Sow indoors
—
Sow direct
February – June
Plant out
—
Harvest
May – September
Days to maturity
60–90 days
Position
Full sun
Frost sensitive
No
Min soil temp
7°C
Sowing and planting calendar
| Method | From | To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early sowing (south England) | February | March | Hardy round-seeded varieties only. Under cloches in cold areas. |
| Main sowing | March | June | Sow every 3–4 weeks for succession. Wrinkled varieties for better flavour. |
| Autumn sowing | October | November | Overwintering varieties only (e.g. Douce Provence). Harvest May–June. |
Regional variation: In Scotland, start outdoor sowings in April when soil temperature is more reliable. February sowings work well in the south under protection.
Growing tips
Provide support before they need it
Put up pea sticks, netting, or twiggy branches before sowing. Peas grab onto anything within reach — giving them support early prevents them collapsing into a tangle.
Sow successionally every 3–4 weeks
A single sowing gives a 2–3 week harvest window. Sow small batches every 3–4 weeks from March to June for peas from May through to September.
Water during flowering and pod formation
Peas are drought-tolerant in general but need consistent moisture when flowers are setting pods. Dry spells at this point reduce yield significantly.
Pick regularly to keep plants producing
Once pods are swelling, check plants every 2–3 days. Leaving pods on the plant signals that seed dispersal is complete — and it stops producing.
Common problems
Pea moth
Tiny caterpillars inside the pods feeding on the seeds — often only discovered at harvest.
Fix: Grow under fine mesh during flowering. Early or late sowings avoid the peak moth flight period.
Pigeons
Pigeons eat seedlings and young growth, often destroying a whole row overnight.
Fix: Net or protect with wire hoops immediately after sowing. Pigeons are most persistent in winter and early spring.
Frequently asked questions
When should I sow peas in the UK?
From February (hardy varieties, south England) to June. Sow every 3–4 weeks for a continuous harvest from May to September.
Do peas need support?
Yes — all but the very dwarf varieties need support. Pea sticks, netting, or wire mesh all work well. Put support in before the plants need it.
Why are there no peas inside my pods?
Usually pea moth — the larvae eat the developing seeds inside the pod. Grow under fine mesh or time sowings to avoid the peak moth flight period in June and July.
Related guides
Keep track of your peas in Vercro
Add your peas to a bed, including later sowings, and each morning Today shows the jobs that matter for them, from how far along they are and your local forecast.
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