Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in Florida

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

The Short Answer

Garden peas in Florida are strictly a cool-season crop — plant in November through January for a brief but productive winter harvest. Florida's 'winter' provides the cool temperatures peas need, but the window is narrow before spring warmth arrives. Southern peas (cowpeas) are the warm-season alternative that fills the pea niche in Florida's summer garden.

Florida Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Florida 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 15 - Mar 10 Nov 15 - Dec 10
Central Florida 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
South Florida 10a, 10b, 11a Rare Rare

Peas Planting Schedule for Florida

North Florida (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

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

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

Central Florida (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

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

South Florida (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

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

Growing Peas in Florida

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Florida: direct sow from November through January. Central Florida: November through February. South Florida: December through January — the window is very tight. Florida's sandy soils grow peas well with compost amendment. Inoculate with Rhizobium. Provide trellising for climbing types. The cool season is short — choose the earliest-maturing varieties to maximize production before warmth arrives. For warm-season pea alternatives, grow Southern peas (black-eyed peas, crowder peas) from March through August.

Recommended Varieties for Florida

Sugar Ann (52 days) for fastest maturity — essential in Florida's brief cool window. Oregon Sugar Pod for snow peas. Skip long-season shelling types — they may not mature before warmth arrives. For summer, Southern peas: Pinkeye Purple Hull, Mississippi Silver, California Blackeye. UF/IFAS has extensive Southern pea variety recommendations.

Common Challenges in Florida

The fundamental challenge is the narrow cool window. Once temperatures consistently exceed 75°F, garden pea production drops rapidly. Powdery mildew in Florida's humidity. Aphids. Root-knot nematodes in sandy soils.

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 Florida with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Florida gardeners work with a last frost around Feb 15 - Mar 10, while South Florida sees frost end around Rare. 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 Florida Planting Calendar All plants for Florida 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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