The three main types of edible peas (from the species Pisum sativum) are English/garden/shelling peas, snow peas, and sugar snap (or snap) peas. These differ primarily in pod structure, whether the pod is edible, harvest stage, flavor, and typical culinary uses.
There are also field/marrowfat peas (often dried) and many cultivars within each category (varying by plant height—bush vs. climbing—seed texture, color, disease resistance, and maturity time). Ornamental “sweet peas” (Lathyrus odoratus) are a different plant and are not edible.
English Peas (also called Garden Peas or Shelling Peas)
These are the classic round green peas most people picture (the kind commonly sold frozen or canned).
- Pods: Rounded and firm, but fibrous/inedible (with a parchment-like layer); the peas must be shelled out.
- Peas inside: Plump, sweet when young (sugars convert to starch if left too long).
- Harvest: When pods are full and peas are tender.
- Uses: Fresh (shelled), cooked in sides, soups, salads, or frozen/canned.
Popular varieties include ‘Green Arrow’, ‘Lincoln’, ‘Little Marvel’, and ‘Maestro’.
Snow Peas (also called Mangetout or Chinese Pea Pods)
These have flat, tender edible pods with very small peas inside.
- Pods: Flat and thin-walled; entire pod is eaten (remove the stringy seam if present). Harvested young before peas fully develop.
- Flavor/texture: Mildly sweet with a crisp crunch.
- Uses: Excellent raw, in stir-fries, salads, or lightly cooked Asian-style dishes.
- Popular varieties include ‘Oregon Sugar Pod’, ‘Oregon Giant’, ‘Mammoth Melting Sugar’, and ‘Avalanche’.
Sugar Snap Peas (or Snap Peas)
A relatively modern hybrid (developed in the 1970s) combining traits of English and snow peas.
- Pods: Plump, rounded, and thick-walled but fully edible and crunchy; peas develop inside but you eat the whole thing.
- Flavor/texture: Notably sweet and juicy with a satisfying snap.
- Uses: Ideal raw as a snack, in salads, veggie trays, or lightly cooked/stir-fried.
- Popular varieties include ‘Sugar Ann’, ‘Sugar Snap’, ‘Cascadia’, ‘Super Sugar Snap’, and compact types like ‘Patio Pride’.
Comparison Overview
- Edible pod? No (English) vs. Yes (snow and snap).
- Pod shape: Rounded/full (English and snap) vs. flat (snow).
- Best harvest stage: Fully filled peas (English), young/flat (snow), plump but tender pods (snap).
Other Types
- Field peas / Marrowfat peas: Grown mainly for dried seeds (used in soups, split peas, mushy peas, or animal feed). Larger and starchier when mature.
- Pea shoots/tendrils: Young leaves, stems, and tendrils of pea plants, eaten as greens.
Colored or specialty cultivars exist (e.g., purple-podded snap peas or yellow snow peas).
All three main types prefer cool weather, similar growing conditions (full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil), and can be bush or vining forms that may need support. Fresh peas are a spring crop in many climates. Choose based on whether you want to shell them or eat the pods whole!
How to grow peas?
Peas are easy cool-season crops that grow best in spring (or fall in mild climates). They prefer temperatures of about 55–70°F (13–21°C) and do poorly in heat. Most varieties mature in 50–70 days.
Choose the Right Type
- Shelling (English) peas: Pods are discarded; only the seeds are eaten.
- Snap peas: Edible pods + seeds; sweet and crunchy.
- Snow peas: Flat edible pods harvested young.
Bush types need less support; vining types climb and usually yield more.
Select disease-resistant varieties suited to your region (check seed packets or local extension advice).
Timing and Site
Plant as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring (soil temperature ≥45°F / 7°C). In warmer areas, plant in fall for a winter crop. Peas need full sun (at least 6 hours) and well-drained soil. Avoid planting where legumes grew the previous year to reduce disease risk.
Soil Preparation
- Ideal pH: 6.0–7.0.
- Work in compost or well-rotted organic matter. Peas fix their own nitrogen, so heavy nitrogen fertilizer is usually unnecessary (excess can promote foliage over pods).
- Inoculate seeds with rhizobium bacteria (available as a powder) if your soil hasn’t grown peas or beans recently—this boosts nitrogen fixation.
Planting
Sow seeds directly outdoors (peas dislike transplanting):
- Depth: 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm).
- Spacing: 1–2 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart (or closer in wide beds). Thin if needed once seedlings are established.
Optional: Soak seeds overnight to speed germination.
For successive harvests, plant every 1–2 weeks until mid-spring.
Provide support early for climbing varieties: install a trellis, netting, or pea fencing (3–6 feet tall) at planting time so vines can climb without damage.
Care
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod set (about 1 inch per week). Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal disease.
- Mulch: Apply organic mulch once plants are a few inches tall to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizer: Side-dress lightly with compost or a balanced fertilizer if growth is slow; otherwise, they usually need little extra.
- Weeding: Keep the bed weed-free, especially early on.
Pests and Problems
Common issues include aphids, pea weevils, powdery mildew, and root rot. Practice good air circulation, avoid overhead water, and rotate crops. Row covers can protect young plants from birds and insects. Remove and destroy heavily diseased plants.
Harvesting
- Shelling peas: Pick when pods are plump but still bright green (before seeds get starchy).
- Snap peas: Harvest when pods are full-sized but still tender and snap crisply.
- Snow peas: Pick while flat and before seeds swell much.
Harvest regularly (every 1–2 days) to encourage more production. Use scissors or pinch pods carefully to avoid damaging vines. Fresh peas taste best the same day; they also freeze well after blanching.
Tips for Success
- In hot climates, provide afternoon shade or plant earlier/later.
- After harvest, cut plants at soil level and leave roots to release nitrogen for the next crop, or compost the tops.
- Container growing works for bush varieties in at least 8–12 inch deep pots with support.
- Follow seed-packet instructions for the specific variety, as days to maturity and spacing can vary. Local cooperative extension services often have region-specific advice. With cool weather, decent soil, and consistent moisture, peas are one of the more forgiving vegetables to grow.
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