How to Grow Mangetout
Pisum sativum var. saccharatum
Mangetout (snow/sugar peas) favour cool conditions, full sun, and moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Sow from early spring (and in mild areas, late autumn for early crops). Provide netting or twiggy sticks; even short varieties climb. Keep watered at flowering and pod fill. Pick flat pods young and frequently to prolong cropping—seeds should be only just visible. Protect seedlings from birds and slugs. Succession sow every few weeks for a longer season.
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.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 6°C+
- Germination temperature
- 8–18°C
- 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.
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.
