Royal Snow Peas: A Guide to Growing and Enjoying this Colorful Heirloom Vegetable

An Introduction to Royal Snow Peas

Royal snow peas, also known as "purple podded snow peas," are a unique and gorgeous variety of snow pea. As their name suggests, these snow peas have deep purple, almost black pods that make them easy to spot when harvesting. Beyond their visual appeal, royal snow peas have a delicious, sweet flavor and tender texture.

The History and Origins of Royal Snow Peas

Snow peas are believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region many centuries ago. The exact origins of the royal snow pea variety are unknown, but it likely emerged as a natural color mutation of traditional green snow peas at some point in history.

Like other snow peas, royals can be eaten whole - pod and all. This characteristic distinguishes them from standard garden peas, where only the inner peas are eaten. The first known documentation of eating snow pea pods comes from Chinese cooking dating back nearly 2,000 years.

Growing Conditions for Royal Snow Peas

Royal snow peas grow best in cool weather and can withstand light frosts. They are ideally suited for growing in spring and fall in most climates. In hot summer weather, snow pea growth may stall or the plants may bolt too early.

Like other varieties, royal snow peas require full sun exposure (at least 6 hours per day) and well-drained soil. Amending soil with compost or organic matter will provide nutrients. An external trellis, fence, or cage provides vital support for the vining plants.

How to Plant Royal Snow Peas

Royal snow peas can be grown from seed or transplanted from seedlings. When planting seeds directly in the garden, sow 1 inch deep in rows 12-24 inches apart. Space seeds 2 inches apart down each row.

If growing royal snow peas from transplants instead, be sure they have 4-6 mature leaves before moving them outdoors. Harden off the seedlings first and plant them at the same depth they were growing in pots or cell packs. Place transplants 12 inches apart in rows.

Caring for Royal Snow Peas

Royal snow peas require minimal care as they grow. Apply a layer of mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Provide 1-2 inches of water per week if nature does not oblige. Avoid watering from overhead, as wet foliage leads to disease.

Fertilization is typically not needed if soil is amended at planting time. But a side dressing of compost or kelp meal once flowering begins can boost production. Support vines by securing tendrils to trellises as they grow. This keeps pods from dragging on the ground.

Harvesting Royal Snow Peas

One of the best aspects of growing royal snow peas is how quick and easy they are to pick. The vibrant purple pods stand out brightly against the greens and yellows of foliage and trellises.

Harvest snow peas frequently once pods reach 3-4 inches long. Use scissors for a clean cut rather than pulling and risk damaging delicate vines. The beauty of snow peas is that slight overmaturity does not diminish quality - only tenderness is affected. Older pods simply develop more defined inner peas.

Continual harvesting spurs further production. Left to mature completely on vines, energy goes into developing peas rather than generating additional pods. A 10-20 foot row can supply a steady stream of snow peas for 2-3 weeks.

The Unique Qualities of Royal Snow Peas

Flavor

Royal snow peas offer a sweet, succulent flavor akin to sugar snap peas. They lack the grassiness sometimes associated with traditional snow pea pods. The tender texture adds to the appeal.

Use raw royal snow peas in salads or as edible garnishes. Briefly sauté or steam them to warm while retaining signature crunch. Quick pickling also preserves texture while accentuating natural sugars.

Nutrition

Like other varieties, royal snow peas provide an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. They also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds beneficial for health. Fiber and protein add sustenance.

As a low-calorie food, snow peas make a nutritious addition to a well-balanced diet. Their pods and peas contain different nutritional profiles. Consume both edible parts for comprehensive benefits.

Appearance

Few vegetables can compete visually with royal snow peas' deep amethyst hue. Contrasted with emerald vines and leaves, the pods captivate all who see them. Use them as edible garnishes for heightening aesthetics.

The eye-catching color also makes the peas easier to spot when scanning vines for harvest. Less hidden treasure gets overlooked or left behind to over-mature.

How to Incorporate Royal Snow Peas

Container Gardening

With their vining habit, snow peas often get portrayed as requiring substantial space. But compact varieties like Little Snow Pea excel in container growing. Even vertically challenged gardeners can experience success.

Select containers at least 12-15 inches deep and wide for adequate root zone development. Mini-trellises keep vines orderly and prevent toppling. Situate pots where they receive full sunlight.

Raised Beds

Raised garden beds provide the excellent drainage snow peas require. Amend the soil mix with compost or organic material to optimize fertility. Top off beds with rich potting mix rather than plain garden soil.

Space rows close enough that pea vines can be tied together across the width of beds once they meet. This maximizes support for heavy yields using less infrastructure.

Edible Landscaping

Royal snow peas inject beauty through their deep purple color while also producing tasty yields. Visually, they resemble wisteria blooms, especially when trellised. Utilize them as ornamentals for heightening curb appeal.

Interplant snow peas with cool season flowers at the front of borders for a stunning effect. Combine them with herbs like chives or brightly hued lettuces for fun theme gardens. Train vines up obelisks, pyramids, and pillars.

Children's Gardening

Snow peas rate among the best plants for engaging children in gardening. Kids delight in plucking the plump pods dangling readily within reach. Turn harvest sessions into contests to see who can gather the most peas.

Have kids journal the progress of plants they sow from seed themselves. Getting children involved from Day 1 invests them more in the entire growing process andharvesting the literal fruits of their labors.

FAQs

How are royal snow peas different from regular snow peas?

The main difference is the vibrant dark purple pods of royal snow peas. Regular snow peas have bright green pods. Royal snow peas are also said to be more tender and sweet compared to some standard snow pea varieties.

What causes the purple color in royal snow peas?

The anthocyanin pigments in royal snow peas produce the deep purple pod color. Anthocyanins act as antioxidants in plants and also supply the blue, red, and purple hues in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

How tall do royal snow pea plants grow?

If properly trellised or staked, royal snow pea vines can grow 5-10 feet tall. However, compact varieties max out at 3-5 feet tall at maturity making them suitable for containers.

Can you grow royal snow peas in hot summer climates?

Snow peas perform best in cool weather with temperatures between 60-70°F. Hot summers often hinder growth and quicken bolting. Providing shade and misting vines can help counteract heat stress.

What is the harvest window for royal snow peas?

Under ideal conditions, expect to harvest royal snow peas for 2-3 weeks if picking pods promptly and regularly. After the initial flush, production typically slows or stops altogether as vines decline.