Sugar Snap Peas Planting Dates Missouri

Best Planting Times for Sugar Snap Peas in Missouri

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Indoor Seed Starting	February 15 – March 15
	Transplant Outdoors	March 15 – April 15
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Missouri enjoys a mild climate with USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 5b to 7a, making it conducive for cultivating sugar snap peas. The region’s average last frost date generally falls between early April and mid-April, ideal for planting these peas.

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Useful Tools for Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Seeds

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your sugar snap peas the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.

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Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.

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Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

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Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.

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Greenhouse Growing

In Missouri, using a greenhouse can provide a more stable environment for sugar snap peas, particularly beneficial during the temperature fluctuations that can occur in spring. A greenhouse extends the growing season, protects plants from sudden frost, and allows for earlier planting and a potential second crop in the fall.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your sugar snap peas thrive in a controlled environment.


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Fertilizer

For optimal sugar snap pea growth in Missouri, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.

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Plant sugar snap peas outdoors in Missouri approximately 1-2 weeks before the last spring frost date to maximize growth opportunities.

Average Last Frost Dates for Missouri’s Major Cities

City	Average Last Frost Date
St. Louis	April 7
Kansas City	April 14
Columbia	April 10
Springfield	April 15
Jefferson City	April 12

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It is recommended to monitor local forecasts and adapt planting decisions accordingly.

Other planting guides for Missouri:

Broccoli Planting in Missouri

Pumpkin Planting in Missouri

Tomato Planting in Missouri

Any questions on growing sugar snap peas? Visit our forum to discuss: Gardening Forum.

Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

In Missouri (Zone 6a to 7b), begin indoor sugar snap pea seed starting between February 1 and March 1. This timeline allows for healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-March to early April, ensuring they are set before the summer heat.

Transplanting Sugar Snap Pea Seedlings

Transplant sugar snap pea seedlings outdoors from March 15 to April 1, when soil temperatures are consistently above 45°F. Space the seedlings 2-4 inches apart in rows with at least 24-30 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Provide consistent and deep watering to keep soil evenly moist without being soggy. Missouri’s fluctuating climate requires monitoring for sufficient moisture.
• Water at the base of plants to reduce leaf wetness, minimizing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting, particularly those higher in phosphorus to promote root development. Adding compost can improve soil fertility and structure before planting.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly monitor for common pests such as aphids, root maggots, and leaf spot diseases. Missouri’s warm, humid conditions can promote these issues.
• Utilize organic or integrated pest management strategies to protect sugar snap pea plants from harmful insects and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest sugar snap peas when the pods are plump and bright green, typically from late May to mid-June. Frequent harvesting encourages continuous production and prevents over-maturity.

Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar snap peas are a delicious and nutritious variety of edible pea that combine the delightful sweetness of garden peas with a crisp texture. They are ideal for snacking, salads, and stir-fries. These peas are high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber. They’re easy to grow and can thrive in various soil types, making them a favorite among home gardeners.

The importance of good soil

Before starting to grow it is important to take a step back and find the condition of the soil in your garden. The optimal soil is a blend that includes the mineral-rich dirt along with organic-rich organic matter that plants need to thrive.

In my garden, I try to compost as much as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient-rich compost into my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”.
If you don’t have the time or space for composting, it is possible to get compost ready to use in garden centers and Community Composting.
You can read more on Community Composting here: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/community-composting

If you are uncertain of the quality of your soil, you can get easy to use soil tests at Amazon for 17 dollars. Check latest prices here: Soil testing kit.

Also, remember to check out how much sunlight your growing area gets, and that the rain drains well. If you treat your soil well and plan your crops according to your climate, you will succeed with any plant you want.

The satisfaction when you harvest your own produce is well worth the time you put in 🙂