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
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.
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: 1.5 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
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
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