart choice for those watching their calorie intake. Rich in dietary fiber, Oregon Giant Snow Peas promote digestive health, aid in maintaining a healthy weight, and contribute to a feeling of fullness. They are also a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen formation. Additionally, these peas provide essential nutrients such as vitamin A, iron, and potassium, each playing a crucial role in various bodily functions.

FOOD PREP: These peas are often enjoyed raw, making them a perfect addition to salads or vegetable trays, providing a refreshing crunch. Alternatively, lightly blanching or steaming Oregon Giant Snow Peas for a brief period retains their vibrant green color and enhances their tenderness. Sautéing them quickly in olive oil with garlic and a sprinkle of lemon juice offers a simple and flavorful side dish. These versatile peas can also be incorporated into stir-fries, adding both visual appeal and a touch of sweetness. GROWING TIPS: Annual. Plant in rows 18-36" apart, 1/2-1" deep, 1 1/2-2" apart as soon as the soil can be handled in the early spring. Avoid thinning. Without support, varieties under 3' tall can be seeded in rows spaced 12–18" apart.

Pisum sativum – Botanical Origins and History of Domestication

Pisum sativum, commonly known as the garden pea, is one of the earliest domesticated leguminous crops and holds a distinguished place in agricultural history. Its botanical origins trace to the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East, particularly regions encompassing modern-day Turkey, Syria, Israel, and northwestern Iran. Archaeobotanical evidence indicates that wild pea relatives (Pisum sativum subsp. elatius) were gathered by Neolithic peoples as early as 9,000–10,000 years ago. These wild forms thrived in temperate climates with cool growing seasons, well-adapted to rocky hillsides and open woodlands.

History of Domestication
The domestication of Pisum sativum likely began around 8,000 BCE during the Neolithic agricultural revolution in the Fertile Crescent. Early farmers selected plants with non-shattering pods and larger seeds—traits that enhanced both harvestability and yield. Over time, these selections led to true cultivated peas (P. sativum subsp. sativum), distinct from their wild progenitors. Peas became a foundational component of early cereal–pulse agricultural systems alongside wheat, barley, and lentils, contributing valuable plant-based protein and nitrogen-fixing benefits to soils.

Spread and Diversification
From its Near Eastern cradle, Pisum sativum spread westward into Europe and northward into Central Asia. By the Bronze Age, peas were well established throughout the Mediterranean Basin and Europe, evidenced by remains in ancient Egyptian tombs and Greek and Roman records describing their cultivation and culinary use. During the Middle Ages, peas became a dietary staple across Europe, evolving from dried field peas used for soups and porridges to tender green varieties prized as fresh vegetables by the Renaissance. Exploration and trade further disseminated pea varieties to Africa, India, and eventually the Americas by the 16th and 17th centuries.

Through centuries of farmer selection and regional adaptation, Pisum sativum diversified into multiple ecotypes and cultivars—ranging from field peas for dry use to garden peas for fresh eating, as well as sugar snap and snow peas with edible pods. This remarkable diversity now forms the genetic foundation of both traditional and modern pea breeding programs, continuing a legacy that bridges ancient agriculture with contemporary sustainable food systems.