What are Sugar Bon Peas?
When it comes to a great, versatile variety of pea, Sugar Bon is hard to beat. These plants produce high-quality pea pods of about 3 inches (7.5 cm.) in abundance. But they are also dwarf, growing in height to just about 24 inches (61 cm.), which makes them ideal for small spaces and container gardening. The flavor of the Sugar Bon pea is deliciously sweet, and the pods are crisp and juicy. These are ideal for enjoying fresh right off the plant and in salads. But you can also use Sugar Bons in cooking: stir fry, sauté, roast, or even can or freeze them to preserve that sweet taste. Another great quality of Sugar Bon is that the time to maturity is just 56 days. You can start them in spring for a summer harvest and in late summer or early fall, depending on your climate, for a fall to winter harvest. In warmer climates, like zones 9 through 11, this is a great winter crop.
Growing Sugar Bon Peas
Sugar Bon peas are easy to grow simply by sowing seeds directly into the ground. Just be sure that there is no risk of frost. Sow about one inch (2.5 cm.) deep and thin seedlings until those left are 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm.) tall. Sow the seeds where they will have a trellis to climb, or transplant the seedlings so that there is some structure to support the growing vine. Sugar Bon pea care is pretty simple after your seedlings are in place. Water regularly, but avoid letting the soil get too damp. Watch out for pests and signs of disease, but this variety will resist many common pea diseases, including downy mildew. Your Sugar Bon pea plants will be ready for harvesting when the pods look mature and are round and bright green. Peas that are past their prime on the vine are duller green and will show some ridges on the pod from the seeds inside.
