What hardiness zones is Pisum sativum 'Oregon Sugar Pod' suitable for?

Pisum sativum 'Oregon Sugar Pod' (Oregon Sugar Pod II) is an annual vegetable reaching 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) tall with a spread of 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) and a semi-dwarf, upright habit with tendrils. Developed at Oregon State University, it produces flat, wide, stringless, light green snow pea pods 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) long that are eaten whole—pod and all—before peas develop inside. The standard home-garden snow pea. Days to maturity 60-70 from direct sow. Growth rate is fast. Cool-season crop. Disease resistant—tolerates pea enation mosaic virus, powdery mildew, and common wilt (Fusarium). Semi-dwarf habit needs moderate support—2-3 foot (60-90 cm) fence or stakes.

Native Range

Pisum sativum originated in the Mediterranean basin, the Near East, and Central Asia. 'Oregon Sugar Pod' was developed at Oregon State University.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—stir-fry, salads (raw), steaming, Asian dishes. Standard home-garden snow pea. Flat stringless edible pod. OSU breeding. Disease resistant. Semi-dwarf 24-30 in. 60-70 days. Cool-season. Harvest window narrow—pods toughen quickly if peas develop. Not suitable for hot climates or where plump snap peas are preferred.

How to Identify

Distinguished from shelling peas ('Alderman', 'Little Marvel') by the flat, edible pod (versus inedible pod requiring shelling). Distinguished from snap peas by the flat (versus round, plump) pod shape—snow peas are harvested before peas enlarge. Distinguished from 'Sugar Snap' by the flat pod and the earlier harvest stage. Oregon Sugar Pod—standard snow pea, flat stringless edible pod, OSU, disease-resistant, semi-dwarf.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 2'6"

Width/Spread6" - 10"

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

White papilionaceous flowers along the stem. Self-pollinating. Late spring to early summer. Each flower produces one pod.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White; papilionaceous; late spring

Foliage Description

Medium green; pinnate with tendrils; semi-dwarf

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

60-70 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow in early spring as soon as soil is workable. Inoculate with Rhizobium. Moderate support 2-3 feet (60-90 cm). Cool, moist, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.5). Days to maturity 60-70 from direct sow. Harvest when pods are flat and 4-5 inches—before peas enlarge inside. Disease resistant—enation mosaic, powdery mildew, Fusarium wilt. Cool-season—stops in heat.