Pea Seeds (Organic) - Sugar Daddy

Sugar Daddy peas are an exceptional snap pea variety, specially bred to be stringless, sweet, and easy to enjoy. As a dwarf, semi-bush plant, Sugar Daddy peas are ideal for small gardens and container gardening, requiring minimal support while delivering a generous harvest of tender pods. This organic, disease-resistant variety is perfect for gardeners seeking flavorful and nutritious peas without the hassle of strings or extensive trellising.

Key Benefits

• Stringless Pods: Enjoy the convenience of stringless, crisp snap peas.
• Compact Growth: Dwarf plants grow to about 24–30 inches, perfect for small spaces.
• High Yield: Produces an abundance of 3–4-inch sweet, tender pods.
• Disease Resistance: Resists common pea diseases, including powdery mildew and fusarium wilt.
• Organic Option: Grown organically for healthier gardens and more sustainable planting.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Dwarf, semi-bush plants with strong, upright stems.
• Flavor Profile: Sweet, juicy pods with a tender snap.
• Growth Habit: Compact plants with minimal trellising needs, ideal for small spaces or raised beds.
• Size: Produces 3–4-inch pods filled with sweet, crisp peas.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Sow seeds in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked.
• For a fall crop, plant seeds in late summer or early fall, depending on your climate.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds 1–2 inches deep.
• Spacing: Space seeds 2–3 inches apart, with rows 12–18 inches apart.
• Soil Requirements: Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun but can tolerate light shade.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod formation.
• Water deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water.

Fertilization

• Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) sparingly, as peas fix their own nitrogen.

Weeding and Mulching

• Weed regularly to reduce competition, taking care not to disturb shallow roots.
• Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Trellising

• Although Sugar Daddy peas are semi-bush, light staking or support can improve air circulation and ease harvesting.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Monitor for aphids, pea weevils, and cutworms; use row covers or organic insecticidal soap if needed.
• Diseases: Rotate crops annually and avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of powdery mildew and root rot.

Harvesting

Maturity

• Ready to harvest in 60–65 days.
• Pods should be firm, plump, and bright green for the best flavor.

Method

• Harvest by pinching or cutting pods from the vine to avoid damaging the plant.
• Regular picking encourages continued pod production.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store fresh pods in the refrigerator in a perforated bag for up to a week.
• Long-Term: Blanch and freeze for longer storage without losing flavor or texture.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh Eating: Perfect as a healthy snack straight from the garden.
• Salads: Slice raw pods for a sweet, crisp addition to salads.
• Stir-Fries: Add snap peas for a vibrant and crunchy component in stir-fries.
• Side Dishes: Lightly steam or sauté for a simple and delicious accompaniment.

Conclusion

Sugar Daddy peas are the ultimate snap pea variety for gardeners seeking stringless, sweet, and compact plants. With their organic pedigree, disease resistance, and high yields, Sugar Daddy peas make an excellent addition to any garden. Whether enjoyed fresh, cooked, or preserved, these peas deliver outstanding flavor and convenience.