Can Snow Peas Be Grown in the Fall?

Planting Dates

• Snow peas take approximately 80 days from germination to produce their first crop. The plants survive frost and temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, though too much cold weather can slow or halt production temporarily. Plant snow peas in the garden once late summer or early fall temperatures reach a daily average near 70 to 75 degrees, usually about eight weeks before the first expected fall frost. The plants begin to produce edible pods in mid-fall and will continue to produce until a prolonged freeze kills off the plants.

Planting Method

• Choose a full-sun, well-drained garden bed for your snow peas. They tolerate some light shade in late summer because it protects them from the heat, but the peas need as much warmth and light as possible once temperatures begin to cool in fall. Apply a phosphorus-rich fertilizer, following label instructions, before you plant. Snow peas produce their own nitrogen, but they flower and produce pods best when supplied with some phosphorus. Sow the seeds 2 inches deep and space them 3 inches apart. Install a trellis or stakes behind the peas after planting so they have a framework to climb up as they grow.

Irrigation

• Keep the snow peas well irrigated during late summer after planting. The warm soil and warmer air temperatures cause the soil to dry out more quickly. As the soil cools in fall, the peas may require less irrigation. Peas typically require an inch of water each week. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feels dry so that the top 6 inches of soil remains moist. Applying a 2-inch layer of straw mulch over the bed helps retain moisture and protects the snow pea roots from temperature fluctuations.

Harvesting

• Snow peas are ready for harvest within a week of flowering. Pick the pods once they are fully formed, green and tender. The pods are at their peak when the peas inside have begun to form but are still small and the pods are still flat. Harvest the snow peas frequently once they begin producing. Frequent picking encourages the plants to produce more flowers and pods, resulting in a larger overall harvest. The plants continue to produce until a hard frost kills off the entire pea vine.