Garden Pea at a glance
| Botanical name | Pisum sativum |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Other names | garden pea, snap pea, snow pea, English pea |
| Plant type | Vegetable; cool-season annual |
| Size | 1 to 1.5 feet for dwarf types; tall types climb several feet |
| Light | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sun); Part shade (2 to 6 hours of sun) |
| Water | Keep soil evenly moist, especially at flowering. |
| Soil | Well-drained soil. |
| USDA hardiness zones | Grown as a cool-season crop in every zone. |
| USDA PLANTS symbol | PISA6 |
When to plant garden pea
Sow seeds outdoors 2 to 4 weeks before your average last spring frost.
Turn these into real dates for your area with the planting calendar.
How to grow garden pea
- Sow seeds about 1 inch deep as soon as the soil can be worked.
- Add netting or a trellis for climbing types.
- Water evenly once plants are up.
- Pick pods often at the stage you like; snap and snow peas are eaten whole.
- Pull plants when heat stops production.
Water and soil
Water: Keep soil evenly moist, especially at flowering.
Soil: Well-drained soil.
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sun); Part shade (2 to 6 hours of sun).
Common problems
- Powdery mildew
- White powder on leaves as weather warms. Sow early and choose resistant varieties.
- Poor crop in heat
- Peas stop producing in hot weather; plant early.
Is garden pea safe for cats and dogs?
Not listed
Not listed
Garden Pea is not on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant lists for cats and dogs.
The ornamental sweet pea is a different plant from the garden pea.
If a pet chews a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435; a fee may apply). For people, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. In an emergency, call 911.
Can you eat garden pea?
Seeds, pods (for snap and snow types), flowers and shoots are edible.
Garden Pea questions
When should I plant peas?
Sow them 2 to 4 weeks before your average last spring frost. Peas tolerate cool weather and stop producing in summer heat.
Do peas need a trellis?
Tall varieties do. Dwarf types can grow without one, though a short support keeps pods clean.
Are pea plants safe for pets?
Garden peas are not on the ASPCA's plant lists. Note that the ornamental sweet pea is a different plant. Ask your vet if your pet eats the vines.
Sources
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Pisum sativum (size, light, soil, zones, poison rating)
- USDA PLANTS Database profile: Pisum sativum L. (accepted name)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: plants toxic and non-toxic to cats
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: plants toxic and non-toxic to dogs
- Colorado State University Extension: Vegetable Planting Guide
Written in our own words from the sources above. See our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
