Will my curled leaves straighten out?

If the cause is heat stress, they will likely recover overnight. If the damage is from aphids, the leaves may stay distorted.

Can I eat peas from a plant with curled leaves?

Yes, as long as the pods themselves look healthy and are not covered in pests. Wash them thoroughly before eating.

Why are my snow pea leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for aphids.
Check if the soil feels dry to the touch.
Observe if the curling happens only during the hottest part of the day.

Likely causes

Aphids
Most likely
How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the undersides of leaves or near the growing tips. The leaves often look distorted or sticky from their waste.
What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Heat Stress
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day when the plant cannot keep up with water loss. They usually recover at night when temperatures drop.
What to do: Provide shade cloth during the peak afternoon heat. Ensure you are watering every 2 to 4 days to keep the soil consistently moist.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your snow pea

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for leaves to curl slightly during extreme heat. Worry if the curling is permanent and the plant stops producing new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your soil evenly moist and check your plants for pests twice a week.

Snow pea: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your snow pea and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will my curled leaves straighten out?: If the cause is heat stress, they will likely recover overnight. If the damage is from aphids, the leaves may stay distorted.
Can I eat peas from a plant with curled leaves?: Yes, as long as the pods themselves look healthy and are not covered in pests. Wash them thoroughly before eating.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are my snow pea leaves curling?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your snow pea?