Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in South Carolina

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 South Carolina's varied climate. You can direct sow 6 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as Mar 25 - Apr 10 in Upstate. South Carolina gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Red clay in Piedmont. Sandy soils on coast. Acidic throughout. Rich alluvial soils in river valleys.

South Carolina Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Upstate 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 20 - Nov 5
Midlands 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15
Coastal 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 25 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Dec 1

Peas Planting Schedule for South Carolina

Upstate (Zones 7a, 7b)

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

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

Midlands (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

Coastal (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 25 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Dec 1

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

Growing Peas in South Carolina

Peas in South Carolina'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 South Carolina

Red clay in Piedmont. Sandy soils on coast. Acidic throughout. Rich alluvial soils in river valleys.

South Carolina Climate & Growing Season

Long, hot growing season. Subtropical on coast. Two main planting seasons. Summer heat can stress cool-season crops. Peas can handle frost well, which is an advantage in South Carolina's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across South Carolina: Upstate (7a, 7b) has a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 10, while Coastal (8a, 8b, 9a) sees frost end around Feb 25 - Mar 15. 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 South Carolina, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Upstate gardeners should plan around a Mar 25 - Apr 10 last frost, while those in Coastal 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 South Carolina Planting Calendar All plants for South 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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