How to Grow Mangetout
Pisum sativum var. saccharatum
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 6°C — typically early to mid spring. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks earlier for a head start.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Rarely needed — fix their own nitrogen. Mulch to retain moisture.
- Eat pods whole — that's the point. Pick young for the sweetest, most tender pods.
Companion Planting
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Growing Conditions
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- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 8 cm |
| Row spacing | 60 cm |
| Sow depth | 5 cm |
| Mature height | 150 cm |
| Mature spread | 20 cm |
Also known as Snow Peas. Provide a trellis or netting for support. Plant in double rows on either side of the support.
Care Guide
- Feeding
- Rarely needed — fix their own nitrogen. Mulch to retain moisture.
- Watch for
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- Pea moth
- Powdery mildew
- Mice
- Birds
Pests & Diseases
Pest Pea Moth
Identification: Small maggots found inside pods at harvest, frass visible inside pods, entry holes in pod wall
- Cover with insect mesh during flowering (June-August)
- Sow early (February-March) or late (after mid-June) to avoid peak flight period
- Pheromone traps to monitor adult activity
- No effective chemical treatments available to home gardeners
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Seedlings eaten to ground level, irregular holes in young leaves, slime trails
- Beer traps near rows
- Nematode biological control (Nemaslug)
- Start in modules and plant out as sturdy transplants
- Ferric phosphate pellets (wildlife-safe)
Pest Pea Aphid
Identification: Clusters of bright green aphids on shoot tips, flowers, and developing pods, sticky honeydew, sooty mould
- Encourage natural predators (ladybirds, hoverflies, lacewings)
- Blast off with a jet of water
- Soft soap spray
- Pyrethrum-based contact spray as a last resort
Disease Powdery Mildew Erysiphe pisi
Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves, stems, and pods, leaves yellow and dry out, reduced yield
Treatment: Remove badly affected foliage. Water at the base to keep roots moist.
Prevention: Space plants well for airflow. Water consistently to avoid drought stress. Choose mildew-resistant varieties.
Disease Downy Mildew Peronospora viciae
Symptoms: Yellow patches on upper leaf surfaces, grey-purple fuzzy growth underneath, stunted growth in young plants
Treatment: Remove affected plants. Improve air circulation.
Prevention: Avoid overcrowding. Ensure good drainage. Do not sow into cold, wet soil. Rotate pea crops.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 6°C |
| Germination temperature | 8–18°C |
| Base growth temperature | 4°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 8.5h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Mangetout?
- Plant Mangetout 8cm apart with 60cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Mangetout?
- Mangetout is ready to harvest approximately 55 days after transplanting.
- Is Mangetout frost hardy?
- Mangetout is classified as Hardy.
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