Growing Peas

Pisum sativum : Fabaceae / the pea or legume family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
            P P P P    

(Best months for growing Peas in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 8°C and 24°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 5 - 8 cm apart
  • Harvest in 9-11 weeks. Pick the pods every day to increase production.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Potatoes

Your comments and tips

07 Feb 21, Mimi (USA - Zone 7b climate)
How tall do pea vines grow? I am trying to determine how tall my supports need to be. Also, what kind of soil and how much sunshine do they prefer? Thanks!
08 Feb 21, Anonymous (USA - Zone 4a climate)
5-6' tall, good rich friable soil and sun most of the day.
30 Jan 23, Renee (USA - Zone 5b climate)
Depends on the type. There are "bush" peas that only get 2-3' foot tall but still need support. Then there are "climbing" types that can get up to 6'. The short ones produce peas sooner than the tall types.
05 Feb 21, Kirsten (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Is February too early to Plant peas?
15 Feb 21, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Check the planting calendar for your climate zone.
20 Jan 21, Charles (USA - Zone 6b climate)
What time should i plant peas (Gardenate : Try www.gardenate.com/plant/Peas?zone=113)
11 Jan 21, James (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Farmer's Almanac was probably talking about Southern peas (cowpeas-crowder, blackeye). They will ONLY germinate when it is warm.
12 Aug 20, Meredith Wardlaw (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I'm having trouble with peas planted and not germinating.
13 Aug 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Make sure you have viable seeds, buy only as you need them, like each year. Dig your soil over and wet it. The next day plant your seeds and give a very light watering. DO NOT WATER AGAIN FOR 4-5 DAYS then only a light watering. Too much watering will rot them. This applies to most bigger seeds, beans, corn, zucchini, pumpkin etc.
09 Jul 20, Mick (Australia - temperate climate)
I have peas by the dozens they are around 6 foot tall and producing well, what is the best way to keep the seed. Can I plant them green straight out of the pod or do they need to dry out. I have planted some green last week but a bit cold yet for them to sprout
Showing 31 - 40 of 196 comments

Tony, we left peas off the tropical calendar because the climate is usually too hot for them. Have you tried asparagus peas? They can cope with warmer weather. You use the pod whole like sugar peas.

- Liz

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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