Growing Peas

Pisum sativum : Fabaceae / the pea or legume family

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

(Best months for growing Peas in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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 46°F and 75°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 2 - 3 inches apart
  • Harvest in 9-11 weeks. Pick the pods every day to increase production.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Potatoes
  • Peas in pod
  • Shelling peas
  • Young pea plant

Peas are best grown in cooler seasons. Peas need some support when growing, tree prunings with lots of small twigs are a cheap and handy source. Or else strings between posts or wire netting. Peas need tying in the early stages, until they start producing tendrils and clinging to the support.

Some pea varieties are called 'dwarf' but to make harvesting easier it is a good idea to support the plants.

Pick pea pods while young and pick them often to keep them producing.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Peas

Raw straight from the pod in the garden is best!
Raw in salads.
Steamed lightly.
Small pods can be steamed whole.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
25 Mar 08, Nancy (Unknown climate)
Do dwarf peas need individual supports?
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04 Apr 08, Chris (Unknown climate)
Nancy, I've found they generally need a few twigs intermingled in the rows to provide a bit of support as even dwarf varieties get a bit leggy (the ones I've tried, anyway).
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25 Apr 08, Eleonora (Unknown climate)
Some of my sugar snaps have grown as small leaved, bushy plants, whereas some are growing tall and "normal". Does anyone have any ideas as to why the small plants?
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03 May 08, Seila (Unknown climate)
Sometimes the roots don't develop properly, this causes them to be stunted.
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01 Jun 08, drew (Unknown climate)
If the seeds are sown one and a half inches deeper in a warm bed you will get much healthier root growth and more vigourous growth.
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02 Jun 08, Mohan (Unknown climate)
Lack of sunshine could lead to growth of "Powdery Mildew". Spraying whole milk controls it. Pottasium bi carbonate is also helpful, but higher concentrations can cause leaf burn
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02 Jun 08, kathy (Unknown climate)
I've got heaps of seedlings in the ground. I put them all in the last 4 weeks, for May, and nothing is growing....not sure why? Anyone else had this problem? I have never had this prob before. This is a first. I think it's the bizarre weather we are having.
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02 Jul 08, wayne (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
We still have minus degree frosts in mid Sept is it too early to sow now
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02 Jul 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Wayne, the critical factor about frost is whether the ground is frozen. If not, you can plant and use frost cloth or even newspaper to keep your plants warm at night. Sunshine will damage the plant cells if they heat too quickly from frosting.
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31 Jul 08, wade (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
what would be the best time to grow snow peas and what products should i use to ensure the soil is good for growing in
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We still have minus degree frosts in mid Sept is it too early to sow now

- wayne

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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. Gardenate 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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