How to Grow Field Peas
Pisum sativum var. arvense
Field peas are hardy, cool-season legumes grown to full maturity and dried for split peas, soups, and animal feed. Direct sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. They tolerate frost and fix their own nitrogen, needing little fertilizer. Sow densely in rows 15-30 cm apart at 5 cm depth. Provide short supports or let plants scramble together. Harvest when pods are fully dry and brown on the plant. Also excellent as a cover crop and green manure.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 4°C — typically early to mid spring. Hardy enough to tolerate light frosts.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Rarely needed. Field peas fix their own nitrogen. Apply a light phosphorus feed at sowing if soil is poor.
- Field peas are grown to full maturity and dried, unlike garden peas eaten fresh. Excellent as a cover crop and green manure. Tolerates light frost and prefers cool growing conditions.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 4°C+
- Germination temperature
- 4–18°C
- Direct sow
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 8 cm |
| Row spacing | 20 cm |
| Sow depth | 5 cm |
| Mature height | 80 cm |
| Mature spread | 20 cm |
Sow seeds 5-8 cm apart in rows 15-30 cm apart. Field peas are typically direct-sown in dense stands. Plants support each other as they grow.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 4°C |
| Germination temperature | 4–18°C |
| Base growth temperature | 4°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 8.5h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Field Peas?
- Plant Field Peas 8cm apart with 20cm between rows.
- Is Field Peas frost hardy?
- Field Peas is classified as Hardy.
