Description
50 Seeds per pack
Mammoth Melting Sugar (A.K.A. Melting Sugar Snow Pea, Mammoth Melting Snow Pea) – Snow Pea
Days to Maturity: 65–75 Days
Sun Requirements: Full sun to very light shade.
Botanical name: (Pisum sativum)
Introduced in 1893 by W. Atlee Burpee, the Mammoth Melting Sugar Snow Pea quickly drew attention. By the close of the 19th century, it was featured in seed catalogs across the country. Prized for its impressive size and delicate sweetness, this heirloom variety has earned lasting popularity among gardeners and seed companies alike.
Thriving in full sun and cool to moderate climates, Mammoth Melting Sugar plants grow to an impressive 4–6 feet tall and require a trellis for support. With vigorous vines and a climbing habit, they produce some of the largest and most striking white blooms found among heirloom snow peas.
These vigorous plants produce generous yields of stringless, tender green pods, each reaching 4–5 inches in length. Sweet and succulent, the pods are best picked before the seeds inside swell. They’re excellent straight off the vine, tossed fresh into salads, or quickly sautéed or stir-fried. Their superb texture and flavor hold up beautifully to freezing, making them a great choice for preserving the harvest for future use.
Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate, it’s a healthy and flavorful addition to any garden.
Disease Resistance: Fusarium wilt
Planting Instructions for Mammoth Melting Sugar Pea Seeds
Mammoth Melting Sugar peas are a cool-weather crop that like well-drained soil and plenty of organic matter to assist with moisture retention. Direct sow Mammoth Melting Sugar peas as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring.
Plant pea seeds in full sun, 1–1½” deep, 1–2″ apart, in rows 18–24″ apart. Mammoth Melting Sugar pea seeds should germinate in 6–14 days at temperatures between 45–75°F. There is no need to thin plants. Provide a trellis or other support for climbing varieties.
Heirloom/Open-Pollinated Bush Pea varieties usually do fine with a short trellis or by planting in a block so the pea plants support each other.
Harvest Heirloom/Open-Pollinated Shelling Peas when the pods are full and plump and the peas are tender. Harvest Heirloom/Open-Pollinated Snap Peas when the pods start filling out but are not yet fully mature. For Heirloom/Open-Pollinated Snow Peas, harvest when the pods are approximately 3″ long and still flat, before the seeds start to fill out.
FAQ:
What is the historical or notable background of Mammoth Melting Sugar?
First listed in 1893 by W. Atlee Burpee, Mammoth Melting Sugar quickly became a standout for its generous size, fine flavor, and vigorous vines. It appeared in numerous late 19th-century seed catalogs and has remained a reliable heirloom favorite ever since.
How would you describe the flavor of Mammoth Melting Sugar?
Mammoth Melting Sugar peas offer a delicate, sweet flavor with a tender, juicy texture. They're great enjoyed fresh off the vine, where their natural sweetness truly shines.
What does Mammoth Melting Sugar look like, and how does it grow?
This snow pea features vigorous, climbing vines that grow 4–6 feet tall, with large white flowers and flat, stringless green pods stretching 4–5 inches long. A trellis is recommended for proper support and optimal yield.
How much can I expect to harvest, and when is the best time to pick Mammoth Melting Sugar peas?
Expect generous yields of pods ready for harvest between 65 and 75 days after planting. For best flavor and texture, pick the pods when they are flat and about 3–5 inches long—before the seeds begin to swell.
When is the best time to plant Mammoth Melting Sugar?
Mammoth Melting Sugar peas can be planted in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, though waiting until the weather warms a bit often leads to more vigorous growth. They thrive in cool weather and full sun, with seeds germinating best at temperatures between 45–75°F. Mammoth Melting Sugar fits beautifully into both spring and fall gardens, offering gardeners two chances each year to enjoy its dependable harvests.
What are the common culinary uses of Mammoth Melting Sugar?
These peas are very versatile in the kitchen—great for stir-fries, salads, and sautéed side dishes. Their sweet flavor also makes them perfect for snacking raw or preserving through freezing for future meals.
What’s the best way to store Mammoth Melting Sugar after harvest?
To preserve their sweetness and texture, quickly blanch the pods and freeze them. They retain flavor exceptionally well when frozen, making them ideal for long-term storage.
What nutrients does Mammoth Melting Sugar provide?
Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate, Mammoth Melting Sugar peas are a nutritious addition to meals, supporting immune health, bone strength, and cellular function.
Does Mammoth Melting Sugar have any notable disease resistance?
Yes, Mammoth Melting Sugar peas show resistance to Fusarium wilt, helping keep the garden healthy and productive.
Tracey (verified owner) –
We had early frost but they’re still doing great. Lots of peas.
Marion Franken (verified owner) –
5 star!
Nicholas M Spanos (verified owner) –
5 star!