VegetablePea
Cascadia Pea
Snap Pea
Cascadia Pea brings the crisp sweetness of Oregon's agricultural innovation to gardens across zones 1-9. This vigorous snap pea produces tender, edible pods on vines that reach 24-36 inches tall, ready for harvest in just 60 days. Winner of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, Cascadia combines exceptional disease resistance with reliable yields that have made it a trusted choice for both West Coast gardeners and those in cooler climates nationwide.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
1-9
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam, Moderately Rich
Preferred Temp50-75°F
Growth Stats
36 in
Height
—
Width
1 in
Spacing
60–60
Days to Harvest
PeriodAnnual
TypeBush - Compact Growth
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Zones
1-9
Size
36in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
What sets Cascadia apart is its remarkable triple resistance to Fusarium Wilt, PEMV, and Powdery Mildew, making it one of the most resilient snap peas available. The plump, stringless pods grow to 3 inches long with thick walls that deliver an exceptional balance of tenderness and satisfying crunch. This open-pollinated variety produces abundantly on sturdy vines that reward frequent harvesting with continuous pod production throughout the growing season. Its adaptability shines whether grown as an early spring crop or late summer planting for fall harvest.
Common Uses
Cascadia excels in fresh applications where its natural sweetness and crisp texture shine brightest. The tender pods are perfect for raw snacking straight from the vine, adding crunch and color to fresh salads, or serving on vegetable platters. When cooked, they require only brief steaming or quick stir-frying with garlic and sesame to preserve their bright flavor and satisfying snap. Many gardeners prize them for blanching alongside pasta or tossing into stir-fries as one of the final ingredients, where their brief cooking time maintains both nutrition and texture.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
30-40 Days After Sowing
First Harvest
60-70 Days After Sowing
Last Harvest
Indeterminate
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds 0.5-1 inch deep when spring soil temperatures reach at least 40°F, or plant in late July for fall harvest. In areas with mild winters like the maritime Northwest, February planting is possible with an additional 35-40 days added to maturity time.
Harvesting
Begin checking pods for harvest readiness around 60 days from planting, though some sources report harvest windows extending to 69-79 days depending on conditions. Pick pods when they are firm, crisp, and bright green with visible pea swelling inside. The 3-inch pods should feel plump but still tender, as leaving them too long on the vine causes peas to become starchy and pods to toughen. Harvest frequently to encourage continued pod production and maintain the sweet, tender quality that makes Cascadia special.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Pisum L.
Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Pisum
Duration
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Native Status
L48 (I)CAN (W)GL (W)
History & Origin
“Cascadia emerged from the Pacific Northwest's dedication to developing vegetables perfectly suited to cooler, often challenging growing conditions. This variety was specifically developed to provide consistent yields and resilience in the variable climate of the Cascade region, where unpredictable weather and soil-borne diseases often challenge pea growers. Through careful selection and breeding, Cascadia became the recommended substitute for PLS 141, representing years of agricultural refinement focused on combining the beloved characteristics of traditional snap peas with modern disease resistance and vigor.”