Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in Texas

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

The Short Answer

Peas in Texas are a late-winter and early-spring crop — plant in January or February and harvest before the heat hammer arrives. Texas gardeners who miss the pea window entirely are common, because the crop needs to be in the ground while it still feels like winter. Think of peas as a cold-weather crop in a warm-weather state.

Texas Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Texas (Dallas) 7b, 8a Mar 10 - Mar 25 Nov 5 - Nov 20
Central Texas (Austin/SA) 8a, 8b Feb 25 - Mar 15 Nov 15 - Dec 5
South Texas (Valley) 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
Texas Panhandle 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
East Texas 8a, 8b Mar 1 - Mar 20 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Peas Planting Schedule for Texas

North Texas (Dallas) (Zones 7b, 8a)

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

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

Central Texas (Austin/SA) (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Feb 25 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5

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

South Texas (Valley) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

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

Texas Panhandle (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

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

East Texas (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 20 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

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

Growing Peas in Texas

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Texas: direct sow from late January through February. Central Texas: direct sow from mid-January. South Texas: direct sow from early January. The goal is maximum production before consistent 80°F+ temperatures shut the plants down — usually by April in central Texas. Peas fix nitrogen, enriching Texas soils for the warm-season crops that follow. In alkaline soils, peas perform well without pH adjustment. Inoculate with Rhizobium for best results.

Recommended Varieties for Texas

Sugar Snap and Oregon Sugar Pod for edible pods. Southern peas (black-eyed peas, crowder peas, cream peas) are not technically garden peas but fill the same niche in Texas and handle heat far better. Texas A&M recommends Sugar Ann (compact, early) for short-season spring pea production.

Common Challenges in Texas

Heat arrives quickly in Texas — the pea window is often only 6-8 weeks from planting to heat shutdown. Aphids can be severe. Root rot in poorly drained soils. Once temperatures consistently exceed 80°F, there's nothing you can do — pull the plants and move on to warm-season crops.

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 Texas with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Texas (Dallas) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 10 - Mar 25, while East Texas sees frost end around Mar 1 - Mar 20. 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 Texas Planting Calendar All plants for Texas 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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