Description
50 Seeds per pack
Sugar Ann – Snap Pea – Edible Pod
Days to Maturity: 51–56 Days
Sun Requirements: Full sun to very light shade.
Botanical name: (Pisum sativum)
Sugar Ann was bred by Dr. Calvin Lamborn in response to home gardeners who loved the flavor of Sugar Snap but wanted something more compact. Released in 1983 and named for his daughter Ruth Ann, this early-maturing dwarf variety quickly became a favorite—and for good reason. It remains one of the most popular snap peas in backyard gardens to this day.
The plants stay compact at just 10 to 24 inches tall and require no support, making them especially well-suited for raised beds, small plots, or container growing. Despite their size, they produce generously, with plump, medium-green pods about 2½ to 3 inches long.
The flavor is sweet, crisp, and juicy—just what you’d hope for in a fresh snap pea. Ideal for snacking straight from the vine, tossed into salads, or lightly cooked in stir-fries or steamed as a side. Be sure to remove the string before cooking, just as you would with snap beans.
Sugar Ann also freezes well, keeping both flavor and texture for year-round use. This variety does best in full sun and cooler weather, making it a great choice for early spring and fall planting.
Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate, it’s a healthy and tasty addition to the spring table.
Disease Resistance: Powdery Mildew
Disease Tolerance: Pea Wilt
Planting Instructions for Sugar Ann Pea Seeds
Sugar Ann peas are a cool-weather crop that prefer well-drained soil enriched with organic matter to help retain moisture. Direct sow Sugar Ann peas as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring.
Plant pea seeds in full sun, 1–1½″ deep, 1–2″ apart, in rows spaced 18–24″ apart. Sugar Ann pea seeds typically germinate in 6–14 days when soil temperatures range between 45–75°F. Thinning is not necessary. Although Sugar Ann is a dwarf bush variety, a short trellis or planting in blocks can help provide support and promote upright growth.
Heirloom/Open-Pollinated Bush Pea varieties like Sugar Ann usually thrive with minimal support, especially when grown closely together.
Harvest Heirloom/Open-Pollinated Shelling Peas when the pods are plump and full and the peas inside are still tender. For Snap Peas, pick when pods begin to fill out but are not yet fully mature. Snow Peas should be harvested when pods are about 3″ long and still flat, before the seeds swell.
FAQ:
What is the historical or notable background of Sugar Ann Snap Pea?
Sugar Ann Snap Pea was bred by Dr. Calvin Lamborn and released in 1983, named after his daughter Ruth Ann. It was developed in response to gardeners wanting a compact version of the beloved Sugar Snap pea. Since its release, it has become a staple in home gardens for its productivity and flavor.
How would you describe the flavor profile of Sugar Ann Snap Pea?
Sugar Ann Snap Pea offers a sweet, crisp, and juicy flavor that makes it perfect for fresh eating, salads, and light cooking. Its is often enjoyed straight from the vine.
What does Sugar Ann Snap Pea look like?
This variety features compact plants, reaching just 10 to 24 inches in height, and produces plump, medium-green pods about 2½ to 3 inches long. The pods are slightly curved and smooth with a juicy, tender interior.
What are the growth habits and garden appeal of Sugar Ann Snap Pea?
Sugar Ann Snap Pea is a dwarf bush variety that does not require staking, making it ideal for small gardens, raised beds, and containers. Its early maturity and generous yields add to its appeal for gardeners of all experience levels.
What climate conditions are ideal for growing Sugar Ann Snap Pea?
Sugar Ann Snap Pea thrives in full sun to very light shade and prefers cooler weather, making it perfect for early spring and fall planting. Peas grow best in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Avoid heavy clay soils, and consider adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
What are the common culinary uses for Sugar Ann Snap Pea?
Enjoy Sugar Ann Snap Peas fresh off the vine, in salads, or lightly cooked in stir-fries or steamed. They also freeze well, preserving their flavor and texture for off-season use.
How should Sugar Ann Snap Pea be stored and practically used?
Fresh Sugar Ann Snap Peas should be stored in a perforated bag or container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where they will typically last for 4 to 5 days. For long-term storage, they freeze well—just remove the strings and blanch the peas in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled and dried, pack them in freezer bags to enjoy their crisp sweetness year-round.
What vitamins or nutrients does Sugar Ann Snap Pea contain?
Sugar Ann Snap Peas are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.
Does Sugar Ann Snap Pea have any notable disease resistance?
Yes, Sugar Ann Snap Pea is resistant to Powdery Mildew and shows tolerance to Pea Wilt, contributing to its reliability in the garden.
Virginia McManus (verified owner) –
Thank you so much for being willing to send them straight to my granddaughter’s home! She planted them while I was away.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
good service and good quality
Debby K. (verified owner) –
5 star!
Jennifer Thomason (verified owner) –
5 star!
Diane G. (verified owner) –
5 star!
Susan Bright (verified owner) –
Hearty and strong seedlings
Angel Nance (verified owner) –
These were our favorite snap peas last year! They are sweet and easy to grow, and produced more than the other varieties we tried.