When to plant peas
Peas tolerate frost, so sow outdoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost; for a fall crop, sow 8–10 weeks before the first fall frost. Plant when the soil is at least 40°F.
Peas dates for Columbus, Ohio (example)
Example dates. Enter your ZIP above for your own.
| Sow outdoors | Mar 9–23 |
|---|---|
| Sow for fall harvest | Aug 15–29 |
| Last planting for a harvest before frost | Aug 29 |
| Soil temperature | 40°F or warmer |
| Days to harvest | 55–70 |
| Spacing | 1–2 in apart |
Your pea year
- Sow outdoors
- Sow for fall harvest
Average last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 24.
Growing tips for peas
- Peas can be sown as soon as the soil can be worked; they shrug off light frost.
- Yields fall off sharply once days pass about 80°F, so early sowing matters.
- Give climbing varieties a trellis at planting time.
When to plant peas in major cities
Calculated from each city's NOAA 1991–2020 average frost dates.
| City | Zone | Plant / sow | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 7b | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Sep 11–25 |
| Chicago, IL | 6b | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 10b | Dec 14–28 | Oct 6–20 |
| Houston, TX | 9b | Dec 22 – Jan 5 | Oct 16–30 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 10a | Nov 24 – Dec 8 | Oct 25 – Nov 8 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 7b | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Sep 8–22 |
| Dallas, TX | 8b | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 |
| Atlanta, GA | 8a | Feb 10–24 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
| Seattle, WA | 9a | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Sep 8–22 |
| Denver, CO | 6a | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Aug 3–17 |
| Boston, MA | 7a | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 5a | Mar 12–26 | Aug 7–21 |
| Kansas City, MO | 6b | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| Nashville, TN | 7b | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Portland, OR | 9a | Jan 14–28 | Sep 22 – Oct 6 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 7b | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
| Columbus, OH | 6b | Mar 9–23 | Aug 15–29 |
| Charlotte, NC | 8a | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Detroit, MI | 6b | Mar 10–24 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Raleigh, NC | 8a | Feb 14–28 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
Peas planting FAQ
When should I plant peas?
Peas tolerate frost, so sow outdoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost; for a fall crop, sow 8–10 weeks before the first fall frost. Plant when the soil is at least 40°F.
How many days until peas are ready to harvest?
Most pea varieties take about 55–70 days from sowing. Check the seed packet: early varieties are at the low end.
Can peas survive frost?
Yes. Peas tolerate frost and light freezes, which is why they can be planted weeks before the last frost date.
How far apart should I plant peas?
Space peas 1–2 in apart.
What is the last date I can plant peas?
Count the variety's days to maturity back from your first fall frost, allowing a week or two extra because peas tolerate light frost. Enter your ZIP code on this page and Seasonwise calculates the date for you.
Ask about growing peas
Enter your ZIP above first and answers will use your local frost dates. Written by an AI model; double-check anything important.