Pea

Growing Pea in Zone 7a

A complete, zone-7a timeline for Pea — when to start, transplant, and harvest, tuned to this zone's typical frost dates (Richmond, Oklahoma City, Nashville).

April 13Last spring frost
October 24First fall frost
about 194 daysGrowing season
0 to 10°FWinter low

Your planting timeline

  1. Direct sowonce soil warms, around April 13
  2. Harvestabout 55–70 days from transplant

Best varieties for zone 7a

Sow early and choose mildew-resistant varieties like Wando, Green Arrow, and Cascadia that hold up as warm weather closes in fast.

Growing notes

Peas like steady, even moisture — roughly an inch of water a week, and a little more once they begin flowering and filling pods, the stage when consistent moisture matters most for sweet, plump peas. Water deeply at the base rather than sprinkling lightly, and try to keep the foliage dry to discourage the powdery mildew that plagues this crop late in its season. Early spring rain often covers their needs, but check during dry spells, especially for shallow-rooted seedlings. Avoid waterlogged ground, which rots seeds and seedlings before they ever climb. A light straw mulch keeps the soil cool and evenly moist, helping peas hang on a little longer as the weather warms.

Recommended supplies

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