Peas are a cool-season vegetable that can be grown in most areas of Missouri, Determining the optimal planting time is crucial for getting a productive pea harvest This article provides a complete guide on when and how to plant peas in Missouri,
Overview of Pea Growing Conditions
Peas thrive in cooler temperatures ideally around 60-75°F. They can tolerate light frosts but not hard freezes below 25°F. Peas require full sun exposure (at least 6 hours per day) and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0-7.0.
Peas are available as bush or climbing (vining) cultivars, Bush types grow 12-18 inches tall while climbing peas can reach 6 feet Provide trellises or fencing for climbing peas to wrap their tendrils around
When to Plant Peas in Missouri
The ideal planting window for peas in Missouri is from mid-February through early April. This timing avoids the harsh cold of winter while taking advantage of the cooler spring temperatures peas prefer.
Missouri has different planting zones based on the average spring frost dates:
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Northern: plant peas from March 15-April 10. Last spring frost date is around April 25.
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Central: plant peas from March 1-March 31. Last spring frost date is around April 15.
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Southern: plant peas from February 15-March 15. Last spring frost date is around April 5.
It’s best to plant peas as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. The soil temperature should be at least 45°F for planting. Peas germinate optimally around 55-70°F.
If planting before the last frost date, choose hardy pea varieties and be prepared to protect them with covers if needed. Avoid planting too early when soils are still frozen or saturated.
Tips for Planting Peas
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Plant peas 1-2 inches deep, spaced 2-4 inches apart within rows. Allow 18-30 inches between rows.
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Inoculate pea seeds with rhizobium inoculant to enable nitrogen fixation.
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Support climbing varieties with trellises set up at planting time.
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Consider presprouting peas indoors for 2-4 days before planting. This gives them a head start on growth.
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Amend soil with compost or aged manure before planting. Side-dress growing peas with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea.
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Provide 1-2 inches of water weekly if rainfall is inadequate. Avoid overwatering.
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Use row covers at planting time to boost soil warmth and protect from frost. Ventilate on warm days.
Planting a Fall Pea Crop
In some regions of Missouri, a second crop of peas can be planted in late summer for harvest in fall. Ideal timing is August 1-20. Select fast-maturing varieties suited to fall planting. This crop will mature before the first frost, which occurs between October 15-31 for most of Missouri. Provide shade if late summer heat becomes excessive. Irrigate regularly as needed since less rainfall occurs at this time. With proper timing and care, fall peas can be a tasty bonus crop.
Recommended Pea Varieties for Missouri
Many excellent pea varieties are suitable for Missouri’s growing conditions. Here are some top-rated options:
Shell and Snap Peas
- Sugar Snap (climbing) – very sweet edible pods, disease resistant
- Cascadia (bush) – high yields, disease resistant, good for canning/freezing
- Oregon Sugar Pod II (bush) – robust plants, stringless pods
- Green Arrow (bush) – heavy yields, good for processing
Snow and Sugar Peas
- Oregon Giant (climbing) – sweet, tender snow pea, prolific
- Mammoth Melting (climbing) – very sweet, thick snow pea pods
- Early Onward (climbing) – compact vines, good for small spaces
- Golden Sweet (bush) – resistant to powdery mildew
Southern Peas
- Queen Anne (bush) – prolific black-eyed peas, drought tolerant
- Mississippi Silver (bush) – productive crowder pea, heat tolerant
- Colossus (semi-vining) – large butter peas, disease resistant
Check seed catalogs, local garden centers, or nurseries to find these recommended varieties. There are many other suitable peas to choose from as well. Experiment to see which types perform best in your location.
With the right timing and preparation, it’s easy to grow bountiful crops of garden-fresh peas in Missouri. Aim to plant peas in late winter or early spring once the soil thaws and can be worked. Adjust planting dates based on your region’s spring frost dates. Provide peas with appropriate soil conditions, sunlight, trellising if needed, and consistent moisture. Monitor fall crops diligently and harvest promptly once peas mature. Choosing recommended pea varieties suited to Missouri’s climate will give the best results. Follow this guide for your best pea planting success.
Plant sweet, crisp peas in the spring or fall for a tasty garden treat!
Peas, please! There’s nothing like the taste of sweet, fresh peas straight from the garden. They’re the first crop to harvest in the spring, and with just a little care, you can enjoy these delicious green gems before the summer heat kicks in. Whether you’re growing snap peas, snow peas, or sweet peas, our comprehensive guide will show you how to sow, grow, and harvest your best crop yet.
