If you’re growing peas, knowing what temperature is too hot for peas is the key to a great harvest. These cool-season favorites have a narrow comfort zone, and getting it right means the difference between sweet, plump pods and a disappointing crop. Let’s look at the ideal conditions to keep your peas productive and happy.
Peas thrive in cool weather. Their growth slows or stops when it gets too warm. For the best germination, growth, and pod production, you need to understand a few simple temperature rules.
What Temperature Is Too Hot For Peas
Peas begin to suffer when daytime temperatures consistently reach above 70°F (21°C). Once temperatures hit 85°F (29°C), pea plants experience significant heat stress. This stress triggers several problems.
The plant will often stop setting new flowers and pods. Existing pods may become tough and starchy instead of sweet. The plant itself can wilt, yellow, and die back prematurely. For germination, soil temperatures above 75°F (24°C) can cause poor or failed sprouting.
The Ideal Temperature Range for Peas
To keep peas at their best, aim for these temperature ranges:
- Germination: 40–75°F (4–24°C). Optimal is 55–70°F (13–21°C).
- Growing & Flowering: 60–70°F (15–21°C) during the day.
- Night Temperatures: Ideally between 35–55°F (2–13°C).
Peas can tolerate a light frost, which makes them perfect for early spring and fall planting. It’s the heat, not the cold, that’s there main enemy.
Signs Your Peas Are Too Hot
Your plants will tell you when they’re struggling. Watch for these clear signs of heat stress:
- Flowers dropping off without forming pods.
- Small, misshapen, or leathery pods.
- Leaves turning yellow, starting with the lower leaves.
- Overall wilting, even if the soil is moist.
- A bitter or starchy taste in the peas.
How to Protect Peas from Heat Stress
You can’t control the weather, but you can use smart strategies to extend your pea season.
1. Perfect Your Planting Timing
This is the most effective tactic. Plant peas as early as the soil can be worked in spring, usually 4-6 weeks before your last frost date. For a fall crop, count backwards from your first fall frost. Plant about 8-10 weeks before that date, so peas mature in cooler weather.
2. Provide Afternoon Shade
Use taller plants to your advantage. Plant peas on the east side of corn, tomatoes, or pole beans. These will shield the peas from the intense afternoon sun. A temporary shade cloth during a heat wave can also be a lifesaver.
3. Mulch Heavily
A 2-3 inch layer of straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips keeps the soil cooler and retains moisture. Cool roots help the entire plant cope with hot air temperatures.
4. Water Deeply and Consistently
Water early in the morning so plants are hydrated before the heat hits. Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep roots. Avoid light, frequent sprinklings, which lead to shallow roots that are more suseptible to heat.
5. Choose Heat-Tolerant Varieties
Some pea types handle warmth better. Look for varieties like ‘Wando’, ‘Green Arrow’, or ‘Tall Telephone’ (Alderman). Southern pea (like black-eyed peas) are a different species and love the heat, but for English or snap peas, variety choice matters.
Step-by-Step: Planting for Cool Season Success
- Test Soil Temp: Use a soil thermometer. Plant when soil is at least 45°F (7°C).
- Prep Soil: Work in compost for drainage. Peas don’t need rich soil but need good drainage.
- Plant Deep: Sow seeds 1-2 inches deep and 2 inches apart.
- Provide Support: Install trellises or stakes at planting time for climbing types.
- Water In: Gently water the seeded area.
Fertilizing and Soil Needs
Peas fix their own nitrogen with help from soil bacteria. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth at the expense of pods. A balanced, low-strength fertilizer or some compost at planting is sufficient. The most important soil factor is pH; aim for slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5).
Harvesting to Beat the Heat
Harvest peas frequently, every 1-2 days, when pods are plump but still bright green. This encourages the plant to produce more and prevents pods from becoming over-mature and tough. Always harvest in the cool of the morning for the crispest, sweetest peas.
If a heat wave is forecasted and your peas are near ready, it’s better to harvest everything slightly early than to lose them to heat-induced toughening.
FAQ: Growing Peas in Warm Climates
Can peas grow in summer?
In most regions, summer heat is too intense for traditional garden peas. Your best bet is to grow them as very early spring or late fall crop. In mild-winter climates, they can be a winter crop.
What is the highest temperature peas can grow in?
Growth slows above 70°F and mostly stops above 85°F. While they might survive short spikes, sustained temperatures in the 80s will end the production season.
My pea flowers are falling off. What’s wrong?
Blossom drop is most commonly caused by temperatures that are too high (above 75°F) or too low (below freezing). Check your local weather and consider providing shade cloth if it’s a heat issue.
Should I water peas more when it’s hot?
Yes, but focus on deep watering. The goal is to keep soil consistently moist, not soggy. Mulch is essential to prevent rapid soil moisture evaporation in heat.
Can I plant peas in partial shade?
Yes! In warmer regions, a location with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. They need about 6 hours of sunlight, but it doesn’t all have to be the harsh midday sun.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Beyond heat, watch for pests like aphids, which can be sprayed off with water. Powdery mildew, a white fungus on leaves, is encouraged by warm days and cool nights. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent it. If peas are a staple in your garden, rotate where you plant them each year to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Remember, succes with peas is all about timing and temperature management. By planting early, providing a little shade, and keeping the soil cool, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet peas. Listen to your plants and adjust your tactics based on the weather, and you’ll master the art of growing this delicious cool-season crop.