VegetablePea
Oregon Sugar Pod II Pea
Snow Pea
Oregon Sugar Pod II is a snow pea heirloom bred specifically for cool-season gardening, developed by pioneering Oregon State University breeder Dr. Jim Baggett. These vigorous vining plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and produce crisp, stringless, flat pods with sweet immature peas ready to harvest in about 60 days. The variety thrives in zones 1 through 9 and grows as an annual, offering gardeners a productive crop that also enriches the soil through nitrogen fixation. Pick the tender pods while still flat for the best flavor and texture.
Photo © True Leaf Market(https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/pea-snow-oregon-sugar-pod-two)
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
1-9
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam, Moderately Rich
Preferred Temp55-75°F
Growth Stats
36 in
Height
PeriodAnnual
TypeVine
Spacing
2-3 inches apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart
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
Dr. Jim Baggett's American heirloom carries the proven hardiness and quick maturity of a true Pacific Northwest classic. The flat, stringless pods are at their peak when picked young and tender, bursting with sweetness ideal for fresh eating and quick stir-fries. These heavy-bearing vines reward frequent harvesting with continuous production, and their nitrogen-fixing roots leave your soil richer for whatever comes next. Frost-tolerant and reliable across a wide hardiness range, this variety produces around 90 to 125 seeds per ounce, making it economical for gardeners who save their own seed.
Common Uses
Oregon Sugar Pod II shines as a fresh snow pea, best eaten raw or lightly cooked to preserve its crisp texture and natural sweetness. The tender, stringless pods are at their most delicious in stir-fries, where they pair beautifully with ginger, soy sauce, and garlic, though they cook very quickly. Many gardeners prize them simply picked fresh from the vine, snapped open, and eaten raw as a garden snack. The peas also nourish the body with vitamin C, niacin, and surprising omega-3 fatty acids, and are most nutritious when enjoyed fresh rather than stored.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Late Spring
First Harvest
Early Summer
Last Harvest
Late Summer
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Sow Oregon Sugar Pod II seeds directly into well-prepared garden soil in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Seeds germinate reliably between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so timing your planting for early spring or fall ensures success.
Harvesting
Begin checking for maturity as soon as the pods start to swell, and harvest daily once they begin producing, as peas mature quickly. Snow pea pods should be plump and waxy when picked; harvest while still flat with only tiny immature peas visible inside. Pick in the early morning when pods are crispiest, using both hands to support the plant and prevent damage to the vines. Harvest frequently and consistently to encourage the plant to keep producing throughout the season. Leave mature pods on the plant too long and the pods will turn waxy and lose their tender sweetness.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Soil pH Range
6 – 7
Scientific Classification
Lathyrus L.
Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Lathyrus
History & Origin
“Oregon Sugar Pod II emerged from the breeding work of Dr. Jim Baggett at Oregon State University, specifically developed to thrive in the cooler Pacific Northwest climate. Baggett's selection prioritized the flavor profile and hardiness characteristics similar to Sugar Daddy while achieving faster maturity. This heirloom now carries the legacy of a region's agricultural innovation, preserving the breeder's vision for a snow pea that gardeners could count on season after season in challenging growing conditions.”