Best Planting Times for Sugar Snap Peas in Louisiana

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingJanuary 15 – March 15
Transplant OutdoorsMarch 1 – March 30
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Sugar Snap Peas Planting Conditions

Louisiana’s warm, humid climate provides a great environment for sugar snap peas, with ideal conditions typically found in USDA Hardiness Zones 8b to 9a.

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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 Louisiana, where high temperatures can affect sugar snap pea growth, a greenhouse provides a controlled environment that helps maintain optimal humidity and temperature. This allows for advanced planting times, good pest control, and a longer growing season regardless of external weather conditions.

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 Louisiana, 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 Louisiana approximately 2-3 weeks before the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is warm enough for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Louisiana’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
New OrleansMarch 15
Baton RougeMarch 30
ShreveportMarch 15
LafayetteMarch 25
Lake CharlesMarch 20
MonroeMarch 30
AlexandriaMarch 25
SlidellMarch 15
ZacharyMarch 28
MetairieMarch 17

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 Louisiana:

Broccoli Planting in Louisiana

Kale Planting in Louisiana

Pumpkin Planting in Louisiana

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

Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

In Louisiana (Zone 8b), begin indoor sugar snap pea seed starting from late January to mid-February. This ensures the seedlings are strong enough for outdoor transplantation by late February to early March, taking advantage of the cooler early spring temperatures.

Transplanting Sugar Snap Pea Seedlings

Transplant sugar snap pea seedlings outdoors from late February to early March, when soil temperatures have reached around 50°F. Space seedlings 2-4 inches apart and provide trellis support for optimal growth and stability.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent watering to keep the soil moist, particularly during warm spells in early spring. Louisiana’s humidity can help reduce the need for frequent watering.
  • Water at the base of plants to minimize leaf wetness, reducing the risk of fungal diseases common in humid environments.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer when planting and again when the first pods start to form. Incorporating compost can also enhance soil fertility and support healthy growth.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids and spider mites. Regular inspections are necessary due to the warm climate of Louisiana.
  • Utilize organic or integrated pest management strategies to safeguard sugar snap pea plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest sugar snap peas when pods are firm and bright green but before they start to bulge. Regular harvesting encourages further pod production and maintains plant vigor.

Facts about Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar snap peas, a hybrid of snow peas and garden peas, are known for their sweet, crisp pods that can be eaten whole. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber and folate. These delicious peas can be enjoyed raw or cooked and are a great addition to stir-fries and salads.

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 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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