Snap peas
Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon
Also known asSugar snap peas · Sugar peas · Snap peas (American) · Mangetout (UK, broader term)
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates. Strict on light; outside the DLI band, yields drop sharply.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 3–9 (winter low around -40°C)
- Frost
- tolerates light frost
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.8 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.6 |
| flowering | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1.9 |
| fruiting | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of potassium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
- High transpiration. Regular reservoir top-ups needed during fruiting.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A cool-season vine crop for hydroponic systems with trellis support. EC 1.4-2.2 mS/cm. pH 6.0-7.0. Temperature: 10–22°C (cool-season; heat above 25°C reduces quality and turns pods tough and starchy). Moderate light (DLI 16-22 mol/m2/day). Climbing varieties need 1.5–2 m of trellis; bush types ('Sugar Ann') stay under 60 cm. From seed to first harvest: 60-80 days. Harvest when pods are plump, round in cross-section, with the peas visible through the wall, and the pod snaps cleanly when bent. Daily harvesting keeps the vine producing, and each plant yields 100–200 g of pods over a 3-4 week window. Eat soon after picking for best sweetness, as the sugars convert to starch within hours; raw snap peas are among the best snacking vegetables, sweet and crunchy.