🟢When to Plant Peas (2026)
Sow as soon as soil can be worked — peas love the cold.
- Type: Cool-season
- Method: Direct sow
- Days to harvest: 60
- Spacing: 2" apart
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Companions: carrot, radish, cucumber
Is Peas right for your USDA zone?
Peas is a cool-season crop, which means it thrives in the mild temperatures of spring and fall. Gardeners in zones 3a through 7b get the longest peas season — you can plant in early spring and again in late summer for a fall harvest. In warmer zones (8a-10b), grow peas as a winter crop from October through February when temperatures are coolest.
Peas needs about 60 days from sowing to harvest, so any zone with at least 74frost-free days can grow it successfully. Check your zone's specific dates in the table below.
How to grow peas
Peas grows best when direct-sown right where it will mature, because it dislikes having its roots disturbed. Give each plant 2 inches of room in full sun to part shade, and keep the soil consistently moist while seeds germinate and plants establish.
Expect roughly 60 days to your first harvest. Watch for aphids, powdery mildew, the most common pests of peas, and scout plants weekly so you can act early. Install trellis or netting at planting time, not after—peas send out tendrils immediately and tangled vines break when you try to untangle them. Soak seeds overnight before planting for faster germination in cold soil.
Troubleshooting peas
Powdery mildew (white powder on leaves) strikes late plantings as weather warms. The best defense is planting early so peas finish before hot weather arrives. Choose resistant varieties like 'Sugar Snap' for later sowings.
Growing peas in containers
Dwarf pea varieties in 8-inch deep containers with a small trellis thrive on patios. 'Tom Thumb' grows only 8-10 inches tall and needs no support at all—perfect for small containers.
Peas planting dates by zone (2026)
| Zone | Start Indoors | Sow / Transplant | Harvest From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | — | Apr 3 | Jun 2 |
| Zone 3b | — | Apr 3 | Jun 2 |
| Zone 4a | — | Mar 29 | May 28 |
| Zone 4b | — | Mar 24 | May 23 |
| Zone 5a | — | Mar 19 | May 18 |
| Zone 5b | — | Mar 14 | May 13 |
| Zone 6a | — | Mar 9 | May 8 |
| Zone 6b | — | Mar 4 | May 3 |
| Zone 7a | — | Feb 27 | Apr 28 |
| Zone 7b | — | Feb 22 | Apr 23 |
| Zone 8a | — | Feb 11 | Apr 12 |
| Zone 8b | — | Feb 1 | Apr 2 |
| Zone 9a | — | Jan 14 | Mar 15 |
| Zone 9b | — | Dec 30 | Feb 28 |
| Zone 10a | — | Dec 20 | Feb 18 |
| Zone 10b | — | Dec 4 | Feb 2 |
Peas planting FAQ
When is the best time to plant peas?
Peas is a cool-season crop. Plant it in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, and again in late summer for a fall harvest. It tolerates light frost. Find the exact date for your USDA zone in the table below.
How long does peas take to grow?
Peas takes about 60 days from sowing to first harvest. It is best direct-sown rather than transplanted.
How far apart should I space peas?
Space peas about 2 inches apart in full sun to part shade. Proper spacing gives roots room to spread and improves airflow, which reduces disease.
What is the best growing tip for peas?
Install trellis or netting at planting time, not after—peas send out tendrils immediately and tangled vines break when you try to untangle them. Soak seeds overnight before planting for faster germination in cold soil.
What are common problems with peas?
Powdery mildew (white powder on leaves) strikes late plantings as weather warms. The best defense is planting early so peas finish before hot weather arrives. Choose resistant varieties like 'Sugar Snap' for later sowings.
Can I grow peas in a container?
Dwarf pea varieties in 8-inch deep containers with a small trellis thrive on patios. 'Tom Thumb' grows only 8-10 inches tall and needs no support at all—perfect for small containers.
Can I plant peas for a second harvest?
Yes—sow a fall crop in late July to early August in zones 5+. Peas love cooling autumn weather. Count back 60-70 days from your first fall frost date to time the planting.
What grows well with peas?
Good companion plants for peas are carrot, radish, cucumber. Companion planting can deter pests and make better use of garden space. Rotate where you plant peas each year to keep soil healthy.