Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in California

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

The Short Answer

California's pea season depends entirely on where you garden. Coastal and Bay Area gardeners can grow peas almost year-round in the mild, foggy conditions that mirror English growing weather. Inland and Central Valley gardeners have a narrow cool-season window before summer heat arrives. The diversity of California's climate means someone in the state is always growing peas.

California Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern California Mountains 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b May 1 - May 25 Sep 20 - Oct 15
Central Valley 9a, 9b Feb 10 - Mar 1 Nov 15 - Dec 5
Southern California Coast 10a, 10b, 11a Jan 1 - Feb 1 Dec 10 - Jan 1
Bay Area 9b, 10a Jan 20 - Feb 15 Nov 25 - Dec 15

Peas Planting Schedule for California

Northern California Mountains (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 15

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

Central Valley (Zones 9a, 9b)

Average last frost: Feb 10 - Mar 1 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5

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

Southern California Coast (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

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

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

Bay Area (Zones 9b, 10a)

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

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

Growing Peas in California

State-Specific Growing Tips

Central Valley: direct sow from October through January for winter/spring harvest. Bay Area: direct sow almost year-round — the fog-cooled summers rarely get hot enough to stop pea production. Southern California coast: October through March. Inland Southern California: November through February. Mountain regions: traditional spring planting from March through May. California's dry climate means less disease pressure on peas than the humid East.

Recommended Varieties for California

Sugar Snap and Oregon Sugar Pod are universal. For the Central Valley's brief window, choose early varieties like Sugar Ann (52 days). Coastal gardeners can grow any variety including slow-maturing shelling types. Alderman (Tall Telephone) is popular for its heavy production on tall vines.

Common Challenges in California

Heat ends the season rapidly in the Central Valley and inland areas. Powdery mildew appears even in dry climates. Aphids are common year-round in California's mild conditions. Root rot in poorly drained soils. Gophers eat pea roots.

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 in California with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern California Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 25, while Bay Area sees frost end around Jan 20 - Feb 15. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 California Planting Calendar All plants for California Peas in Alabama Alabama planting dates Peas in Alaska Alaska 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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