August 2025: Oregon Sugar Pod II

This month’s seed kit features Oregon Sugar Pod II. To support our environment, some seed kit materials are now available digitally.

Oregon Sugar Pod II

The Oregon Sugar Pod II snow pea is an American heirloom crop specifically bred for the cooler Pacific Northwest. Cultivated by Dr. Jim Baggett of Oregon State University, this varietal of the snow pea has the classic bright green pods and seeds. The peas have a sweet, sugary, and crisp flavor when eaten fresh.

Planting Instructions 

Culture: Oregon Sugar Pod II are best planted in early spring or late summer. Choose a location with direct sun and rich, well-drained soil. Sow about 1-inch deep and 2-inches apart, thinning to 6–9-inches apart once true leaves are established.

To encourage germination, soak peas in warm water 4-6 hours before planting. Sow about 1-inch deep and 2-inches apart, thinning to 6–9-inches apart once true leaves are established. Seeds should germinate 7-14 days after planting. Plants should reach maturity in 65–70 days.

Harvest: Harvest while pods are still flat and tender before seeds fully develop. Vines are tender, so it is best to cut the pods from the vine to prevent damage.

More About Oregon Sugar Pod II

While peas originated in the Middle East, they were quite different from the sweet, crisp treat you’ll be growing from the seeds in this kit. For one thing, the pod was inedible. Unlike the ready-to-eat varieties we enjoy today, these early peas had to be prepared by cooking, similarly to legumes. The snow pea often featured in stir-fries and salads was first refined in Asia, particularly in China, where it became a staple ingredient. 

The story of how this delicious, crunchy crop made its way from China to the West is surprisingly exciting. Following the Opium Wars in the mid-1800s, European missionaries were the first Westerners to venture within the hinterland of China. Many of these Christian missionaries were also passionate botanists. They encountered a treasure trove of wonderous new plants, and documented evidence of their discoveries, including Snow Peas.

When the news made it home, a new breed of adventurers was born: the Plant Hunters! These fearless men and women of the Victorian era were driven by politics, empire building, fame, and fortune to risk their lives exploring and collecting specimens. Oftentimes plant hunters trespassed into forbidden areas, and what they considered exploration, the locals would call theft.

Their actions were often unethical, but the stories of their exploits rival those of Indiana Jones. Natural disasters, dangerous animals, tropical diseases, and rough terrain were only a few of the perils they battled while attempting to get their specimens home in one piece! That’s how snow peas made their way onto tables around the world!

Garlic Sesame Sugar Snap Peas

 Serves: 7    Prep time: 5 minutes   Cook Time: 5 minutes 

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. of fresh sugar snap peas (about 3 cups), trimmed
• 1 tbsp. of sesame oil or vegetable oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. of fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp. of soy sauce
• 1 tsp. of toasted sesame seeds
• 1 pinch of red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse and trim the ends of the peas, and pat dry.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add sugar snap peas and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and crisp.
5. Stir in soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute.
6. Sprinkle in sesame seeds and add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Ginger sesame snap peas can be served alongside steamed rice or with noodles.

Craft: Peas in a Pod Photo Card

You’ll Need:

• Green paper
• Printed photo
• Scissors
• Glue Stick or Glue
• Pen

Instructions:

1. Fold a sheet of green paper in half
2. Draw the outline of the shape of a pea pod, making sure to leave part of the fold intact, then cut out your pea pod
3. Cut out circles around the heads of the people in your photos; these will be the peas in your pod. Paste on one side of the inside of your card
4. Write “Peas in a Pod” under or opposite your photos
5. Send it to a friend in the photo (or keep it for yourself!)