Peas are easy to grow, but their growing period is limited. It’s essential to plant them early enough in spring so they mature while the weather is still cool! (This means planting in most parts of the United States and Canada in February, March, or April.) However, they can also be grown as a fall or winter crop in warmer regions.
Peas do not stay fresh long after harvest, so enjoy their taste as soon as possible! Those peas in grocery stores are often starchy in taste, which you’ll find has no comparison to garden-fresh peas.
Three varieties of peas suit most garden and culinary needs:
- Sweet peas, aka garden peas or English peas (Pisum sativum ssp. sativum), have inedible pods from which the seeds (peas) are taken.
- Snow peas (P. sativum var. macrocarpon) produce edible, flat, stringless pods containing small peas.
- Snap peas (P. sativum var. macrocarpon ser. cv.) produce thick, edible pods containing large/full-size peas.
Great planting companions for peas include: Chives, Mint, Alyssum, Carrot, Corn, Cucumber, Radish, Turnip, and Beans. Learn more about Companion Planting.
When to Plant Peas
- Sow seeds 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost date when the soil is cool or when it is at the desired temperature. Peas planted in cold (40°F) soil will germinate slowly; peas planted in soil that is at least 60°F (but not more than 85°F) will catch up.
- Snow will not hurt emerging pea plants, but several days with temperatures in the teens might. Be prepared to plant again if the first peas don’t make it. Alternatively, try starting your peas in a cold frame.
- A second round of peas can be planted in the late summer or early fall, approximately 6 to 8 weeks before your first fall frost date.
Here are some more tips on when to start planting peas.
5 Garden Secrets That Will Help You GROW MORE PEAS!
FAQ
When can you plant peas in Missouri?
The region’s average last frost date generally falls between early April and mid-April, ideal for planting these peas.
What month do you plant peas?
Peas can be planted in early spring or late summer/early fall, depending on your climate and the type of pea. In cooler climates, they can be planted as soon as the soil is workable in the spring.
What should not be planted near peas?
Onions, garlic, leeks, and shallots can stunt the growth of plants like pole beans and peas. You also don’t want to plant onions, garlic, leeks, and shallots near each other because if one crop comes down with pests (onion maggots) the rest will also fall victim, like a bad case of head lice.
What are the best peas to grow in Missouri?
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Several pea varieties flourish in Missouri. Popular choices include Spring, Sparkle, Little Marvel, Lincoln, Green Arrow, Bolero, and Wando. Taller varieties need support and more space between rows, while dwarf varieties can be planted closer together.
When should you plant peas in Missouri?
You want to limit any chances of frost during the blooming period of peas, so plant them ideally 4-6 weeks before the first fall frost. For all you Missouri folks, try to plant your peas immediately after the last expected frost date in your area. Peas thrive in cool conditions and they need the cold for optimal growth.
When should you plant peas in Virginia?
As I mentioned, peas benefit from spring planting. In Virginia, which falls within zones 6-8, you should be planting peas around early spring, which means April or early May. Keep an eye on the soil after the last frost, and loosen it up as soon as it gets a bit workable to sow your pea seeds.
When should you plant peas?
Peas are known to be a cool-weather vegetable. They thrive in lower temperatures and benefit from cold snaps. Ideally, you should be planting them immediately after the last frost before conditions start to warm up. Spring is often the ideal planting season for peas. It’s when temperatures lean slightly cooler, but the soil is still workable.
When should you plant peas in Oregon?
People looking to grow peas in Oregon have the freedom to plant them 2-4 weeks before the last frost date, which makes early March an ideal planting time. They can tolerate a few light frosts and begin establishing in the ground before the summer heat kicks in.
When should you plant pea seeds in Georgia?
Get your pea seeds into the ground anywhere between mid-January and late February in Georgia. You want to limit any chances of frost during the blooming period of peas, so plant them ideally 4-6 weeks before the first fall frost. For all you Missouri folks, try to plant your peas immediately after the last expected frost date in your area.
When should you plant pea seeds in Texas?
You should be sowing the seeds 4-6 before the first fall frost. In Texas, it’s not the cold you need to worry about since peas are quite hardy; it’s the heat that can hinder their growth. Get your pea seeds into the ground anywhere between mid-January and late February in Georgia.