Growing Peas

Pisum sativum : Fabaceae / the pea or legume family

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

(Best months for growing Peas in Australia - temperate 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 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

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11 Aug 18, Judith peters (Australia - temperate climate)
Can anyone tell me where i can buy fresh peas in pods to cook, can't find them these days
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12 Aug 18, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Ask at your green grocers or supermarkets. If not much demand for them then they won't supply them. Grow them your self - easy to grow.
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18 Aug 18, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi. I'm growing peas at the moment. I have never grown them (or much else) before and they are such a beautiful plant. I have about 18 peas at the moment, and don't know when to pick them. Some of them look tempting. So, yes. do have a go at growing them yourself. You would never regret it. I started mine (in or out of season, I don't know) by sowing them in a good quality seed mix in punnets and then planted them out. They are Climbing Alderman peas. Soft, velvety leaves, and the prettiest flowers and lovely fat pods. (But don't touch!!) I put stakes and twine around for them to climb but they are also climbing my vegetable garden fence. I alternated them with climbing blue lake beans (not to be confused with climbing blue ridge tomatoes as I initially did). :)
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12 Aug 18, Sandeep (Australia - arid climate)
Big Watermelon Bushy Park Wantirna South VIC
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27 Jul 18, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello. Something, I don't know what, has taken most of the tiny new shoots off one or two of my newly sown climbing Alderman pea. Please advise if possible. I don't want to put pyrethrum or anything on such a new little plant.J.
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30 Jul 18, Mike L (Australia - temperate climate)
If they eat the eye/heart out of the new seedlings then the plant won't grow much. Try and protect them with shade cloth or mossy netting etc until thy grow bigger.
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18 Aug 18, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Mike L. How do I know when peas are ready to pick (and similarly climbing/beans)? Thanx. J.
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18 Aug 18, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Mike L thanx for that. I don't know what mossy netting is but will 'google' it and get some. Appreciated. J
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17 Jun 18, Lauren (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We live in Coffs Harbour NSW, I planted sugar snaps in April in a veggie planter box in new organic soil from the nursery. They got started quickly and looked promising only to now dwindle without progress. They are planted next to rocket which is going very well. What am I doing wrong?
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01 Jul 18, bianca (Australia - temperate climate)
your not doing anything wrong..they will pollinate and grow peas in September. they need bees and warmth. just be patient
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Showing 41 - 50 of 120 comments
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I would look at the ph level (acidity /alkalinity) of the soil. Peas like soil on the alkaline side which is why they say to put some lime in the soil before planting. A little ph test kit is a good investment and can save you a lot of disappointment and money from plants dropping dead because the soil is wrong for them. Garden veg also need good drainage. If soil is a bit boggy, hill it up and plant in the higher part.

- Anne

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