If you’re wondering when to plant peas in Missouri, timing is your most important step. Getting it right means a sweeter, more abundant harvest from your garden. Missouri’s climate has distinct seasons, and peas are a cool-weather crop. Planting them at the ideal moment is the secret to success.
This guide will walk you through the best dates, varieties, and methods for growing peas in the Show-Me State. You’ll learn how to work with Missouri’s spring and fall weather to get the most from your plants.
When to Plant Peas in Missouri
The prime time for planting peas in Missouri is late winter to early spring. You want to get them in the ground as soon as the soil can be worked. For most of the state, this falls between late February and mid-March.
A good rule of thumb is to plant your peas about 4 to 6 weeks before your last expected spring frost. The soil temperature should be at least 45°F, but peas will germinate in soils as cool as 40°F. They thrive in the cool, moist conditions of early spring and will produce pods before the summer heat arrives.
Understanding Missouri’s Planting Zones
Missouri spans USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 7a. This range affects your exact planting date:
- Zone 5b (Northern MO): Plant from mid-March to early April.
- Zone 6 (Central MO, including Columbia and Jefferson City): Plant from late February to late March.
- Zone 7a (Southern MO, including Springfield and Branson): Plant from mid-February to mid-March.
Always check your local frost dates for the most accurate timing. A fall planting is also possible in many areas, about 8 to 10 weeks before the first fall frost.
Why Timing is Critical for Peas
Peas do not like hot weather. If planted to late, they will struggle to germinate and the vines will produce poorly once summer heat sets in. The goal is to harvest your crop before daytime temperatures consistently reach above 75°F. Heat causes the plants to stop flowering and the peas to become starchy and less sweet.
Choosing the Right Pea Varieties for Missouri
Selecting a variety suited to your taste and garden space is key. There are three main types of peas, and all can grow well in Missouri with proper timing.
Garden (English) Peas
These are the classic shelling pea. You remove the peas from the inedible pod. They are known for their sweet flavor straight from the garden. Good choices include ‘Lincoln’ (heat-tolerant) and ‘Green Arrow’.
Snow Peas
You eat the flat, tender pod whole. They are excellent for stir-fries. ‘Oregon Sugar Pod II’ is a reliable, disease-resistant variety for Missouri gardens.
Snap Peas
You eat the entire plump, crunchy pod. They are incredibly sweet and a favorite for snacking. ‘Sugar Snap’ is the classic variety, but newer ones like ‘Super Sugar Snap’ have improved disease resistance.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
1. Preparing Your Soil
Peas prefer well-drained soil with a neutral pH. As soon as the ground is no longer soggy, you can begin preparation.
- Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches.
- Mix in a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure. Peas fix their own nitrogen, so avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
- Ensure the planting bed is in full sun for at least 6 hours a day.
2. How to Plant Pea Seeds
Peas are almost always grown from seed sown directly in the garden.
- Create a trench about 1 inch deep.
- Place seeds 1 to 2 inches apart in the row. For wider rows, space rows about 18 to 24 inches apart.
- Cover the seeds with soil and pat gently to ensure good soil contact.
- Water the bed thoroughly.
To speed up germination, you can soak seeds in water for a few hours before planting, but it’s not required. Some gardeners also use an inoculant powder, which helps the plants fix nitrogen more efficiently.
3. Providing Support
Most pea varieties are climbers and will need a trellis. Install your support at planting time to avoid disturbing roots later.
- Use pea netting, a trellis, or a simple structure of branches.
- Bush-type varieties need less support but may still benefit from short stakes to keep them tidy.
Caring for Your Pea Plants
Watering and Mulching
Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during flowering and pod development. Water deeply once a week if rainfall is lacking. A layer of mulch around the plants helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cool as the weather warms. It also suppresses weeds that would compete for nutrients.
Pests and Problems
Peas have relatively few problems in Missouri’s cool spring. The most common issues include:
- Aphids: Blast them off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can appear later in the season. Choose resistant varieties and ensure good air circulation.
- Birds & Rabbits: Birds sometimes pull up seedlings. Use a lightweight row cover to protect young plants.
Harvesting Your Missouri Peas
Harvest time depends on the type of pea. Generally, you can begin picking about 60 to 70 days after planting.
- Garden Peas: Harvest when the pods are plump and rounded, but before they become dull or waxy.
- Snow Peas: Pick while the pods are still flat and the peas inside are just barely visible.
- Snap Peas: Harvest when the pods are fat, glossy, and snap easily. The peas inside should be developed.
The more you pick, the more the plant will produce. Use two hands to avoid damaging the vine—hold the vine with one hand and pull the pod with the other. Harvest frequently, every day or two during peak season.
Tips for a Fall Pea Crop
In many parts of Missouri, you can plant a second crop in late summer for a fall harvest. Count back 8 to 10 weeks from your average first fall frost date. For central Missouri, this is often early to mid-August.
The challenge is getting seeds to germinate in warm soil. Plant seeds slightly deeper than in spring, keep the soil consistently moist, and use a light mulch to cool the soil. Shade cloth can also help protect young seedlings from intense sun.
FAQ: Growing Peas in Missouri
Can I plant peas in early February in Missouri?
In the warmest parts of southern Missouri (Zone 7a), a very early February planting is sometimes possible if the winter is mild. However, for most of the state, it’s to risky due to frozen or waterlogged soil. Late February to March is safer.
What if I missed the spring planting window?
Your best option is to plan for a fall crop. Choose a fast-maturing variety and plant in late summer. Avoid planting in late spring or early summer, as heat will cause the plants to fail.
Do peas need full sun in Missouri?
Yes, they perform best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. In partial shade, vines will become leggy and production will be lower.
How do I save pea seeds for next year?
Let some pods dry completely and turn brown on the vine. Then, shell the peas and let the seeds dry further indoors for a week. Store them in a cool, dry place in a paper envelope. They should remain viable for several years.
Growing peas in Missouri is a rewarding way to start the gardening season. By paying close attention to timing and providing simple care, you’ll enjoy a delicious harvest of sweet peas from your own backyard. There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly picked peas that you grew yourself.