In zone 7, sow peas from March 6 to March 20, four to six weeks before your last spring frost, as soon as the soil can be worked. They are ready in about 60–80 days, from around May 5. For a fall crop, the last sowing date is about August 14.
Pea dates for your ZIP code
Planting times based on university extension guidance (UNH, Cornell, Purdue, Minnesota, Nebraska and UMass Extension). Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Pea timing in zone 7
| Task | When |
|---|---|
| Sow outside | March 6 – March 20 |
| First harvest | May 5 – June 8 |
| Sow for fall by | August 14 |
| Sow again | One and two weeks after the first sowing |
| Put up a trellis | At sowing, for tall varieties |
| Clear the spring crop | After harvest, usually in June |
Most of zone 7 sees its last spring frost between April 10 and April 26 (typical April 17) and its first fall frost between October 18 and October 29 (typical October 23). Young pea plants survive light frost, so sowing early is safe. The tool above uses the weather station closest to your ZIP code.
Why peas go in so early
Peas are a cool-season crop. Young plants survive light frost, grow once it is above about 40 °F, and do best at 55–65 °F. Above about 85 °F they stop flowering and setting pods. That is why peas are sown four to six weeks before the last spring frost, as soon as the soil can be worked.
Best pea varieties for zone 7
In zone 7, plant early so peas mature before the heat. All three types grow well:
- Shelling (garden) peas for fresh peas.
- Sugar snap peas with sweet, edible pods.
- Snow peas with flat pods, picked young.
Bush varieties (2–3 feet) are easiest; tall varieties (5 feet or more) yield more over a longer period but need a trellis.
How to plant peas
- Sow seeds about 1 inch deep, 1–2 inches apart, in a shallow trench or wide row.
- Put up support at sowing for tall varieties: two stakes with string or netting between them.
- Expect seedlings in 7–10 days.
- Sow again a week later, and again the week after, for a longer harvest.
- Go easy on fertilizer. Peas don’t need much.
Zone 7 pea tips
- Sow early. Peas that mature in hot weather turn starchy and tough, and above about 85 °F they stop setting pods.
- Soak seeds for 6–8 hours before planting to speed germination.
- Plant a fall crop. After clearing the spring peas, wait at least two weeks, then sow again for fall by your last fall sowing date.
- Pick every couple of days during harvest.
Harvesting peas
Pick shelling peas when the pods are full and the peas are sweet and tender. Pick snow peas when the pods reach full length but the peas inside are still tiny, and sugar snaps when the pods look almost filled. Check every couple of days: over-mature peas turn starchy, with tough skins. Cook or chill them right away, because quality drops quickly.
Pea planting dates in nearby zones
See dates for every zone on the peas planting guide, or build a full schedule with the planting calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to plant peas in zone 7 in April?
For spring, yes: peas sown in April flower in warm weather and set few pods. Sow a fall crop by about August 14 instead.
Can I grow peas in fall in zone 7?
Yes. Sow by about August 14 so they mature in the cool weather before your first frost around October 23.
Can peas survive frost?
Young pea plants survive light frost, so they are sown four to six weeks before your last spring frost.
Do peas need a trellis?
Tall varieties, which can reach 5 feet, need one. Bush varieties grow 2–3 feet tall and stand on their own.
What is the difference between snap, snow and shelling peas?
Shelling peas are grown for the peas inside. Snow peas have flat pods eaten young. Sugar snaps have thick, sweet pods eaten whole.
Sources. Planting dates use the median frost dates of each USDA zone, calculated from NOAA climate data for every ZIP code in the zone.