[Bernard]

I have grown mangetout for a few years but the family prefers sugar snap so last year I tried them with not much success.
Got new seed this year, T&M 'Sugar Flash', sowed 8 and got 2.

Tried a test - 6 pots each of these against 6 of last year's mangetout 'Oregon Sugar Pod'. Kept them in the greenhouse in a tray, result as below, mangetout on the right:


This after 10 days, and 3 days ago I planted the mangetout. There are still only 2 sugar snaps.

[mumofstig]

Yes, I don't know what's going on, but I've had results for the last 2 years with sugarsnaps, all different seed as well  I've only got about an 8ft row this year, out of 3 pkts sown 

[GrannieAnnie]

I think mine are called Sugar Ann?  sugar something anyway.  I got about 65% germination.

[mumofstig]

that's the one! Not just me then 

[Bernard]

'Ann' was the one I tried last year with not much success. I thought 'Sugar Flash' might be better but it appears to be worse. I am beginning to think there are problems with certain seeds that  are kept quiet.

Anyway, I have put this test to T&M and asked for their comment. I have a feeling they will simply give me the standard advice about germination but what ever it is I will post it here.

[viettaclark]

I think I sowed my Sugar Anne (old seed) at the wrong time. They had 2 weeks of extreme heat and dryness then extreme cold and the poor things didn't stand a chance really.
However the rain started them off and although they grew VERY slowly they are now flowering and I reckon there was a good 95% germination.
Can't say I've had a successful year otherwise.......

[Bernard]

I wonder if they are more critical of conditions than mangetout.
Anyway, after sending the photo to T&M they replied to say
   they always test the seeds.
   thank you for bringing this to their attention
   a replacement pack of seeds would be sent.

I have received the seed pack and they are sugar snap 'Cascadia', which I have not tried before.
So I have immediately set up a test batch in pots alongside 'Sugar Flash' and mangetout 'Oregon Sugar Pod' so I will report the result in a couple of weeks.

[Goosegirl]

Why did T+M not send the same seeds as you ordered? Not a fan of them by any means. My peas (Hurst Green Shaft) and dwarf French Beans are all very slow to germinate, but I am putting it down to the weather conditions.

[Kleftiwallah]

We've just had our first meal of sugarsnap peas.  Definitely going to grow them again, grew them in guttering inside the greenhouse and crammed them into the guttering as well, about 1 1/2" between the seeds.

Good germination.  Variety was Mr Fothergills Sugar Bon.

Cheers,     Tony.

[Yorkie]

Why did T+M not send the same seeds as you ordered?

Presumably either because the original variety was out of stock or, more likely, they were guarding against it being a duff batch of seeds by sending out a different variety.

[mumofstig]

I've just picked a bowlful of sugarsnaps that was all - so I've pulled the plants up 
Bad germination and bad yield for the 2nd year running 

[Goosegirl]

We had some frozen sugarsnaps from last year used for dinner last night and they were great! My OH wanted peas this year, but I think SS are better value as they can be harvested intheir pods or used later as sweet-tasting peas.

[mumofstig]

That's why I like'em you get more for your money/effort 
But not last year or this 

[viettaclark]

Mine are going great guns now so I'll have to start freezing. I'm going to do a sowing of Cascadia to see what they're like.

[Bernard]

Why did T+M not send the same seeds as you ordered?

Presumably either because the original variety was out of stock or, more likely, they were guarding against it being a duff batch of seeds by sending out a different variety.

That's what I like to hear, spoken like a true Yorkshireman!
As I age I become more cynical about the things we are accustomed to taking for granted.

It seems to me that the test batch that I did (see the start of the thread) is absolute proof that there is something wrong with either
1) this batch
2) this variety
3) or sugar snap in general

Since I did not have good results last year either I suspect no. 2

Anyway, still waiting for 2nd test which includes Cascadia.