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
  • Peas in pod
  • Shelling peas
  • Young pea plant

Peas are best grown in cooler seasons. Peas need some support when growing, tree prunings with lots of small twigs are a cheap and handy source. Or else strings between posts or wire netting. Peas need tying in the early stages, until they start producing tendrils and clinging to the support.

Some pea varieties are called 'dwarf' but to make harvesting easier it is a good idea to support the plants.

Pick pea pods while young and pick them often to keep them producing.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Peas

Raw straight from the pod in the garden is best!
Raw in salads.
Steamed lightly.
Small pods can be steamed whole.

Your comments and tips

05 Feb 12, PAUL (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Can snap peas be started in fiber pots indooors now FEB., then moved outdoors in March?
29 Mar 20, Jay (USA - Zone 5b climate)
I started indoors in early March and transplanted outdoors on 28 Mar.
17 Feb 14, sandra mccormick (USA - Zone 7b climate)
can these green peas be planted (seeds) in maybe 6" deep maybe foot and 1/2 long pots outside?
01 Mar 14, GJX (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Yes it is possible, but you will need to water regular, and you will need to build a trellis. Also you will need liquid fertilizer, or I should say you should, if you want nice peas.
08 Jun 19, Jessica Ipina (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I was a little confused. I got a planting reminder from the Old Farmers Almanac that it was time to plant peas June 8th, in zone 9a. Isn't it too hot?
09 Jun 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi Jessica, have a look at this page and ignore the O F A advice for peas. https://www.gardenate.com/plant/Peas
12 Mar 20, Melissa (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I live in Sacramento and it gets HOT. Should I plant my peas on a North or South side of my property to reduce heat stress? I've never been able to get my seedlings to progress very far in the past. TIA
23 Jul 20, Kim (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I’ve planted my snap peas in a location where they get shade in the late afternoon and they do great. I’m also in Ca Central Valley.
15 Mar 21, Phoebe (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Kim, are you able to grow them through summer? I’m also in the same zone and would love to continue to grow snap peas but keep reading that I can’t do that after March because it’s too hot.
12 Jan 21, (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Check the right time to plant in your climate zone.
Showing 1 - 10 of 25 comments

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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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