Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in Indiana

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 Indiana's humid climate. You can direct sow 6 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as Apr 25 - May 10 in Northern Indiana. Indiana gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Clay-heavy soils common statewide. Rich but can have drainage issues. Raised beds help with heavy...

Indiana Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Indiana 5b, 6a Apr 25 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Indiana 6a, 6b Apr 15 - May 1 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Indiana 6b Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 15 - Nov 1

Peas Planting Schedule for Indiana

Northern Indiana (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

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

Central Indiana (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 1 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

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

Southern Indiana (Zones 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1

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

Growing Peas in Indiana

Peas in Indiana's Climate

Peas are your first spring crop — direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost. Production continues until temperatures consistently exceed 80°F, usually by late June. Fall peas from an August sowing produce well into October. Provide trellising for climbing varieties.

Soil Considerations for Indiana

Clay-heavy soils common statewide. Rich but can have drainage issues. Raised beds help with heavy clay.

Indiana Climate & Growing Season

Four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Adequate rainfall for most crops. Occasional late spring frosts catch gardeners off guard. Peas can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Indiana's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Indiana: Northern Indiana (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 25 - May 10, while Southern Indiana (6b) sees frost end around Apr 10 - Apr 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 Indiana, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Indiana gardeners should plan around a Apr 25 - May 10 last frost, while those in Southern Indiana 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 Indiana Planting Calendar All plants for Indiana 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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