PL. —Pisum sativum var. macrocarponBotanical illustration — drop image
Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon

Sugar Daddy Pea

Spring
2a9bHardiness zone
Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks
Winter
In bloom
Spring
Peak bloom
Summer
Not in bloom
Fall
Not in bloom
Peak bloom
In bloom
Background

Sugar Daddy is a stringless snap pea — the whole pod is eaten young before the peas inside fully develop, with no tough string to remove. Compact at 24–30 inches, it needs little or no staking compared to taller climbing varieties. Like all peas, it must go in early: sow in mid March into cold soil and harvest before summer heat shuts production down.

Pick pods when they are plump but still glossy — once the surface starts to dull the sugars are converting to starch. Eat fresh the same day for the best flavour; sugar in peas converts quickly after picking.

Care guide
SunFull sun
WaterRegular; keep consistently moist during flowering and pod set
SoilWell-draining, average fertility; fixes nitrogen
Spacing2–3 inches; compact variety, minimal staking needed
Height24–30 inches
Zone2a – 9b
Direct sowFrost hardy
Seasonal tasks
spring
watchPick pods when plump and glossy — eat the same day for best sweetness
summer
sowSuccession 16
sowSuccession 17
sowSuccession 15
Common problems

Powdery mildew

Symptoms

White or grey powdery coating on leaves — usually starting on older growth in humid conditions or when nights cool.

Treatment

Improve air circulation by thinning plants. Apply neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign. Avoid overhead watering.