How to grow Peas

Learn how to plant, grow, and harvest Peas with this helpful guide. Get tips on sun requirements, fertilization, pests and diseases, and more! 

Peas require fertile, well draining soil with plenty of compost mixed in.

Plant Peas in a full sun position. 

Peas will tolerate light frost, but several days of frost will damage the plants. 

Space Peas 15cm apart. 

Peas are a cool season crops that are usually planted from autumn through to spring. Peas will grow well in temperatures between 10–25°C(50–77°F).

The best method for planting Peas is direct sowing.

If transplanting seedlings, plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn.  

Feeding is generally not required for Peas. However, the soil must be well prepared with plenty of compost mixed in before planting.  

Mulch will help to retain moisture in the soil. 

Shelling Peas are ready when the pods have swelled, but are still tender and sweet. If you wait too long, the pods will look bumpy from the peas inside getting too large. The pods will also turn a dull green with no sheen. At this stage, your peas are over- ripe. These peas are still edible, but will have lost their sweet taste and will have developed a tough texture.

Sugar Snap Pea varieties are best eaten when they are tender with immature seeds.  

Snow Peas should be harvested before the pea pods swell and while they are still glossy.  

Pests that affect Peas include: Aphids, Pea Moth, Slug, Snail, Leaf Miner, Mexican Bean Beetle, Thrips, Root Knot Nematode, Mites. 

Diseases that affect Peas include: Blight, Root Rot, Damping Off, Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, Fusarium Wilt, Septoria Blotch, Mosaic Virus, Bean White Mold. 

Peas plants are climbers and will need support in the form of a trellis.

Plants will die back when the cool season comes to an end as they struggle in warmer temperatures.