Sugar Bon Peas: A Sweet and Versatile Treat for Your Garden
What are Sugar Bon Peas?
Sugar Bon peas are a type of sugar snap pea that is known for its delicious sweetness, crispness, and juiciness. They are a versatile variety that can be enjoyed fresh, stir-fried, sautéed, roasted, or even canned or frozen to preserve their flavor.
These plants are dwarf, meaning they grow to a compact height of about 24 inches, making them ideal for small spaces and container gardening. Sugar Bon peas are also relatively quick to mature, taking just 56 days from planting to harvest.
Growing Sugar Bon Peas
Growing Sugar Bon peas is easy and can be done by directly sowing seeds into the ground. Make sure to wait until there is no risk of frost before planting. Sow the seeds about one inch deep and thin the seedlings until those left are 4 to 6 inches tall.
Sugar Bon peas need a trellis or other support structure to climb on as they grow. Water the plants regularly, but avoid overwatering. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, but this variety is resistant to many common pea diseases, including downy mildew.
Harvesting Sugar Bon Peas
Sugar Bon peas are ready for harvesting when the pods look mature and are round and bright green. Peas that are past their prime will be duller green and will show some ridges on the pod from the seeds inside.
Benefits of Sugar Bon Peas
In addition to their great taste and versatility, Sugar Bon peas offer several other benefits:
- Compact and easy to grow: Ideal for small spaces and container gardening.
- Quick to mature: Ready to harvest in just 56 days.
- Disease-resistant: Resists many common pea diseases.
- Versatile: Can be enjoyed fresh, cooked, or preserved.
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- How to Grow Sugar Bon Peas in Containers:
Sugar Bon peas are a great choice for container gardening due to their compact size. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix and plant the seeds about one inch deep. Water the seeds well and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- When to Harvest Sugar Bon Peas:
Sugar Bon peas are ready to harvest when the pods are plump and bright green. The peas should be firm and sweet. Avoid harvesting peas that are past their prime, as they will be less flavorful and may have tough pods.
- How to Preserve the Sweetness of Sugar Bon Peas:
To preserve the sweetness of Sugar Bon peas, you can freeze them. Blanch the peas by boiling them for 2-3 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the peas and spread them out on a baking sheet. Freeze the peas for several hours, or until they are solid. Transfer the frozen peas to freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Sugar Bon Pea Recipes:
Sugar Bon peas are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:
* Stir-fried Sugar Bon Peas with Garlic and Ginger
* Sautéed Sugar Bon Peas with Lemon and Herbs
* Roasted Sugar Bon Peas with Bacon and Onions
* Sugar Bon Pea Salad with Feta and Mint
* Sugar Bon Pea Soup with Ham and Potatoes