Growing Peas

Pisum sativum : Fabaceae / the pea or legume family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    P P P              

(Best months for growing Peas in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 46°F and 75°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 2 - 3 inches apart
  • Harvest in 9-11 weeks. Pick the pods every day to increase production.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Potatoes

Your comments and tips

06 Jun 21, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
If you leave any of the pods to dry up, the plant will stop producing and start to die off. You need to check that you are not missing even pods with one pea and remove them .
07 Mar 21, Ann (Australia - temperate climate)
Do you class Mt Isa north west Qld as sub tropical it is still late 30s C and through the night I would like to plant peas but not sure if it’s too soon
08 Mar 21, (Australia - arid climate)
You are arid. Peas plant from April.
19 Feb 21, Bob (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in outer Melbourne, and am trying to grow little different kind of peas, Butterfly Peas (Clitoria Tematea), without too much success. Is Melbourne's climate warm enough for Butterfly Pea to grow in open garden? Thank you for your attention and your time.
22 Feb 21, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
It could be too hot at the moment. Wait until mid March and grow into the cooler Autumn and Winter.
12 Aug 20, Meredith Wardlaw (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I'm having trouble with peas planted and not germinating.
13 Aug 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Make sure you have viable seeds, buy only as you need them, like each year. Dig your soil over and wet it. The next day plant your seeds and give a very light watering. DO NOT WATER AGAIN FOR 4-5 DAYS then only a light watering. Too much watering will rot them. This applies to most bigger seeds, beans, corn, zucchini, pumpkin etc.
09 Jul 20, Mick (Australia - temperate climate)
I have peas by the dozens they are around 6 foot tall and producing well, what is the best way to keep the seed. Can I plant them green straight out of the pod or do they need to dry out. I have planted some green last week but a bit cold yet for them to sprout
06 Jun 21, Sally (Australia - temperate climate)
I always let the pod dry on the vine until I can shake them and hear the peas rattle inside (because they have dried out). I then store them in paper bags or cut up printer paper and make pouches for them to be stored in. This seems to work very well.
12 Jul 20, lynette (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I leave my pods on the vine until they are throughly dried out. If you dont want to plant them now, they will keep until next planting season. I keep mine in a paper bag, still in their pods
Showing 11 - 20 of 120 comments

Chick peas plant winter early spring. If it becomes hot mulch the soil. Look up on the internet.

- Mike

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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