Pea Seeds - Sugar Ann (Snap Pea)

The Sugar Ann snap pea is a highly popular, early-maturing variety renowned for its crisp, sweet pods and compact growth habit. This low-maintenance, bush-type pea is perfect for gardeners with limited space or those seeking a delicious addition to their spring and fall gardens. The edible pods are tender and sweet, making them a versatile choice for snacking, stir-fries, and salads. With its high yield and exceptional flavor, Sugar Ann is an ideal variety for gardeners of all experience levels.

Key Benefits

• Early Harvest: Matures in just 50–55 days, making it one of the earliest snap pea varieties.
• Crisp, Sweet Pods: Edible pods are tender and flavorful, perfect for snacking and cooking.
• Compact Growth: A dwarf, bush-type plant that doesn’t require trellising, ideal for small gardens or containers.
• Low Maintenance: Hardy and easy to grow, even for beginner gardeners.
• High Yield: Produces an abundance of pods over an extended harvest period.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Compact, bushy plants reaching about 18–24 inches in height.
• Flavor Profile: Sweet and crunchy pods with a refreshing taste.
• Growth Habit: Self-supporting and bushy; doesn’t require staking or trellising.
• Size: Produces pods about 2–3 inches long, filled with plump, sweet peas.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Best planted in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked.
• Can also be planted in late summer for a fall harvest in cooler climates.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1–2 inches deep.
• Spacing: Space seeds 2 inches apart, with rows spaced 18–24 inches apart.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Water consistently, especially during flowering and pod development. Avoid waterlogging.
• Aim for about 1 inch of water per week.

Fertilization

• Peas are light feeders; they can fix nitrogen in the soil. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) if needed.

Weeding and Mulching

• Weed carefully around shallow roots.
• Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for aphids, pea weevils, and cutworms. Use insecticidal soap or floating row covers as needed.
• Diseases: Prevent powdery mildew and root rot by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overwatering.

Harvesting

Maturity

• Sugar Ann snap peas are ready to harvest in 50–55 days.
• Pods should be picked when they are plump, bright green, and tender.

Method

• Harvest by gently pinching or snipping the pods from the vine to avoid damaging the plant.
• Frequent harvesting encourages continued pod production.

Storage

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

Culinary Uses

• Snacking: Enjoy fresh, raw pods as a healthy snack.
• Stir-Fries: Add crunch and sweetness to stir-fried dishes.
• Salads: Toss raw or lightly steamed pods into salads for extra texture and flavor.
• Sautéed: Sauté with garlic and olive oil for a simple, delicious side dish.

Conclusion

The Sugar Ann snap pea is a compact, early-maturing variety that combines ease of growth with outstanding flavor. Its crisp, sweet pods make it a favorite for gardeners and chefs alike. Whether grown in small spaces or large gardens, Sugar Ann delivers an abundant harvest of versatile and delicious snap peas, perfect for enjoying fresh or cooked.