When to Plant Peas in Virginia
Published: April 24, 2026
Virginia gardeners in Zone 6b have a 33-week growing season for pea (March 22 to November 10). Virginia's spring and fall windows both work well for pea — some gardeners plant both successions for a long harvest. This guide gives exact dates for Virginia based on your local frost calendar.
Pea Planting Dates for Virginia
| Start seeds indoors | Year-round |
| Last frost (average) | March 22 |
| Direct sow outdoors | February 15–25 |
| Expect first harvest | April 11 – April 26 |
| Fall crop start | September 1–11 |
| Fall harvest | October 26 |
| First fall frost (average) | November 10 |
Dates above assume Zone 6b, the most common zone in Virginia. Gardeners in cooler Richmond (Zone 6b) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer Virginia Beach (Zone 7a) can plant 1–2 weeks earlier.
⚠ 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 Peas in Virginia's Climate
Virginia's moderate Zone 6b climate is well-suited to pea with minimal special accommodation. The standard transplant calendar works as written, and harvest windows line up with what seed packets recommend without adjustment.
Succession planting extends your pea harvest significantly in Virginia. A second planting 3 to 4 weeks after the first gives you a backup in case of pest pressure and extends the total harvest window into early fall.
Common pea pests to watch for in Virginia include Pea Aphid and Powdery Mildew. The first line of defense is companion planting: Carrot and Radish planted nearby discourage several of these pests by confusing host-plant identification or repelling adults before they can lay eggs. Weekly garden walks in the early morning catch problems when they're still manageable.
Pea Garden Calendar for Virginia
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | Dormant season |
| February | Direct sow seeds | Sow seeds 1/4–1/2 inch deep, 3 inches apart |
| March | — | Dormant season |
| April | First harvest window opens | Pea begins producing 55–70 days after transplant |
| May ← | Watch for bolting | Harvest promptly; spring heat arrives quickly |
| June | — | Dormant season |
| July | — | Dormant season |
| August | — | Dormant season |
| September | Fall crop planting | Transplant or direct sow for fall harvest before frost |
| October | — | Dormant season |
| November | First frost approaches | Harvest remaining pea; cover plants on frost nights |
| December | — | Dormant season |
Pea Growing Tips for Virginia 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.
- •Virginia's moderate climate supports succession planting — sow new transplants or seeds every 3 weeks during spring to extend the harvest window into fall.
- •Sow every 2 weeks through early spring for a continuous 6-week harvest window.
Companion Planting for Peas in Virginia
In Virginia's moderate climate, planting pea with Carrot and Radish helps deter pests and improve soil. Avoid planting near Onion and Garlic, which inhibit pea growth through root chemistry or shared pest pressure. See the full pea companion planting guide for the complete list.
Peas Planting Dates by City in Virginia
Top cities in Virginia — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant pea in Virginia?
In Virginia (Zone 6b), start pea seeds indoors around Year-round and transplant outdoors around null — 0 weeks after the state's average last frost of March 22.
What is the last frost date in Virginia?
Virginia's average last frost date is March 22 in the state's most common Zone 6b. Frost dates vary by city — higher elevations and northern counties run 1 to 3 weeks later than the state average. See the city list below for city-level frost dates.
Can I grow pea year-round in Virginia?
pea is a cool-season crop in Virginia, with spring and fall windows. Summer heat bolts the plants before they can produce a harvestable crop. Succession planting every 2–3 weeks stretches the harvest window.
What pea varieties grow best in Virginia?
For Virginia's Zone 6b, consult a local nursery or extension office for peas variety recommendations.
When do I start pea seeds indoors in Virginia?
Pea does not need indoor starting in Virginia — direct sow around February 15–25 once soil reaches 40°F. Indoor starting is not recommended for this crop because pea transplants poorly.