Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in Michigan

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

The Short Answer

Michigan is excellent pea country. The cool spring, adequate moisture, and moderate summer temperatures (at least until July) give Michigan gardeners one of the longest pea seasons in the Midwest. Northern Michigan and the UP can grow peas even later into summer because temperatures stay cooler longer.

Michigan Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Upper Peninsula 4a, 4b, 5a May 15 - Jun 5 Sep 10 - Sep 25
Northern Lower Michigan 5a, 5b May 10 - May 25 Sep 20 - Oct 5
Southern Michigan 5b, 6a, 6b Apr 25 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 15

Peas Planting Schedule for Michigan

Upper Peninsula (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25

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

Northern Lower Michigan (Zones 5a, 5b)

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

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

Southern Michigan (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b)

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

Growing Peas in Michigan

State-Specific Growing Tips

Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked — typically mid-April in southern Michigan, late April in the north. Peas are one of the few crops you can plant before your last frost. Michigan's cool springs are ideal — the crop produces best at 55-75°F. In southern Michigan, heat shuts peas down by late June or early July. In northern Michigan, you may get production through July. Fall peas are possible in all regions — sow in early to mid-August.

Recommended Varieties for Michigan

Sugar Snap and Super Sugar Snap for edible pods. Oregon Sugar Pod II for snow peas. Lincoln for shelling. In northern Michigan, choose any variety — the long, cool season accommodates everything. MSU Extension recommends succession planting in 2-week intervals for extended harvest.

Common Challenges in Michigan

Powdery mildew in humid conditions. Pea aphids — blast with water. Root rot in wet clay soils. Rabbit damage is common statewide — chicken wire around the pea patch helps.

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 Michigan with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Upper Peninsula gardeners work with a last frost around May 15 - Jun 5, while Southern Michigan sees frost end around Apr 25 - May 10. 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 Michigan Planting Calendar All plants for Michigan 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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