Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Rub the spot with your finger to see if it wipes off.
- Check if the plants are crowded together.
- Observe if the spots are appearing after a period of high humidity.
Likely causes
Powdery mildew
Most likelyHow to tell: A white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems. It often starts as small circular spots.
What to do: Improve air circulation by thinning out crowded plants. Spray the foliage with a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water.
Fungal leaf spot
PossibleHow to tell: Darker spots with yellow halos that do not wipe off. These are caused by damp, humid conditions.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Powdery mildew is common at the end of the season. If it appears early, treat it quickly to protect your harvest.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry and ensure your peas have plenty of space for airflow.
Snow pea: spots? 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Is powdery mildew harmful to humans?
- It is not toxic, but it can make the plant taste bitter and reduce your yield.
- Can I prevent this next year?
- Choose mildew resistant varieties and plant them in a spot with excellent sun and airflow.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Snow pea
- Why are my snow pea leaves turning yellow?
- What are these bugs on my snow peas?
- Why are my snow pea plants drooping?
- Why are my snow peas not flowering?
- Why are my snow pea plants getting so leggy?
- Why are my snow pea leaves curling?
- Why are my snow pea tips turning brown?
- Why are my snow pea leaves falling off?
- Why are my snow pea plants wilting and dying?
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.