When to Plant and Harvest Sweet Pea
Climbing fragrant annual with exquisitely perfumed flowers in jewel-tone colors
Pets: Not on the ASPCA list. The ASPCA Sweet Pea entry is perennial pea (Lathyrus latifolius): non-toxic to dogs and cats, toxic to horses. Annual sweet pea is not listed by species. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Best Time and Place to Plant Sweet Pea
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Sweet Pea in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 70F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 12 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 1 inches deep
- Spacing: 6 inches apart, 12 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 45F to 70F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: 1.5 inches per week; water deeply; mulch heavily
- Days to harvest: 70
Fertilization
- 5-10-10 Low Nitrogen synthetic: Monthly feeding during blooming
- Bone Meal organic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft before planting
Companion Plants
- Larkspur
- Salvia
- Climbing Roses
Avoid Planting Near
No avoid-planting conflicts are listed yet.
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Cut flowers just as bottom 2 blooms open on each stem
- Harvest every 2-3 days to prevent seed formation and extend season
- Do NOT eat sweet peas; they are toxic
- Fragrance is strongest in the morning
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Sweet Pea?
Sweet Pea planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Sweet Pea?
The best time of year to plant Sweet Pea is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 45F to 70F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Sweet Pea?
Plant Sweet Pea in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 70F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Sweet Pea?
Plant Sweet Pea about 6 inches apart, with rows around 12 inches apart.
What grows well with Sweet Pea?
Sweet Pea is commonly paired with Larkspur, Salvia, Climbing Roses.
How long does Sweet Pea take to grow?
Sweet Pea is typically ready to harvest in about 70 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Sweet Pea?
Harvest Sweet Pea when cut flowers just as bottom 2 blooms open on each stem. Harvest every 2-3 days to prevent seed formation and extend season Do NOT eat sweet peas; they are toxic