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Entire healthy mature peas plant in a real garden bed, showing growth habit and scale.Primary identification image. 45–180 cm tall, 15–20 cm wide at maturity.

Peas

Pisum sativum L.

Also called: Garden pea, Snap pea, Snow pea, Mangetout

Family
Fabaceae
Season
Cool-season annual
Best grown in
Portland, Oregon

One of the first crops sown in spring, cropping before summer heat; most cultivars need netting or twiggy sticks to climb.

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Life cycle & growth stages

  1. 1. SeedSow 3–5 cm deep in cool soil.
  2. 2. SeedlingEmerges in 7–14 days; protect from birds.
  3. 3. ClimbingTendrils grip supports.
  4. 4. FloweringWhite or purple flowers at 6–8 weeks.
  5. 5. Developing podsPods fill over 1–2 weeks.
  6. 6. Harvest readyPods plump (shelling) or flat and crisp (snow).
  7. 7. HarvestPick from the bottom; hold the vine.

Growth stages are ordered chronologically; timing varies with cultivar, temperature, light and care.

Planting calendar for Portland, Oregon

direct sow 0–6 weeks before last frost; 55–70 days to maturity from sowing. Windows are derived from the region's average frost dates (last Apr 5, first Nov 5) and are estimates until you confirm your own dates in the calendar.

PeasPisum sativum
PlantStart indoorsDirect sowAutumn sowTransplantTendHarvest
Peas—Feb 22–Apr 5 (estimate)Aug 27–Sep 10 (estimate)—Apr 5–Apr 18 (estimate)Apr 18–Jul 12 (estimate)
  • Direct sow: Feb 22 – Apr 5
  • Tend and monitor: Apr 5 – Apr 18
  • Harvest: Apr 18 – Jul 12
  • Autumn sowing: Aug 27 – Sep 10

Spacing & support

In-row 5–8 cm; rows 45–60 cm. Planner footprint: 1 cell of 30 cm, 8 plants per cell.

Side-profile diagram of mature peas: canopy 45–180 cm tall, 15–20 cm wide, medium root zone, support and harvest-access envelope.

Soil & water

Soil
Well-drained loam
pH
6–7.5
Fertility
low
Water
Water well while flowering and podding.
Frost
hardy; tolerates frost

Support & training

Netting, twiggy sticks or trellis. Install at planting so roots are not disturbed later.

Peas trained on its support: netting, twiggy sticks or trellis.

Harvest signs

  • Shelling peas: pods swollen and bright green
  • Snap peas: pods plump but smooth
  • Snow peas: flat pods 5–8 cm
Peas at harvest readiness, showing the visual cues: shelling peas: pods swollen and bright green; snap peas: pods plump but smooth.

Common problems

Pests: pea aphid, pea moth, birds, mice (seeds)

Diseases: powdery mildew, root rot, pea leaf and pod spot

Appearance alone is not a diagnosis; confirm with a regional extension guide.

Side-by-side: healthy peas leaf or fruit and an example of powdery mildew.

Container growing

  • Minimum 10 L (25 cm deep)
  • Use quality potting mix and water more frequently
  • Dwarf cultivars with a short support.
Mature peas in a correctly sized container (10 L or more) with drainage visible.

Companion overview

6 reviewed relationship records (evidence: low).

Supported or conditional

Lettuce

Avoid or separate

None with evidence

Traditional claims only: Garlic, Spinach.

3 popular pairings reviewed with no verified relationship.

Full companion profile

Crop rotation

Avoid planting peas or other legume family crops in the same spot for 2 years. Rotation is about previous seasons, not about live neighbours.

Year 1Year 2Year 3FabaceaeOther familyOther familyback after 2+ years

Shared risks in Fabaceae: root rots (Fusarium, Pythium), bean rust, pea aphid.

Crop rotation hub

Sources, reviewer & update

Sources

Reviewer: Garden Planner editorial team (pending independent horticultural review)

Last reviewed: August 15, 2026 · version 1

Found an error or have feedback? Let us know.

Growing peas

Peas are sown as soon as the soil can be worked, 4–6 weeks before the last frost, and tolerate light frost as seedlings. They dislike heat; spring sowings finish by early summer and a late-summer sowing can give an autumn crop in mild regions.

Peas seed beside a ruler or coin for scale.
Peas seedling at cotyledon and first-true-leaf stage, in soil, distinguishable from common weeds.
Immature seeds of peas developing on the plant.

Dwarf cultivars reach 45–60 cm, tall ones up to 1.8 m; both crop better with support. Peas fix their own nitrogen and need little feeding; sow in a wide band rather than a single line to make the most of netting.

Two or more mature peas plants with a tape measure showing in-row spacing (5–8 cm).
Peas flower detail or bolting stage.
Immature seeds of peas developing on the plant.

Pea moth, aphids and birds (pulling seedlings) are the main pests; powdery mildew takes late crops. After harvest, cut plants at soil level and leave the roots to decompose.

Edible parts and safety

Edible: seeds, pods (snap and snow types), shoots.

Hands or tool harvesting peas correctly (cut, pull, twist or pick) without damaging the plant.

Pests and diseases

Common pests: pea aphid, pea moth, birds, mice (seeds). Common diseases: powdery mildew, root rot, pea leaf and pod spot. These vary by region; a photograph is an example, not a diagnosis. See the pest and disease guides and your local extension service.

pea aphid on peas, with a wider damage-context view.

Timeline

Season timeline for peas: sowing, transplanting, flowering, harvest and bed occupancy aligned to frost dates.Text alternative: Direct sow Feb 22–Apr 5; Tend and monitor Apr 5–Apr 18; Harvest Apr 18–Jul 12; Autumn sowing Aug 27–Sep 10.

Related plants

See also: Fabaceae family page · crop rotation · regional calendar · guides

Our Methodology & Sources

We synthesize peer-reviewed research, university extension publications, and trusted horticulture resources. Our evidence levels help you understand how strong the science is behind the guidance.

Evidence tiers

Supported evidenceConsistent results from multiple robust studies
Traditional claimHistorical use reported, limited scientific support
Context dependentMixed or variable results across conditions
No verified relationshipNo reliable evidence identified

Primary source types

  • Peer-reviewed journal articles
  • University extension publications
  • Government & research institute reports
  • Systematic reviews & meta-analyses

Last updated

August 24, 2026

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