When to Plant Peas
Published: April 24, 2026
One of the first vegetables of spring — peas go in 4–6 weeks before last frost when soil is just workable. Tolerate light frost and actually prefer cool temperatures under 70°F.
When to plant pea
- Direct sow outdoors: 5 weeks before last frost
- Minimum soil temperature: 40°F
- Days to harvest: 55–70 days
- Sun requirement: Full sun to partial shade
- Spacing: 3 inches apart
- Water: 1 inches per week
- Fall crop: Yes — plant 10 weeks before first fall frost
⚠ Plant peas 4–6 weeks before last frost — one of the first vegetables of spring. Tolerate light frost. Also plant in late summer for a fall harvest.
Growing Tips for Peas
- •Soak pea seeds overnight before planting to speed germination in cool soil.
- •Install a 4–6 foot trellis at planting time — peas climb from day one and produce more per square foot when supported.
- •Sow every 2 weeks through early spring for a continuous 6-week harvest window.
- •Plant a second crop 10–12 weeks before first fall frost for autumn harvests; shade cloth helps germination in warm soil.
Companion Planting for Peas
✅ Plant pea with
- • Carrot
- • Radish
- • Cucumber
- • Corn
- • Lettuce
❌ Avoid planting near
- • Onion
- • Garlic
- • Chive
- • Shallot
Common Pea Pests and Problems
Regional pest pressure varies — see your state guide below for state-specific pest calendars and treatment timing.
Peas Planting Dates by State
Select your state for exact sow and transplant dates based on local frost calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I plant peas?
Plant peas 4–6 weeks before your last frost date, as soon as soil is workable and above 40°F. Peas are one of the very first vegetables of spring — in Zones 3–5 this is typically late March to mid-April; in Zones 7–8 it is late February to mid-March.
Can I start peas indoors?
Peas generally do not transplant well because their roots are delicate. In very short-season areas (Zones 3–4), you can start them in peat pots 2–3 weeks before planting out and transplant the entire pot to minimize root disturbance. Direct sowing is the preferred method for most climates.
Can I plant peas in the fall?
Yes — plant fall peas 10–12 weeks before your first fall frost date, usually early to mid-August. Fall peas need extra care: use shade cloth to help seeds germinate in warm soil, water consistently during establishment, and choose heat-tolerant varieties like Wando or Oregon Sugar Pod II.
What is the difference between snow peas, snap peas, and shelling peas?
Snow peas have flat, edible pods harvested young before seeds swell. Snap peas have plump, edible pods eaten whole like green beans. Shelling peas (garden peas) have tough pods that are removed to eat the sweet round peas inside. All three grow the same way and on the same schedule.
What should I plant with peas?
Carrots, radishes, and lettuce make excellent pea companions — they benefit from the nitrogen peas fix in the soil. Corn uses pea trellises after peas finish. Avoid onion family (onions, garlic, chives) which inhibit pea nitrogen fixation.