How to Grow Garden Peas
Pisum sativum
Peas prefer cool conditions, full sun, and moist, fertile but well-drained soil. Sow from early spring through late spring; in mild areas, autumn sowing of hardy types gives early crops. Provide supports even for shorter varieties. Water well during flowering and pod fill and mulch to hold moisture. Protect seedlings from birds and mice. Harvest as soon as pods are well filled—sugars turn to starch quickly after picking—so pick and eat the same day for best flavour.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 6°C — typically early to mid spring. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks earlier for a head start.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Rarely needed — peas fix nitrogen. Mulch to retain moisture.
- Sow successionally every 3 weeks for continuous harvest. Eat as soon as possible after picking — sugar converts to starch quickly.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 6°C+
- Germination temperature
- 8–18°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 8 cm |
| Row spacing | 45 cm |
| Sow depth | 5 cm |
| Mature height | 150 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Sow seeds thickly in wide bands or double rows. The 60 cm is the path between rows. The dense planting allows the pea tendrils to support each other.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Pea Moth
Identification: Small caterpillars found inside pods at harvest, with frass (droppings) and damaged peas
- Cover plants with fine mesh netting when flowers first appear to prevent egg-laying
- Sow early (February-March) or late (June) to avoid the main moth flight period in June-July
- No effective chemical controls available for home gardeners
Pest Pea Aphid
Identification: Clusters of green aphids on shoot tips, tendrils and pods, causing distorted growth and sticky honeydew
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Spray with fatty acid-based insecticide (check harvest interval)
- Encourage ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies
- Avoid chemical sprays close to harvest on edible crops
Pest Mice
Identification: Seeds dug up and eaten before germination; neat holes where seeds were sown
- Start seeds in modules or guttering indoors and plant out as established seedlings
- Cover direct sowings with fine mesh or chicken wire pegged down firmly
- Set humane traps near sowing areas
- Not applicable
Disease Powdery Mildew
Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves, stems and pods, causing yellowing and reduced cropping
Treatment: Remove badly affected plants. Water at soil level to keep plants hydrated
Prevention: Space plants well for good airflow, keep soil consistently moist, and choose mildew-resistant varieties
Disease Downy Mildew Peronospora viciae
Symptoms: Yellow patches on upper leaf surfaces with greyish-purple fuzzy growth on the undersides; stunted growth in young plants
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected plants. Improve air circulation
Prevention: Avoid overcrowding, ensure good drainage, and do not sow into cold, wet soil
Disease Foot and Root Rot
Symptoms: Yellowing and wilting of lower leaves, brown or black discolouration at the stem base, poor root development
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected plants. Do not replant peas in the same spot for at least 3 years
Prevention: Rotate crops, ensure good drainage, and avoid sowing into cold, waterlogged soil
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 6°C |
| Germination temperature | 8–18°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 Garden Peas?
- Plant Garden Peas 8cm apart with 45cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Garden Peas?
- Garden Peas is ready to harvest approximately 60 days after transplanting.
- Is Garden Peas frost hardy?
- Garden Peas is classified as Hardy.
