Pea Planting Guide
Flat-podded pea harvested before seeds swell, excellent for stir-fries and fresh eating
Flavor notes: Crisp, sweet pods harvested flat.
Variety notes: Harvest pods before peas swell.
Best Time and Place to Plant 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 Pea in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 70F, and enough room for 2 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | August 1 to August 30 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | August 10 to September 15 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | August 15 to September 30 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 25 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | September 1 to October 20 |
| 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 to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 1 inches deep
- Spacing: 2 inches apart, 24 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 40F to 70F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Water regularly during flowering and pod set; avoid waterlogged soil
- Days to harvest: 60
Fertilization
- Compost organic: Work 1 inch into soil before sowing
- Legume inoculant organic: Dust seed before sowing where peas are new to the bed
Companion Plants
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Lettuce
Avoid Planting Near
- Onions
- Garlic
- Leeks
Harvest Signs
- Pods are full length but still flat
- Seeds inside are barely visible
- Pods snap cleanly and taste sweet
Major Varieties
- Sugar Snap Pea: Harvest when pods are plump but still crisp.
FAQs
When should I plant Pea?
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 Pea?
The best time of year to plant Pea is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 40F 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 Pea?
Plant Pea in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 70F, and enough room for 2 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Pea?
Plant Pea about 2 inches apart, with rows around 24 inches apart.
What grows well with Pea?
Pea is commonly paired with Carrots, Radishes, Turnips, Lettuce.