Scientific Name: Pisum sativum var. saccharatum

Common Names: Snow Pea 'Oregon Giant', Mangetout

Family: FABACEAE (Pea)

Etymology:

Pisum: Pea; Latin
sativum: Cultivated
saccharatum: Sugar-Cane Juice; Greek

Origin:

Snow Peas are among the earliest cultivated plants, the first record of them being grown is from 12,000 years ago in the region along the boarder between Thailand and Burma.  The Oregon Giant variety was first bred by the prolific plant breeder Dr. James Baggatt from Oregon State University, who spent over 30 years breeding different vegetable varieties.

Description:

This is a heirloom variety of Snow Pea that grows to 1m tall and produces deliciously sweet, large, dark-green pods each about 10cm long.  This variety is resistant to powdery mildew, common wilt, enation mosaic and has some resistance to root rot.  Flowers are white.

Uses:

This variety of Snow Pea has a high sugar content so the pods are great just for snacking on raw when young and tender.  Alternatively the pods can be briefly stir-fried.  The young shoots and tendrils of Snow Pea plants are also edible and can be eaten raw in salads or stir-fried.

Germination:

Snow Peas grow best when sown directly where they are to grow.  Plant seeds 2.5cm deep and 6cm apart.  If the soil temperature is cool, pea seed can be soaked overnight in warm water (not boiling) prior to planting to aid germination.  Grows best when sown from August to October in cold regions, April to September in temperate areas, April to July in the subtropics and from April to May in the tropics.  Add garden lime to soil prior to planting if soil is too acidic.

Cultivation:

This variety takes 9-10 weeks from sowing to harvest.  Does well in cooler areas.  Requires trellising for best performance but will scramble without support.  Prefers a full-sun position that is sheltered from strong winds.  Likes well-drained soils.

Snow Pea 'Oregon Giant' flowers.

First Snow Pea pods of the season.