Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in Georgia

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

The Short Answer

Georgia peas follow the Southern pattern — plant in late winter for a spring harvest, and shift to Southern peas (cowpeas) for summer. The state's mild winters in the Piedmont and south allow fall planting for winter harvest with row cover protection. Mountain gardeners follow a more traditional northern schedule.

Georgia Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Georgia Mountains 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Georgia 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15
South Georgia 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 28 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Peas Planting Schedule for Georgia

North Georgia Mountains (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

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

Central Georgia (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15

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

South Georgia (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 28 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

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

Growing Peas in Georgia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: direct sow from early March. Piedmont/Atlanta: direct sow from late January through February. South Georgia: direct sow from January. Georgia's mild cool seasons give peas a reasonable window, but heat arrives faster than in northern states — choose early varieties and plant as soon as possible. Fall peas are achievable statewide — sow in September (mountains) through October (south). Southern peas replace garden peas once summer heat arrives.

Recommended Varieties for Georgia

Sugar Snap and Sugar Ann for spring garden peas. For Southern peas: Pinkeye Purple Hull (a Georgia staple), Mississippi Silver, Zipper Cream. UGA Extension provides separate variety guides for garden peas and Southern peas — both are important crops in Georgia.

Common Challenges in Georgia

Heat arrives quickly in spring, ending garden pea production by May in the Piedmont. Powdery mildew in humid conditions. Aphids on new growth. Root rot in heavy Piedmont clay. Transition to Southern peas for summer production rather than fighting the heat.

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 Georgia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Georgia Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while South Georgia sees frost end around Feb 28 - Mar 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 Georgia Planting Calendar All plants for Georgia 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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