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 Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Canada | for all countries
30 Apr 24, Helena (Canada - Zone 2a Sub-Arctic climate)
Is it too early to plant peas?
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02 May 24, (Canada - Zone 2b Sub-Arctic climate)
Probably a bit early, best wait for June
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21 May 22, Marion (Canada - Zone 5b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I am new to ‘veggie’ gardening and would like to know if the ‘whitish’ markings on many of the pods of the peas I planted last year is normal. I also purchased some ‘snap peas’ I love to eat raw from a grocery store, most of which’s outer shells quickly developed ‘white’ patches while being kept in the refrigerator (?). Is this a common ‘pea’ attribute that I’m unaware of? I’d like to grow them again and don’t want to throw out anything if it’s not gone ‘bad’, or possibly just needs some sort of protective ‘spray’ or ‘killer’ from whatever may be causing these ‘mouldy’? like looking patches. Thank you for any answers…Marion
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24 May 22, (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I don't think many vegetables keep for long times in the fridge. Need to be eaten in a week or so. The whiteness I have seen but don't what causes it - maybe just water content and starting to break down.
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Depends on the type. There are "bush" peas that only get 2-3' foot tall but still need support. Then there are "climbing" types that can get up to 6'. The short ones produce peas sooner than the tall types.

- Renee

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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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