If you’re new to gardening, you might be wondering how long does it take for peas to grow. The simple answer is that most pea varieties are ready to harvest in about 60 to 70 days, but this can change based on the type you plant and your growing conditions. This quick timeline makes peas one of the most rewarding crops for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. You can go from seed to table in just over two months, enjoying the sweet taste of your own homegrown produce.
Peas are cool-season vegetables, which means they thrive in the milder temperatures of spring and fall. They’re not only fast but also easy to care for, requiring minimal space and effort. Whether you have a large garden plot or just a few containers on a balcony, you can successfully grow a bumper crop. This guide will walk you through every step to ensure your pea-growing is both quick and successful.
How Long Does It Take For Peas To Grow
As mentioned, the average growth period for garden peas is between 60 and 70 days. However, it’s crucial to check the seed packet for the “Days to Maturity” for your specific variety. This number tells you how long it typically takes from planting the seed to the first harvest under ideal conditions.
Here’s a general breakdown of common pea types:
- Garden Peas (Shelling Peas): These are the classic peas you remove from the pod. They usually take 60-70 days. Examples include ‘Lincoln’ and ‘Green Arrow’.
- Snow Peas: Eaten for their flat, edible pods, snow peas are often quicker, maturing in about 60 days. ‘Oregon Sugar Pod’ is a popular choice.
- Snap Peas: These have fat, sweet pods full of peas and are a favorite for eating raw. They often fall in the middle, around 65-70 days. ‘Sugar Snap’ is the well-known variety.
Remember, these timelines start from the day you sow the seed directly into the soil. Peas generally do not transplant well, so direct sowing is best. The countdown begins once the seed is in the ground and has enough moisture to germinate.
Factors That Influence Pea Growth Time
Several factors can make your peas grow a bit faster or slower than the packet suggests. Understanding these helps you manage your expectations and get the best results.
1. Soil Temperature and Planting Time
Peas germinate best in cool soil, between 45°F and 75°F (7°C-24°C). If you plant them in soil that’s too cold, they will take much longer to sprout and may even rot. Planting as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring is ideal. A fall planting, about 8-10 weeks before your first fall frost, can also yield a great crop as they mature in cooler autumn weather.
2. Variety Choice
Some modern varieties are bred for earliness. Look for terms like “early season” or “quick maturing” on seed packets. These can shave a week or more off the typical growing time. For instance, the ‘Misty’ shelling pea matures in just 60 days, while ‘Sugar Ann’ snap pea is ready in a mere 56 days.
3. Sunlight and Water
Peas need full sun, at least 6-8 hours daily, to grow quickly and produce a heavy yield. Inadequate sun slows them down. Consistent moisture is also key, especially during flowering and pod development. Letting the soil dry out completely can stress the plants and delay growth.
4. Soil Quality and Fertilizer
Peas prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They are legumes, which means they can fix their own nitrogen from the air with the help of soil bacteria. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of pods. A balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer or some compost worked into the soil at planting is sufficient.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Peas Quickly
Follow these simple steps for a healthy and timely pea harvest.
Step 1: Preparing the Soil
Choose a sunny spot. A week or two before your planned planting date, loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Mix in a 2-inch layer of compost or aged manure. This improves drainage and provides nutrients. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5).
Step 2: Planting the Seeds
Plant pea seeds about 1 to 1.5 inches deep and 2 inches apart. You can sow them in single rows or wide rows (bands). For support types, install your trellis or stakes at planting time to avoid disturbing roots later. Water the bed gently but thoroughly after planting.
Step 3: Early Care and Support
Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, which usually takes 7-14 days. Once plants are a few inches tall, mulch around them with straw or shredded leaves to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Most pea varieties need support to grow upright, which improves air circulation and makes harvesting easier. Use pea netting, trellises, or even branched twigs.
Step 4: Ongoing Maintenance
Water plants deeply once a week if rainfall is lacking. Watch for pests like aphids, which can be sprayed off with a strong stream of water. The main secret to speeding up growth is simply providing ideal conditions from the start—good soil, sun, and water.
Step 5: Harvesting at the Right Time
Harvesting at the peak of ripeness encourages more pods to develop. Here’s how to tell when each type is ready:
- Garden Peas: Pods will be plump and feel full. The pods themselves will still be a vibrant green and glossy.
- Snow Peas: Pick them while the pods are still flat and the peas inside are just tiny bumps.
- Snap Peas: Harvest when the pods are plump and the peas inside have developed, but the pod is still crisp and snaps easily.
Use two hands to harvest—one to hold the vine and the other to pinch off the pod. Check plants daily once they start producing, as peas can go from perfect to starchy quickly.
Common Problems That Can Delay Growth
Even with good care, a few issues can slow down your peas. Being proactive is the best defense.
Poor Weather: A sudden, late spring heatwave can cause peas to stop flowering and setting pods. That’s why early planting is so important. If a heatwave hits, make sure they have plenty of water.
Pests: Besides aphids, birds sometimes pull up young seedlings. Covering the seeded row with netting or a lightweight row cover can prevent this. The row cover also protects against light frosts.
Diseases: Powdery mildew, a white fungus on leaves, often appears later in the season. It can weaken plants. Choose resistant varieties and ensure good air circulation by providing support and not overcrowding plants.
Tips for an Extended Harvest
To enjoy peas for longer, don’t plant all your seeds at once. Practice succession planting by sowing a new batch of seeds every 10-14 days in the early spring. You can also plant both an early-maturing and a main-season variety at the same time to stagger your harvest. For a fall crop, time your planting so that peas mature during the cooler weeks of early autumn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the fastest growing pea?
Some of the fastest-maturing peas are ‘Sugar Ann’ snap pea (56 days) and ‘Misty’ shelling pea (60 days). Snow peas like ‘Oregon Sugar Pod II’ are also relatively quick at about 60 days.
Can peas grow in 30 days?
No, peas cannot fully mature and produce harvestable pods in 30 days. While they may germinate and become small plants within that time, the typical “days to maturity” to harvest is always 55 days or more.
Do peas need full sun?
Yes, peas require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow quickly and produce a good yield. More sun is generally better for faster growth.
How many peas will one plant produce?
This varies by variety, but a healthy, supported pea plant can produce between 1/4 pound to 1/2 pound of pods over its bearing season. Planting a 10-foot row can easily yield several pounds of peas.
Can you grow peas in containers?
Absolutely. Choose a container at least 12 inches deep and wide. Dwarf or bush varieties, like ‘Tom Thumb’ shelling peas, are perfect for pots. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and use a quality potting mix. Container plants may need water more frequently.
Final Thoughts
Growing peas is a straightforward and satisfying project with a relatively quick turnaround. From planting to harvest, you’re looking at about two months of care for a delicious reward. The key is to start early in the cool season, provide adequate support and water, and harvest regularly. By choosing the right variety for your needs and following these simple steps, you’ll be enjoying sweet, homegrown peas in no time. There’s few things better than the taste of peas picked fresh from your own garden, and now you know exactly how to make it happen.