Tall Sugar Snap Pea
Pisum sativum
Seeds per pack ~ 40
Germination: 96% Feb 2024 (Packed for 2024)
From our friends at Southern Exposure Seed Exchange: 70 days. [1979 All American Selections winner.] The best-flavored snap pea. 3 in. pods on 6-8 ft. vines. Tolerant of pea wilt but not Powdery Mildew. Highly recommended.
DAYS TO MATURITY: 70-75 days
PLANT DESCRIPTION: (Pisum sativum). Bred by Calvin Lamborn in the late 1960s and 1979 All-American Selections winner, this variety has been at the top of many gardeners’ lists for decades. The best-flavored snap pea. 3 in. pods on 6-8 ft. vines. Tolerant of pea wilt but not Powdery Mildew. Highly recommended.
As the name suggests, the Tall Sugar Snap Pea is characterized by its height, often reaching up to 6 to 8 feet tall when fully mature. This makes it a good choice for trellises or other supports to help the vines climb and grow vertically.
The plant has a robust and vigorous vine structure, with tendrils that help it cling to supports as it grows. The vines are typically green in color and can develop a dense foliage cover along the trellis or other support structure.
The pods of the Tall Sugar Snap Pea are a distinguishing feature. They are long and slightly curved, with a vibrant green color when young and fresh. The pods are typically harvested before the peas inside fully mature, ensuring they are tender and sweet.
HISTORY: Dr. Calvin Lamborn's innovative pea breeding work had a profound impact on agriculture. Lamborn, who was born in 1933, devoted his professional life to creating novel vegetable cultivars. His development of the Sugar Snap Pea, a novel hybrid that blended the sweetness of garden peas with the edible-pod qualities of snow peas, was a significant advance in the late 1960s. With the introduction of a new type of peas that could be consumed whole (pod and all!) this invention completely changed the pea industry.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE: Tall sugar snap peas are also high in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and contributing to a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management. These peas provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant supporting immune function, and vitamin K, vital for blood clotting and bone health. As a versatile and nutrient-packed addition to a balanced diet, tall sugar snap peas not only satisfy the taste buds but also contribute to overall well-being.
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 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. NOTE: Because snap pea seeds have a high sugar content, the seed may rot in cold soil before germinating. We recommend pre-sprouting the seeds for early-season plantings in cold soil.
Inside the pods, you'll find plump, round peas that are exceptionally sweet and flavorful. These peas are often eaten whole, pod and all, as they are known for their crisp texture and juicy, sweet taste. They are a favorite in salads, stir-fries, or as a healthy snack.
The Tall Sugar Snap Pea plant produces delicate white flowers that eventually give way to the pods. With proper care and growing conditions, it can produce a bountiful harvest of pods throughout the growing season.
Like most peas, the Tall Sugar Snap Pea thrives in cool weather and is typically planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. It prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter and benefits from full sun exposure.
The pods are ready for harvest when they are plump and the peas inside are still tender. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing more pods. It's essential to check the plants regularly during the harvest season to ensure you pick the pods at their peak.
Overall, the Tall Sugar Snap Pea is a popular choice among gardeners and home growers due to its deliciously sweet pods, tall growth habit, and ease of cultivation when provided with the right growing conditions and support.
