Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in Alaska

One of the earliest crops you can plant. Kids love picking and eating them right off the vine.

The Short Answer

Peas are cold-tolerant and do well in Alaska's varied climate. You can direct sow 6 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as May 15 - Jun 1 in Interior Alaska. Alaska gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Varies widely. Interior has permafrost challenges. Raised beds essential for warming soil. Highly...

Alaska Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Alaska you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Interior Alaska 1a, 2a, 2b May 15 - Jun 1 Aug 20 - Sep 10
Southcentral Alaska 3b, 4a, 4b May 1 - May 20 Sep 10 - Sep 25
Southeast Alaska 5a, 5b, 6a Apr 15 - May 5 Sep 25 - Oct 15

Peas Planting Schedule for Alaska

Interior Alaska (Zones 1a, 2a, 2b)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Aug 20 - Sep 10

Direct Sow
6 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Southcentral Alaska (Zones 3b, 4a, 4b)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25

Direct Sow
6 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Southeast Alaska (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 5 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 15

Direct Sow
6 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Growing Peas in Alaska

Peas in Alaska's Climate

Your cool climate is pea paradise. Direct sow as soon as soil thaws — peas germinate in soil as cool as 40°F and handle frost without flinching. Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota gardeners often get the longest pea season in the country because their moderate summer temperatures delay the heat-induced decline that ends pea production rapidly in warmer zones.

Soil Considerations for Alaska

Varies widely. Interior has permafrost challenges. Raised beds essential for warming soil. Highly acidic soils common.

Alaska Climate & Growing Season

Extreme daylight variation. Summer days of 18-24 hours of sunlight accelerate growth. Very short growing season in interior. Peas can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Alaska's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Alaska: Interior Alaska (1a, 2a, 2b) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southeast Alaska (5a, 5b, 6a) sees frost end around Apr 15 - May 5. This difference matters for peas — but peas handle frost well, so the timing difference is less critical.

Growing Tips

Direct sow as early as the soil can be worked. Inoculate with rhizobium for bigger harvests. Provide a trellis for climbing varieties.

Companion Planting

Plant peas alongside these companions for better growth:

Carrots Radishes Corn Cucumbers

Keep peas away from:

Onions Garlic

The Bottom Line

Peas can be grown successfully across Alaska, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Interior Alaska gardeners should plan around a May 15 - Jun 1 last frost, while those in Southeast Alaska can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Peas Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Alaska Planting Calendar All plants for Alaska Peas in Alabama Alabama planting dates Peas in Arizona Arizona planting dates Peas in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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