Best Planting Times for Sugar Snap Peas in California

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingFebruary 15 – March 15
Transplant OutdoorsApril 1 – April 15
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

California Planting Conditions

California’s varying climate supports sugar snap pea cultivation in different regions. With USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 5 to 11, the state presents unique opportunities for growing sugar snap peas throughout the year.

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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.
Sugar Snap Peas Seeds
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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.
Planting Trays Image
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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.
Grow Lights Image
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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.
Seed Starting Soil Image
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Greenhouse Growing

In California, a greenhouse is beneficial for sugar snap peas as it allows for a controlled climate, especially during the hotter months. It helps prevent overheating and sun damage while extending the growing season by allowing earlier sowing and later harvesting. A greenhouse can help protect your plants from pests and diseases as well.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your sugar snap peas thrive in a controlled environment.
Greenhouse Image 1
Greenhouse Image 2
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Fertilizer

For optimal sugar snap pea growth in California, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Fertilizer Image
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Plant sugar snap peas outdoors in California approximately 1-2 weeks before the last expected frost date, ensuring the soil is soft and well-prepared for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for California’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
Los AngelesMarch 15
San DiegoMarch 15
San FranciscoApril 1
SacramentoApril 5
FresnoApril 1
Long BeachMarch 30
OaklandMarch 31
BakersfieldApril 5
Santa AnaMarch 15
RiversideMarch 30

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 California:

Kale Planting in California

Broccoli Planting in California

Tomato Planting in California

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

Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

In California, begin indoor sugar snap pea seed starting from late January to early March. This timeline helps ensure strong seedlings, ready for outdoor transplantation as early as mid-February, taking advantage of the cool growing season before the heat of summer sets in.

Transplanting Sugar Snap Pea Seedlings

Transplant sugar snap pea seedlings outdoors from mid-February to early April. Peas thrive in cooler temperatures, so aim to plant when soil temperatures are around 45°F to 75°F. Space seedlings 2-3 inches apart in rows about 24-36 inches apart for effective growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. California’s warmer climate might require monitoring soil moisture regularly.
  • Water at the base of plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Use a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time to promote healthy growth. Peas are nitrogen-fixing, so excessive nitrogen should be avoided to prevent lush foliage at the expense of peas.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, snails, and spider mites. Immediate action is key to managing any outbreaks.
  • Consider using organic methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap to control pests while minimizing environmental impact.

Harvesting

  • Harvest sugar snap peas when the pods are plump and bright green, typically 60-70 days after planting. Regular harvesting encourages further pod production.

Facts about Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar snap peas are a delightful garden vegetable that is both sweet and crunchy. They are a hybrid of shelling peas and snow peas, making them edible pod peas that are harvested when the peas are still immature. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, sugar snap peas are not only delicious but also a nutritious addition to any meal.


In my garden, I try to compost as much as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient-rich compost in 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 🙂

BeeJay
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