When to Plant Peas in Colorado Springs, CO
Published: April 24, 2026
Pea Planting Dates for Colorado Springs, CO
| Start seeds indoors | Year-round |
| Last frost (average) | March 22 |
| Direct sow outdoors | February 15–25 |
| Minimum soil temperature | 40°F |
| Expect first harvest | April 11 – April 26 |
| Fall crop planting | September 1–11 |
| Fall crop harvest | October 26 |
| First fall frost (average) | November 10 |
⚠ 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.
Best Pea Varieties for Colorado Springs, CO
Consult a Colorado Springs-area nursery or your state extension office for pea varieties proven in Zone 6b.
Growing Peas in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs sits in Zone 6b, with an average last frost of March 22 and first fall frost around November 10 — giving a 233-day frost-free growing season. Cool-season crops like pea benefit from Colorado Springs's cooler spring and fall windows, when temperatures stay in the 55–75°F sweet spot that produces the best flavor and least bolting.
Colorado Springs's moderate climate supports pea on the standard transplant calendar with minimal special accommodation. Succession planting — sowing fresh seeds or setting new transplants every 2–3 weeks through spring — stretches the harvest window and gives you a backup crop if pests hit the first planting.
Colorado Springs's well-draining loam soils are among the best for pea growing — focus on annual organic matter additions (2 to 3 inches of compost) and consistent moisture during drier months. Water pea at 1 inches per week; loam holds moisture evenly without the drought-crack cycle of heavy clay or the rapid-drain losses of pure sand.
Pea Calendar for Colorado Springs
| Month | Task |
|---|---|
| Year | Start seeds indoors under grow lights |
| March | Last frost — soil warming, prepare bed |
| February | Direct sow seeds into warm soil |
| April | Expect first harvest window to open |
| September | Start fall crop — transplants or direct sow |
| November | First fall frost — harvest remaining, end of outdoor season |
Pea Tips for Colorado Springs Gardeners
- •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.
- •Succession plant pea in Colorado Springs every 2–3 weeks through spring to extend the harvest window into summer.
Common Pea Pests in Colorado Springs
- •Pea Aphid — peaks July in Zone 6b (active May–September); monitor closely during peak season and treat early.
- •Powdery Mildew — peaks July in Zone 6b (active May–September); white powdery coating on leaves; improve airflow and apply milk spray (1:9 milk-to-water).
- •Root Rot — peaks July in Zone 6b (active May–September); monitor closely during peak season and treat early.
Check plants every 2–3 days during peak season — early intervention prevents most infestations from becoming serious.
What to Plant with Peas in Colorado Springs
In Colorado Springs's moderate climate, Carrot and Radish are the most beneficial plants to grow alongside pea. Carrot shares root-zone space without competing because carrot roots run deeper than most companions. Keep pea away from Onion — it inhibits bean and pea growth through sulfur-compound allelopathy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant pea in Colorado Springs, CO?
In Colorado Springs (Zone 6b), direct sow pea around February 15–25. Soil must be at 40°F or warmer at 2-inch depth before sowing — cold soil rots the seeds.
What zone is Colorado Springs, CO for pea growing?
Colorado Springs is USDA Zone 6b. For pea, this means a frost-free growing season of roughly 33 weeks running from March 22 to November 10. Cool-season crops like pea thrive in this zone with both spring and fall planting windows available.
When is pea harvest season in Colorado Springs?
Expect the first pea harvest in Colorado Springs around April 11, with harvest continuing through April 26. This is based on 55–70 days from transplant or direct sow. A fall crop planted September 1–11 adds a second harvest around October 26.
How long does it take to grow pea in Colorado Springs, CO?
From transplant or direct sow to first harvest, pea takes 55–70 days in Colorado Springs's climate. Based on a typical planting date of February 15–25, expect your first harvest around April 11. Colorado Springs's Zone 6b transition-zone climate produces maturity times right in the middle of the stated range.
What soil does pea need in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs's loam soil is near-ideal for pea. Work in 2–3 inches of compost before planting to boost organic matter and nutrient content. Minimal amendment is needed beyond that — loam holds moisture evenly without the drought-crack cycle of clay or the nutrient-loss issues of sandy soil.