Sugar Magnolia Snap Pea

Seed Count: Approx. 15 Seeds

Days to Maturity: 50-70 Days

Description:  Sugar Magnolia Snap Pea is an open pollinated variety that was originally bred by Alan Kapuler for its show-stopping, dusty, blue-purple pods, and contrasting bright green interiors. These lovely pods grow among brilliant green foliage and super showy tendrils.  Its productive vines can reach up to 8 ft. in height, and will cover trellises easily and very aesthetically.  The 3-4 inch pods are quite flavorfully sweet, with a wonderful snap, and when picked early enough they are very tender.  Sugar Magnolia peas are great eaten raw or cooked in lots of dishes.  However, they rarely make it out of the garden for me.  The tendrils and purple-pink bi colored flowers are also edible, and make beautiful garnishes.  This variety prefers soil temps between 50-75 degrees, anything cooler will result in slow germination.  Once they get going, they can be pretty heat tolerant.  However, I wouldn't sow these when temps are too hot in South Florida, these do well for me if sown from September-February.

How To Grow

Sowing:  Because peas thrive in cool weather and do not transplant well, they should be planted outside 4-6 weeks before the last frost or when the average soil temperature reaches at least 50 degrees F.  If planting later, remember that most peas won't tolerate weather above 75 degrees F.  Plant seeds 2 inches apart and 2 inches deep, in light soil and full sun.  They also make for a great fall crop in places with mild temperatures.  Peas make great companion plants, but they do not do well when planted near onions or garlic.

Growing:  Before they bloom, pea plants need to be kept moist but not wet; after blooming, you should slightly increase their watering.  Remove weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the plants; mulch may be helpful to conserve moisture and control weeds.  This pea makes a long vine and will require support.

Harvesting:  Snap peas taste best when harvested as soon as they reach their mature length, but before the peas inside have fully developed.  Check the pods often for the best results.  Shelled peas generally taste best when harvested as soon as the pods have filled out, but before they reach their full size. Remove even the pods that have passed their prime, since old pods left on the vines will stop the production of new pods.  To save seeds from peas, let the pods mature fully on the vine; they will turn brown, and the peas should rattle inside when they have fully dried. If wet conditions threaten, pull the entire plant and hang it upside down in a warm, dry location to finish drying. Shell the peas after 1-2 weeks of drying, and store the seed in a cool, dry place for up to three years.