Dharaseeds
Pea Seeds - Oregon Sugar Pod II
Estimated delivery between February 04 and February 07.
Oregon Sugar Pod II is a popular snow pea variety known for its high yield, tender, and sweet pods that are perfect for a wide range of culinary uses. This variety is highly productive and disease-resistant, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. The crisp, edible pods are ideal for fresh eating, stir-fries, or steaming, and the plant itself is sturdy and adaptable to various growing conditions. Whether harvested young for tender pods or allowed to mature for fresh peas, Oregon Sugar Pod II is a versatile and reliable addition to your garden.
Key Benefits
- High Yield: Produces abundant, sweet, and tender pods throughout the growing season.
- Dual Use: Ideal for eating as snow peas (young pods) or as garden peas (mature seeds).
- Disease Resistance: Known for its resistance to common pea diseases like powdery mildew.
- Sweet Flavor: Offers a delicate, sweet taste that enhances dishes without overpowering other flavors.
- Cold Tolerant: Performs well in cooler temperatures, making it suitable for spring and fall planting.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Tall, vigorous vines reaching 30–36 inches, ideal for staking or trellising.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, tender pods that can be eaten whole or with the peas inside.
- Growth Habit: Climbing variety that benefits from trellising to support its height and increase air circulation.
- Size: Pods grow to 3–4 inches long, filled with small, sweet peas when mature.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Plant in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked or in late summer for a fall crop.
- Oregon Sugar Pod II peas thrive in temperatures between 50°F–75°F (10°C–24°C).
Planting Details
- Seed Depth: Plant seeds 1–2 inches deep.
- Spacing: Space seeds 2–3 inches apart, with rows 18–24 inches apart.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
- Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, but the plants can tolerate partial shade in warmer regions.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod formation, ensuring consistent hydration.
- Water deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water to promote strong root development.
Fertilization
- Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time and again when plants are 6–8 inches tall to support healthy growth.
Weeding and Mulching
- Regularly weed around peas to reduce competition for nutrients, being cautious not to disturb the shallow roots.
- Mulch around the base of plants to help conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.
Trellising
- Trellising is recommended for Oregon Sugar Pod II, as the plants can grow quite tall. Use a simple wire mesh or string to support the vines, allowing for better air circulation and easier harvesting.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Monitor for aphids, pea weevils, and slugs, using row covers or organic pest control methods when necessary.
- Diseases: Rotating crops and practicing good garden hygiene can help prevent issues like powdery mildew and root rot.
Harvesting
Maturity
- Oregon Sugar Pod II is ready for harvest in 60–70 days.
- For snow peas, harvest the pods while they are still young, tender, and before the peas begin to swell.
Method
- Gently pinch or cut the pods from the plant to avoid damaging the vines.
- Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more pods.
Storage
- Short-Term: Store fresh pods in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days.
- Long-Term: Shell peas and blanch them before freezing, or preserve them through canning for extended storage.
Culinary Uses
- Fresh Eating: Enjoy snow peas straight from the garden for a crunchy, sweet snack.
- Stir-Fries: Add snow peas to stir-fries for a fresh and sweet flavor.
- Steaming: Lightly steam the pods for a delicate side dish.
- Salads: Raw snow peas make a great addition to fresh salads.
- Canning/Freezing: Preserve the peas for year-round enjoyment.
Conclusion
Oregon Sugar Pod II peas are a reliable, high-yielding snow pea variety that offers excellent flavor and versatility. Whether you're growing them for their tender pods or for mature peas, this variety is sure to provide a bountiful and delicious harvest. Its disease resistance and cold tolerance make it a dependable choice for gardeners looking to grow peas in a variety of climates. Enjoy the sweet, crisp flavor of Oregon Sugar Pod II peas in your next stir-fry, salad, or fresh out of the pod.