Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in Arizona

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 Arizona's varied climate. You can direct sow 6 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as May 15 - Jun 5 in Northern Arizona (Flagstaff). Arizona gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Alkaline, mineral-rich desert soils. Low organic matter. Heavy amendment with compost essential....

Arizona Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a May 15 - Jun 5 Sep 15 - Oct 10
Central Arizona (Phoenix) 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 1 - Dec 20
Southern Arizona (Tucson) 8b, 9a, 9b Feb 1 - Feb 25 Nov 20 - Dec 15

Peas Planting Schedule for Arizona

Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 10

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

Central Arizona (Phoenix) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 1 - Dec 20

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

Southern Arizona (Tucson) (Zones 8b, 9a, 9b)

Average last frost: Feb 1 - Feb 25 · Average first frost: Nov 20 - Dec 15

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

Growing Peas in Arizona

Peas in Arizona's Climate

Garden peas need the coolest part of your year. Sow from November through January. Choose earliest-maturing varieties (50-55 days) to maximize production before warmth arrives. Southern peas replace garden peas for the rest of the year.

Soil Considerations for Arizona

Alkaline, mineral-rich desert soils. Low organic matter. Heavy amendment with compost essential. Caliche layers may need to be broken.

Arizona Climate & Growing Season

Extreme heat in summer lowlands. Two planting seasons in Phoenix — spring and fall (summer is too hot). High elevation has traditional cold-climate seasons. Peas can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Arizona's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Arizona: Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) (4b, 5a, 5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 5, while Southern Arizona (Tucson) (8b, 9a, 9b) sees frost end around Feb 1 - Feb 25. 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 Arizona, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) gardeners should plan around a May 15 - Jun 5 last frost, while those in Southern Arizona (Tucson) 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 Arizona Planting Calendar All plants for Arizona Peas in Alabama Alabama planting dates Peas in Alaska Alaska 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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