When to Plant Peas by USDA Zone

Timing is everything when planting peas. As a lifelong gardener, I’ve learned that peas thrive in cool weather and struggle once temperatures climb. Knowing the ideal planting window for your USDA hardiness zone ensures strong germination and a bountiful harvest. Here’s a zone-by-zone guide to help you plant peas at the perfect time.

Table of Contents

USDA Zone 3

Spring: Sow outdoors mid-April to early May as soon as soil is workable.
Fall: Plant mid-July to early August for a late harvest before hard frost.

USDA Zone 4

Spring: Plant mid-April to mid-May, when soil reaches 40°F.
Fall: Sow in early August for a September harvest.

USDA Zone 5

Spring: Plant late March to mid-April as soon as soil can be worked.
Fall: Sow in late July to early August.

USDA Zone 6

Spring: Plant mid-March to early April.
Fall: Sow in early to mid-August for a September–October harvest.

USDA Zone 7

Spring: Plant late February to mid-March.
Fall: Sow late August to early September.

USDA Zone 8

Spring: Plant mid-February to early March.
Fall: Sow early September to mid-October for a late fall crop.

USDA Zone 9

Spring: Plant January to February while temperatures are cool.
Fall/Winter: Sow October to November for winter harvests.

USDA Zone 10

Winter/Spring: Plant October to January for winter and early spring harvests. Avoid hot months.

USDA Zone 11

Winter: Sow October to December when temperatures are mild. Avoid hot summers entirely.

My Experience and Tips

In my Sonoma Valley (Zone 9) garden, I plant peas as early as January for spring crops and again in late October for a winter harvest. To ensure success, use a soil thermometer—peas germinate best when soil is 40–75°F.