How to Grow Snow Pea Carouby de Maussane
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Snow Pea Carouby de Maussane
Pisum sativum var. saccharatum
vegetableCarouby de Maussane is a French heirloom snow pea variety prized for its large, flat, tender pods that are edible whole when young. Unlike snap peas, snow peas have thin pods with small peas inside and are typically harvested before the peas fully develop. This tall, vining variety produces abundantly and has excellent flavor, making it a favorite for stir-fries, salads, and fresh snacking.
When should you plant Snow Pea Carouby de Maussane in your zone?
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Example Snow Pea Carouby de Maussane timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Snow Pea Carouby de Maussane
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Snow Pea Carouby de Maussane
Around Jun 21≈ 65 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-9; best in cool-season climates (spring and fall)
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Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds germinate in 7-10 days. Seedlings emerge with cotyledons and develop their first true leaves. Plants are small and fragile.
Ensure consistent soil moisture. Keep soil temperature between 45-70°F. Thin seedlings to proper spacing if direct seeding. Provide support structure (trellis, stakes, string) early to avoid damaging roots later.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlants develop multiple stems and climb vigorously along support structure. Foliage is lush green with compound leaves and growing tendrils. Plants reach 4-6 feet tall.
Train vines onto trellis or support as they grow. Water consistently and mulch around base to retain moisture. Monitor for early pest activity. No need for heavy feeding; excess nitrogen promotes foliage over pods.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall white and lavender flowers appear in clusters along the vines. Flowers are delicate and attract pollinators. Flowering indicates pod development will soon follow.
Maintain consistent watering; irregular water during flowering can cause flower drop. Continue supporting vines. Do not pinch off flowers. Watch for pollinators and ensure adequate bee access.
Pod Development & Early Harvest
4-6 weeksSmall flat pods develop rapidly after flowering. Pods are tender with thin walls and small, barely-developed peas inside. Carouby pods are noticeably large and flat compared to other snow pea varieties.
Begin harvesting as soon as pods reach 3-4 inches long and are still tender and crisp. Pick every 2-3 days to encourage continued production. Handle vines gently to avoid breaking. Continue watering and provide support.
Peak Harvest & Decline
4-6 weeksContinuous production peaks mid-season. Pods become larger and tougher as peas inside mature. Production eventually slows as temperatures rise or cool (depending on season) and plants decline.
Regular harvesting keeps plants productive. Stop harvesting if pods become tough or oversized. As production wanes, allow a few pods to mature fully for seed saving if desired. Water during dry spells.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur or baking soda solution if needed; remove affected leaves
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Row covers until flowering; remove and destroy affected pods; plant early to harvest before peak weevil activity
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with water or insecticidal soap; use neem oil if infestation is severe
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and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening; use copper tape barriers; beer traps; remove debris and dense ground cover where they hide
Uses
Fresh Eating & Stir-Fries
CulinarySnow pea pods are tender, sweet, and edible whole, making them excellent raw in salads, as snacks, or in stir-fries. Carouby varieties are particularly prized for their large, impressive flat pods and delicate flavor. [source]
Asian Cuisine
CulinaryA staple in Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian cooking. The tender pods add a light crunch and subtle sweetness to quick-cooked dishes. [source]
Nitrogen Fixation & Soil Improvement
HouseholdPeas form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules, naturally enriching soil with nitrogen. Plant residue can be left in soil or composted to improve fertility for future crops. [source]
Nutritional Value
MedicinalFresh snow peas are rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. They contain compounds like lutein and zeaxanthin important for eye health and anti-inflammatory benefits. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifePea flowers attract bees and other pollinators, providing an early-season nectar source when few other flowers are available. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest pods when they are 3-4 inches long, flat, tender, and before the peas inside become fully rounded and mature. Pick in the morning when pods are crisp. Pinch or cut pods with one hand while supporting the vine with the other to avoid breaking stems. Harvest every 2-3 days to encourage continuous production. Carouby pods are excellent when still delicate and thin-walled. Pods that become thick, tough, and bulging with mature peas are past their prime for snow pea consumption, though these mature pods can be shelled for peas.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Carouby de Maussane is a French heirloom variety that has been grown in Europe for generations, named after Maussane-les-Alpilles, a village in Provence. It is prized by European gardeners and is often featured in French kitchen gardens.
- 🌱 Snow peas are technically immature pods harvested before the peas fully develop, unlike snap peas where the entire rounded pod is eaten at maturity. The Carouby variety's flat pods are visually striking and can be nearly 5 inches long.
- 🌱 A single pea plant's root nodules can fix 40-50 pounds of nitrogen per acre, making peas one of nature's most efficient soil improvers. This is why peas have been used in crop rotation for thousands of years.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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