Sugar Lace

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Sweet, lacy pods unfurl with a delicate crunch—Sugar Lace snap peas bring a bright, sugar-forward flavor wrapped in an airy, ribboned texture.

At maturity, the slender pods are tender and crisp, offering a satisfying snap that shines in fresh garden baskets and livens up quick sautés and stir-fries. Grow Sugar Lace for a long, productive harvest window and that unmistakable “just-picked” sweetness in every pod.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Clumping

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Sugar Lace pods taste like they’re still cooling in the shade—sweet, crisp, and ribbon-light, with a fresh-green edge that doesn’t need heavy cooking. Use fast heat or acidic finishes (lemon, soy) so the snap stays audible; if you overcook, it turns dull and slightly starchy.

Best Uses

shower into salads and ceviche-style bowls for a loud, clean crunch
quick sauté or stir-fry for 60–90 seconds—keep pods crisp, not stewed
blanch and shock, then glaze with butter and a squeeze of lemon for a glossy, snappy side
toss into hot rice/noodles at the end so they keep their ribboned bite

Flavor Profile

sugar-forward sweetness bright, snappy snap-pea crunch lightly grassy, fresh-green finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon butter mint parmesan soy sauce sesame oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon (Sugar Lace), and how do I manage it?

Watch for powdery mildew, which shows up as white-gray coating on pea leaves in warm, humid weather. Improve airflow with trellising, water at the soil line, and remove heavily affected leaves early; if it keeps spreading, treat with a labeled sulfur-based fungicide and follow the label timing. Also scout for pea aphids on new growth—wash them off with a strong water spray and apply an insecticidal soap only when populations are active and plants are dry enough for safe application.

How often should I water Sugar Lace during its main growing phase (around pod set)?

During the flowering-to-pod-filling stage, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week total, split into 2–3 waterings if needed. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, then water deeply so roots stay consistently hydrated for steady pod development. Mulch lightly around the plants to reduce moisture swings, which help prevent poor pod fill.

How can I tell when Sugar Lace (snap pea) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods are fully filled but still tender—typically around day 55–60—when you can easily indent a pod with your thumbnail. Pick every 1–2 days once harvesting starts to keep pods from getting tough and to encourage continued production. If peas inside look swollen and the pod feels leathery or stringy, it’s past peak tenderness.