Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in Virginia

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

The Short Answer

Virginia peas bridge the northern and southern growing traditions. Mountain gardeners follow the classic spring pea calendar. Piedmont and Northern Virginia gardeners plant in late winter for a spring harvest that finishes before summer heat. Tidewater gardeners can even grow peas through mild winters with row cover, harvesting while the rest of the country waits for spring.

Virginia Frost Dates

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

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

Peas Planting Schedule for Virginia

Mountain Virginia (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10

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

Piedmont/Central Virginia (Zones 7a, 7b)

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

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

Tidewater/Coastal (Zones 7b, 8a)

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

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

Growing Peas in Virginia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: direct sow from early March. Piedmont/Northern Virginia: direct sow from mid-February through March. Tidewater: direct sow from January — the mild maritime climate supports winter pea production with minimal protection. Virginia Tech Extension emphasizes early planting — every week you wait in spring costs production at the back end when heat shuts plants down. Inoculate seeds and provide support. Fall peas from an August-September sowing are productive in all regions.

Recommended Varieties for Virginia

Sugar Snap and Oregon Sugar Pod for spring. Sugar Ann for quick production. Wando for heat tolerance in the Piedmont. For Tidewater winter peas, any cold-hardy variety works. Virginia Cooperative Extension provides variety recommendations by region.

Common Challenges in Virginia

Heat arrives in May-June in the Piedmont, ending production. Powdery mildew in humid conditions. Aphids. Root rot in Piedmont clay after heavy rains.

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 Virginia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Mountain Virginia gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Tidewater/Coastal sees frost end around Mar 20 - Apr 5. 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 Virginia Planting Calendar All plants for Virginia 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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