Oregon Giant Sugar Pod Snow Pea Seeds - (Pisum sativum)

Oregon Giant Sugar Pod Pea - The Best of the Best

Bred with a vision, this remarkable pea is the realization of years of dedicated research by a man determined to create a pea that defied expectations, one so sweet and tender it rivals the finest sugar snap, its fresh flavor bursting with the first crunchy bite. Dr. Baggett, a renowned breeder at Oregon State University, wasn't satisfied with the sugar pod peas available at the time. He wanted a pea that wouldn't sacrifice its exquisite flavor and tenderness after harvest but stayed crisp and fresh, like eating straight from the garden. He achieved his goal through meticulous cross-breeding and selection, and the Oregon Giant sugar pod pea was born.

Details

This variety has an upright, bush-like growth habit, with vines reaching up to 30 inches tall, and adorned with vibrant green foliage. While they can grow without support, providing a trellis or other support can significantly increase yields, leading to an abundant harvest of plump pods that extends your enjoyment for weeks. This added support allows each plant to reach its full potential, producing dozens of pods throughout the season. Each leaf typically has two to three pairs of leaflets and ends in a tendril that helps the plant climb, exhibiting a vigorous climbing ability. The charming white flowers resemble butterflies, with the characteristic "pea flower" shape, and exude a delicate, honeyed fragrance that attracts pollinators. The pods themselves are a deep, glossy green, fat, and quite large, averaging 5 to 5 1/2 inches long and 1 inch wide. Their flavor is incredibly sweet, especially when harvested young, offering a sugary-sweet taste that rivals even the best sugar snap peas. They have a crisp and juicy texture, and the satisfying snap of a freshly picked pod is a delightful treat.

History

The Oregon Giant sugar pod pea was developed by Dr. James Baggett at Oregon State University in the 1980s. Dr. Baggett, a prominent vegetable breeder known for his work on peas, broccoli, and other crops, employed traditional cross-pollination and selective breeding techniques over multiple generations to stabilize desired traits. This resulted in a pea prized for its large, broad, and fleshy pods, distinguishing it from thinner-podded snow pea varieties. Emphasis was placed on resistance to common pea diseases, including powdery mildew and Fusarium wilt, making it an effortless choice for even novice gardeners. This inherent hardiness ensures a healthy and productive crop.

It was also bred for robust plant growth (reaching 3–4 feet tall) and high productivity, suitable for both home gardens and commercial production. Released in 1991 as part of a long-running pea improvement program that began in 1954, it quickly gained popularity among gardeners and farmers for its reliability and large pods. Dr. Baggett strongly advocated for open-source plant breeding, and the Oregon Giant is an open-pollinated variety.

Uses

Oregon Giant sugar pod peas can be eaten raw as a refreshing snack, their crispness and sweetness a delightful contrast to creamy dips and cheeses. Quickly sauté the pods with a little butter or oil for a simple side dish and season with salt and pepper. The tender shoots can also be added to salads or used as a delicate garnish. And for those who want to enjoy their harvest throughout the year, this variety freezes beautifully, preserving its exceptional sweetness and tenderness for the colder months.

Simply pile them high on a platter with other raw vegetables with your favorite dips for a delectable snack or appetizer. Cut in half and add to green, pasta or grain salads. Cut into bite-sized pieces or julienne for a raw salad or slaw. Use them whole in stir-fries where their vibrant green color and satisfying crunch add dimension to the dish. They can be braised alongside beef, duck, and poultry and pair well with shrimp, chiles, Asian flavors, corn, radishes, Mediterranean flavors, garlic, lemon, nuts, and fresh herbs. 

In addition to their value in the kitchen, Oregon Giant sugar pod peas offer benefits in the garden. As legumes, they fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility and benefiting neighboring plants. Their vigorous growth habit can also provide some shade for other crops, helping to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Companion Planting

Companion planting involves growing different plant species near each other to create a mutually beneficial environment. When it comes to Oregon Giant sugar pod peas, several companion plants can enhance their growth and protect them from pests.

Beneficial pairings include beans (both are legumes that fix nitrogen), carrots (their roots aerate the soil), radishes (thrive in cool weather), turnips (benefit from nitrogen fixed by peas), corn (acts as a natural trellis), cucumbers (similar growing needs), basil (repels thrips), marigolds (deter pests and attract beneficial insects), and nasturtiums (act as trap crops for aphids). For example, marigolds deter pests by releasing a compound into the soil that repels nematodes and other harmful insects.

On the other hand, antagonistic pairings to avoid include alliums such as onions, garlic, leeks, and chives. Alliums can inhibit the growth of peas.

Planting and Growing Tips

Start your peas by planting them in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked or in late summer for a fall crop. Ensure the soil is well-drained and fertile, amending with compost or well-rotted manure if needed. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. The optimal soil temperature range for germination is 50-75°F. While Oregon Giant can grow without support, providing a trellis or other support can increase yields and make harvesting easier.

Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) is ideal for optimal growth and pod production. In warmer climates, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent the plants from bolting (flowering prematurely) in hot weather. It also tolerates short hot spells, making it a good choice for regions with occasional heat waves. Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during flowering and pod development. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. 

Peas generally don't require heavy fertilization, especially if the soil is amended with compost. This pea is resistant to powdery mildew, enation mosaic virus, and fusarium wilt, further simplifying its cultivation.

Harvest Tips

Harvest Oregon Giant sugar pod peas in the morning when they are cool and crisp, starting about 60-70 days after planting. Begin harvesting when the pods are fully formed but still flat, with small peas inside. For the best flavor, stop harvesting when the pods become overly plump or start to dry out. At this point, the pods may become tough and lose their sweetness. Pick pods frequently to encourage continued production. Store harvested peas in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. 

Learn More

• The History of Heirloom Peas
• Heirloom Peas: Sugar, Snap and Snow

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