When to Plant and Harvest Winter Peas
Field or Austrian winter peas used as a fall-sown legume cover; builds biomass and nitrogen when sown on time
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Best Time and Place to Plant Winter Peas
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Winter Peas in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 70F, and enough room for 3 inches between plants and 6 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | June 30 to July 21 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | July 11 to August 1 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | July 21 to August 11 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | July 31 to August 21 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 15 to September 5 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | August 25 to September 15 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 6 to September 27 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to October 11 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 15 to November 5 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | November 4 to November 25 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 12 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 1.5 inches deep
- Spacing: 3 inches apart, 6 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 45F to 70F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Keep evenly moist until seedlings emerge; then 1 inch per week if fall is dry
- Days to harvest: 90
Fertilization
- Compost organic: 1-2 inches worked into soil before sowing
- Inoculant (Rhizobium) organic: Treat seed per package for nitrogen fixation
Companion Plants
- Oats
- Winter Rye
- Crimson Clover
Avoid Planting Near
- Waterlogged beds that stay saturated through winter
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Seedlings are thick and covering the bed before hard freeze
- Plants are 6-10 inches tall in a good fall stand
- Terminate before spring bloom if the bed is needed for vegetables
- Mix with oats or rye when winter kill risk is high
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Winter Peas?
Winter Peas 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 Winter Peas?
The best time of year to plant Winter Peas 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 Winter Peas?
Plant Winter Peas in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 70F, and enough room for 3 inches between plants and 6 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Winter Peas?
Plant Winter Peas about 3 inches apart, with rows around 6 inches apart.
What grows well with Winter Peas?
Winter Peas is commonly paired with Oats, Winter Rye, Crimson Clover.
How long does Winter Peas take to grow?
Winter Peas is typically ready to harvest in about 90 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Winter Peas?
Harvest Winter Peas when seedlings are thick and covering the bed before hard freeze. Plants are 6-10 inches tall in a good fall stand Terminate before spring bloom if the bed is needed for vegetables