Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in North Carolina

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

The Short Answer

North Carolina's three regions each handle peas differently. Mountain gardeners enjoy a long, traditional spring pea season. Piedmont gardeners race to harvest before April's warmth ends production. Coastal gardeners can grow peas through the mild winter with row cover protection, getting an even earlier start than the Piedmont.

North Carolina Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Mountains 5b, 6a, 6b Apr 25 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Piedmont 7a, 7b Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 20 - Nov 5
Coastal Plain 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15

Peas Planting Schedule for North Carolina

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

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

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

Piedmont (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

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

Coastal Plain (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

Growing Peas in North Carolina

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: direct sow from early March through April. Piedmont: direct sow from late January through February. Coastal plain: direct sow from January — the mild coastal winter supports pea production with minimal protection. NC State Extension recommends succession planting at 2-week intervals to extend the harvest within the cool window. Fall peas are viable in the mountains (sow in August) and Piedmont (sow in September). Southern peas replace garden peas for summer production statewide.

Recommended Varieties for North Carolina

Sugar Snap and Oregon Sugar Pod for spring. Sugar Ann for the shortest-season coastal window. For Southern peas: Pinkeye Purple Hull, Mississippi Silver. NC State variety trials include both garden peas and Southern peas.

Common Challenges in North Carolina

Heat-induced decline ends the season in the Piedmont and coast by April-May. Powdery mildew. Aphids. Root rot in Piedmont clay. In the mountains, late snow can delay planting but peas tolerate light frost without damage.

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 North Carolina with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 25 - May 15, while Coastal Plain sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. 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 North Carolina Planting Calendar All plants for North Carolina 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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