How to Grow Peas: The Cool-Season Legume That Plants Itself (Almost)
See how easy it is to grow this low-maintenance plant that's a summer favorite and a staple in a number of soup and stew recipes.
Quick Reference: Growing Peas
- 3 types: shelling (eat seeds only), snow (flat edible pods), sugar snap (thick edible pods + seeds).
- Plant when: soil reaches 45 F. 4 to 6 weeks before last frost. Forsythia bloom is the phenology indicator.
- Spacing: 1.5 inches deep, 2 inches apart in rows or wide bands.
- Inoculate seeds with Rhizobium bacteria before planting (boosts nitrogen fixation).
- Trellis 4 to 6 ft for vining varieties. Bush varieties need no support.
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Peas are the first vegetable seed in the ground each spring across most of the US. They tolerate cold soil, fix their own nitrogen, and produce a sweet crisp harvest 60 days from sowing. This guide is the UMN Extension method for the three pea types (shelling, snow, sugar snap), the inoculant trick that doubles yield, and the trellising approach that keeps tall varieties productive.
When to Plant Peas
Per UMN Extension’s growing peas guidance.
- Soil temperature 45 F. The minimum. Below 40 F seeds rot before germinating.
- Calendar window. 4 to 6 weeks before last frost. Most of the US plants peas in March or April.
- Phenology indicator. Forsythia in full bloom = pea planting time.
- Fall sowing. 8 to 10 weeks before first fall frost for a second crop.
- Direct sow only. Peas do not transplant well.
The Inoculant Trick
Per Penn State Extension legume research.
- What it is. A powder of Rhizobium bacteria that pea roots use to fix atmospheric nitrogen.
- How to use. Moisten pea seeds, sprinkle with inoculant powder, plant immediately.
- Result. Stronger plants, larger yields, better soil nitrogen for the next crop.
- Cost. $5 to $10 per packet, treats 5+ pounds of seed.
- Where to buy. Seed catalogs, garden centers. Stored cool and dry, viable 1+ year.
How to Plant Peas (Detail)
Below are the original detail sections on planting peas and growing tips.
How To Plant Peas
Start: Peas can be direct sown in early spring 4-6 weeks before the last frost (as soon as the soil is workable) for a first crop and late summer for a fall crop. Sow 2” apart in double rows spaced 6” apart with 24” between double rows. Cover with 1” of fine soil. Thin to stand 4-6” apart when seedlings are 1-2” high.
Water: Peas do not do well in overly wet conditions. Keep soil evenly moist but not saturated. Peas require about 1” of rain per week.
Soil: Peas prefer fertile well-drained soil but will tolerate most soils except heavy clay. Average soil with some compost worked into it will suit them wonderfully. pH 5.8-7.0
Light: Full sun.
Fertilize: Peas are legumes are able to capture nitrogen from the air through their leaves. They do not require fertilizing, but if a fertilizer is used, choose one with little or no nitrogen.
Harvest: Harvest peas when the pods look full and are still bright, shiny green. If the peas have started bulging the pod and the pod is dull green, they are past prime.
Notes: Pea seeds can be inoculated with a beneficial bacteria at the time of planting to help them capture more nitrogen from the air.
Growing Peas FAQ
When should I plant peas?
When soil reaches 45 F, typically 4 to 6 weeks before last frost. Most of the US plants peas in March or April. The phenology indicator is forsythia in full bloom; when that happens in your yard, soil is right for peas.
What is the difference between snow peas, snap peas, and shelling peas?
Snow peas: flat edible pods picked while seeds are still tiny. Sugar snap peas: thick crunchy edible pods + plump seeds. Shelling peas: tough inedible pods; only eat the seeds. All three grow the same way; pick at the right stage for each.
Do peas need a trellis?
Vining varieties: yes, 4 to 6 ft. Bush varieties (often called dwarf): no, they support themselves at 18 to 24 inches. Check the variety description before planting; trellising tall types after the fact is much harder.
How long do pea plants produce?
3 to 4 weeks of continuous picking in spring (about 60 days from sowing to first picking). Plants decline rapidly once nighttime temperatures exceed 70 F. Pull and replace with a warm-season crop after the harvest tapers off.
Are pea shoots edible?
Yes. Young pea shoots and tendrils are a delicacy in Chinese, Italian, and Japanese cuisine. Pinch off the top 2 inches of vining tips before the plant flowers; toss raw in salads or stir-fry briefly.
This article was published by the Staff at FarmersAlmanac.com. Any questions? Contact us at questions@farmersalmananac.com.
- Farmers' Almanac Staff
- Farmers' Almanac Staff
- Farmers' Almanac Staff
- Farmers' Almanac Staff
How many days will be taken to get a young plant of pea
I’ve read to soak peas overnight prior to planting. True or False?
It’s sure true
Thank you for publishing these “how to grow” articles. I’m especially excited to grow snap peas this summer. I’ve been buying them pickled from my local gas station and hope to try making them on my own. I’ll be bookmarking this page to reference in the future. Thanks again – Curtis D.
Ya cuz I had a project and it was so easy I used the tips to grow the plant phew??☺???thanks guys