The sweet crunch that changed the way we eat peas. Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon ‘Original Sugar Snap’ is the heirloom that started a revolution—combining the sweetness of garden peas with the crisp, edible pod of snow peas. Thick-walled and juicy, each pod snaps cleanly with a burst of rich, green flavor that’s both fresh and deeply satisfying.
Vines reach 5–6 feet, climbing eagerly with abundant tendrils that cling to any support. Expect heavy yields of plump, glossy pods that mature evenly along the vine, perfect for eating straight from the garden, stir-frying, or quick steaming. Even after cooking, the pods retain their trademark crunch and sweetness.
Introduced in 1979 by Calvin Lamborn and the Gallatin Valley Seed Company of Idaho, ‘Original Sugar Snap’ was the first true snap pea—born of nearly two decades of crossbreeding between snow peas and shelling peas. Its success sparked a worldwide shift toward edible-podded peas and remains unmatched for pure, nostalgic flavor. A timeless classic that every gardener should grow at least once, if only to remember how peas are meant to taste.
