Sugar Snap Pea Planting Guide
Sweet, crunchy edible-pod pea perfect for snacking and stir-fries
Flavor notes: Sweet edible pods with plump peas.
Variety notes: Harvest when pods are plump but still crisp.
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 Sugar Snap Pea in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 75F, and enough room for 3 inches between plants and 18 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: 3 inches apart, 18 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 40F to 75F
- Sunlight: 5+ hours
- Watering: 1 inch per week; reduce once pods begin to plump
- Days to harvest: 60
Fertilization
- 5-10-10 Low Nitrogen synthetic: 1.5 lbs per 100 sq ft at planting
- Compost organic: 2 inches worked in before planting
Companion Plants
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Mint
Avoid Planting Near
- Onions
- Garlic
- Leeks
Harvest Signs
- Pods are plump, round, and bright green
- Peas visible as bumps beneath pod skin
- Pod snaps crisply when bent
- Harvest daily once production starts
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 75F. 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 Sugar Snap Pea in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 75F, and enough room for 3 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Pea?
Plant Pea about 3 inches apart, with rows around 18 inches apart.
What grows well with Pea?
Pea is commonly paired with Carrots, Radishes, Turnips, Mint.