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 8°C and 24°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 5 - 8 cm 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

27 May 24, Michael hornick (USA - Zone 6a climate)
can i plant a second snow pea crop? i live in n.j., zone 6a.
19 Jul 24, Chris (USA - Zone 5a climate)
it's a bit late for a second crop now
15 Feb 24, william (USA - Zone 7a climate)
how to grow pigeon peas in zone 7a
15 Jan 24, Jasmien (USA - Zone 9a climate)
When is the latest date to plant sugar snap peas in Tucson 9A and how long until Harvest typically?
03 Feb 24, Dean (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Peas are a cools season Crop. So check what the cool season is for your area in zone 9a, and Plant then. I'm guessing (but don't KNOW) That zone 9 has no cool season. Which tells me that Sugar Snaps will be poor at best. UNLESS they have a strain for Florida.
08 Jul 23, Norm (USA - Zone 8b climate)
One thing you don't mention is planting for a second fall crop. Most of us get spring plantings, but it gets trickier for fall planting for snap pea or snow pea varieties. Zones 8a and 8b for example can plant sugar snap peas in mid to late july for fall harvest along the coast where the summers aren't too hot..
26 Jun 23, Clifford Foy (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I PLANTED SOME PIGEON PEAS FROM PUERTO RICO TODAY (JUNE 26,23) I LIVE IN MONROE, GA (ZONE 8A). HOPE THEY GROW AS GOOD AS THEY USED TO GROW IN PUERTO RICO,
07 Feb 21, Mimi (USA - Zone 7b climate)
How tall do pea vines grow? I am trying to determine how tall my supports need to be. Also, what kind of soil and how much sunshine do they prefer? Thanks!
08 Feb 21, Anonymous (USA - Zone 4a climate)
5-6' tall, good rich friable soil and sun most of the day.
30 Jan 23, Renee (USA - Zone 5b climate)
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.
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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