When to Plant Peas in Oregon
One of the earliest crops you can plant. Kids love picking and eating them right off the vine.
The Short Answer
Oregon Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Oregon you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willamette Valley | 8a, 8b | Mar 25 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Nov 10 |
| Portland Metro | 8b, 9a | Mar 15 - Apr 5 | Oct 25 - Nov 15 |
| Central/Eastern Oregon | 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b | May 10 - Jun 1 | Sep 10 - Oct 1 |
| Southern Oregon Coast | 8b, 9a, 9b | Mar 5 - Mar 25 | Nov 5 - Nov 25 |
Peas Planting Schedule for Oregon
Willamette Valley (Zones 8a, 8b)
Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 10
Portland Metro (Zones 8b, 9a)
Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 15
Central/Eastern Oregon (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: May 10 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Oct 1
Southern Oregon Coast (Zones 8b, 9a, 9b)
Average last frost: Mar 5 - Mar 25 · Average first frost: Nov 5 - Nov 25
Growing Peas in Oregon
Peas in Oregon's Climate
Peas are a late-winter crop in warm climates. Sow from January through February and harvest before spring heat arrives. The window is narrow — once temperatures hit 80°F, peas decline within days. For warm-season alternatives, grow Southern peas (black-eyed peas) which thrive in conditions that kill garden peas.
Soil Considerations for Oregon
Rich volcanic soils in Willamette Valley. Dry, alkaline soils east of Cascades. Acidic forest soils on coast. Generally excellent for gardening in valleys.
Oregon Climate & Growing Season
Dramatic east-west climate divide. Wet, mild winters west of Cascades. Dry, cold winters east. Year-round gardening possible in mild western valleys. Peas can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Oregon's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Oregon: Willamette Valley (8a, 8b) has a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 15, while Southern Oregon Coast (8b, 9a, 9b) sees frost end around Mar 5 - Mar 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:
Keep peas away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026