Southern peas—whether black-eyed, crowder, or cream types—are among the easiest warm-season crops to time correctly once you understand how strongly they respond to soil temperature and day length. After decades of growing Southern peas in hot, dry summers and year-round gardening climates, I’ve found that planting date is the key factor that determines yield, pod size, and the length of the harvest window.

This guide gives you clear, experience-based timing for spring planting, summer planting, and successive sowings so you can enjoy fresh peas from midsummer through fall.

Why Timing Matters for Southern Peas

Southern peas thrive in heat but struggle in cool soil. If planted too early, seeds rot or sprout slowly. If planted too late, plants may face short days or early fall cooling before they finish producing.

What Southern Peas Need to Thrive

Warm soil: at least 65–70°F for germination
Warm nights: above 60°F
Long days + strong sun
A frost-free growing window of 70–95 days, depending on variety

When to Plant Southern Peas in Spring

Plant after all danger of frost has passed

This typically falls 2–4 weeks after your last expected frost date, when soil has fully warmed.

Signs the garden is ready:

Soil stays above 65°F first thing in the morning
Nights consistently above 55–60°F
Other warm-season crops (beans, squash) are sprouting reliably

Why I Wait for Warm Soil (Experience Insight)

For years I tried sowing Southern peas too early to “get a head start.” Every time the result was poor germination and yellow seedlings that never caught up. When I switched to waiting for warm soil, germination improved dramatically and yields increased.

Typical Spring Planting Windows

Warm inland climates: Late April–May
Mild coastal zones: May–June
Short-season climates: Early June, once soil warms reliably

When to Plant Southern Peas in Summer

Southern peas love heat, making them one of the few vegetables you can sow deep into summer.

Best Summer Planting Window

June through July in most warm regions
Through early August in long-summer climates

Late plantings often grow faster because soil temperatures stay warm and stable.

Ideal Uses for Summer Plantings

Filling empty beds after spring crops
Planting along a fence for late-season shade
Producing a fall harvest in hot-summer climates

Experience Tip:

Summer sowings often give me the largest harvests because plants grow vigorously in high heat and begin flowering more quickly than spring-planted vines.

Successive Plantings for a Long Harvest

To enjoy continuous pods from midsummer through fall, plant Southern peas in successive waves every 3–4 weeks.

Easy Succession Schedule

Plant 1: Late April or May
Plant 2: Late May or June
Plant 3: Late June or mid-July
Plant 4 (optional): Early August in long-season, hot climates

This staggered schedule ensures that as early plantings slow down, later ones are just beginning to flower.

Two Methods for Succession

Separate beds: Easiest for planning and irrigation
Same bed, once early crop finishes: Southern peas are quick enough that you can replant in the same warm soil

Experience Insight:

I’ve found that mixing bush types earlier in the season and vining types for later sowings gives the most reliable, extended harvest.

How Late Can You Plant Southern Peas?

You can plant Southern peas as late as:

60–70 days before first frost for bush types
75–85 days before first frost for vining or long-season types

In many hot-summer regions, this means early August plantings still succeed.

Stop planting once:

Soil cools below 65°F
Nights dip consistently below 55°F
Fall crops need the space more urgently

Timing Considerations by Climate

Hot, long-summer climates (South, Southwest, central valleys)

Plant from April through August. Successions thrive.

Warm, inland valleys (such as much of California)

Plant May through mid-July comfortably.

Short-season climates (upper Midwest, mountain regions)

Plant once soil warms: June through early July.

Final Timing Tips From Experience

Soil temperature matters more than calendar dates. Southern peas simply refuse cold ground.
Use a soil thermometer—it’s the easiest way to maximize yields.
Avoid planting near early summer crops that need frequent water; peas prefer warm, drier soils.
Successive sowings guarantee a steady supply of tender shell peas without a production gap.

Get the timing right, and Southern peas become nearly foolproof—thriving through summer heat and producing generously until fall.