How to grow Snow Peas in New Zealand
Snow peas are grown for their flat, sweet, crunchy pods, picked before the peas inside swell. They are a cool-season crop in most of New Zealand, sown from autumn to spring in the north and from spring into summer in the south, and they fix nitrogen for the next crop. Climbing types need a trellis; pick every few days to keep them cropping.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Snow Peas and Sugar Snap Peas
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | February to April, August to October | |
| Auckland | February to April, August to October | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | February to April, August to October | |
| Central North Island | February to April, August to October | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | February to April, August to October | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | February to April, August to October | |
| Canterbury | February, August to November | Sow Aug to Nov, with a February sowing for an autumn pick before the frosts. |
| Otago & Southland | September to December | Sow Sep to Dec. Cool summers suit them well. |
| Central Otago | September to November | Sow Sep to Nov so the crop is picked before the midsummer heat. |
Not to be confused with: Garden peas, which are shelled, and sugar snap peas, which have round, edible pods.
Where to plant
Grow snow peas in a sunny spot with plenty of air movement, in free-draining soil rich in organic matter. They do not like acid soil, so unless you know your soil is already limy, add lime or dolomite before sowing. The flowers can be damaged by frost, so in very cold areas wait until spring to sow.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty: sow from autumn through to early spring; summer is too warm.
- Wellington and Nelson: sow in autumn or late winter to spring.
- Canterbury: sow from August to November, with a February sowing for an autumn pick before the frosts.
- Otago and Southland: sow from September to December; cool summers suit them well.
- Central Otago: sow from September to November so the crop is picked before the midsummer heat.
Choosing a variety
- Tall climbing types such as Goliath are vigorous and prolific, with sweet, crisp pods that are slow to develop a string. Goliath has good tolerance of powdery mildew.
- Sugar Pod types are versatile and winter hardy, with flat pods and resistance to powdery mildew.
- Dwarf snow peas need little support and suit pots.
How to plant
- Put up the trellis before sowing. Wire mesh or bamboo lets air move through the plants.
- Dampen the soil, then sow seeds about 2.5 cm deep and 5 cm apart along the base of the trellis.
- Do not water again until the seedlings appear; wet, cold soil rots pea seed.
- Guide the young tendrils onto the trellis.
- Sow again every four or five weeks for a longer harvest.
Watering and feeding
Once the plants are up, keep the soil evenly moist, watering slowly so it soaks down to the roots, especially once flowering starts. Peas fix their own nitrogen, so they need little feeding; a little compost or general fertiliser at sowing is enough.
Pruning and care through the year
- Protect seedlings from birds and slugs, which both love young peas.
- Keep plants well spaced and watered at the base to limit powdery mildew.
- After harvest, cut the plants off at ground level and leave the roots in the soil to release their nitrogen.
Harvesting
Pick pods while they are flat, before the peas inside start to swell, often every two or three days at the peak. The lower pods ripen first, so look under the leaves. Regular picking keeps the plants flowering. Snow peas are best eaten fresh, raw or briefly stir-fried.
Growing in pots
Snow peas grow well in a pot or trough at least 60 cm wide and 20 cm deep, in full sun out of strong wind, with a trellis to climb. Use a vegetable or potting mix and keep it evenly moist.
Companion planting
Snow peas fix nitrogen, which benefits the crop that follows them.
Good companions
- Carrot A low crop that fits at the base of the trellis.
- Radish Quick and small, so it fills the row while peas establish.
- Lettuce Shares the cool season and grows in the light shade of the trellis.
- Cucumber Can follow on the same trellis in summer.
- Sweet Corn Benefits from the nitrogen left by the peas.
- Beans Another legume that uses the same support in the warmer months.
Keep apart
Avoid planting these close to snow peas.
Pests and diseases
Birds and slugs on seedlings, and powdery mildew on older plants, are the main problems.
Pests to watch for
- Birds Seedlings pulled out or pecked; net young plants.
- Slugs Seedlings eaten off at ground level.
- Aphids Green aphids on shoot tips and flowers.
Diseases to watch for
- Powdery mildew White, powdery coating on leaves and pods, worst late in the season.
- Downy mildew Yellow patches on leaves with grey growth underneath in cool, damp weather.
- Pea rust Rusty pustules on leaves and stems.
Common questions
When should I plant snow peas in New Zealand?
In the north, from autumn to early spring, as they are a cool-season crop. In the south, from spring into early summer. Choose your region at the top of the page for the months.
Why did my pea seeds rot?
Cold, wet soil. Sow into damp soil and do not water again until the seedlings appear.
Do snow peas need a trellis?
Climbing types do, as they can reach 2 m. Dwarf varieties need little or no support.
When are snow peas ready to pick?
When the pods are full length but still flat, before the peas swell. Pick every few days to keep them coming.
How do I stop powdery mildew on peas?
Grow mildew-tolerant varieties such as Goliath or Sugar Pod, give plants space and air flow, and water at the base rather than over the leaves.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow peas; Kings Plant Barn: Peas grow well guide; Kings Seeds: Snow Pea Goliath.