Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in Washington

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

The Short Answer

Western Washington is pea paradise — the cool, maritime climate provides exactly the conditions peas crave, and the moderate summer temperatures mean the crop produces far longer than in any other region of the country. While southern gardeners get 6-8 weeks of peas, Puget Sound gardeners can harvest from May through August in cool years. Eastern Washington follows a more traditional pattern with spring and fall windows.

Washington Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) 8a, 8b Mar 25 - Apr 15 Oct 25 - Nov 15
Puget Sound 8b, 9a Mar 15 - Apr 5 Nov 1 - Nov 20
Eastern Washington 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 25 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 15
Central Washington 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 20 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 20

Peas Planting Schedule for Washington

Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 15

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

Puget Sound (Zones 8b, 9a)

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

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

Eastern Washington (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a)

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

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

Central Washington (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 20

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

Growing Peas in Washington

State-Specific Growing Tips

Western Washington: direct sow from February through March. The maritime climate means peas produce for months — often through July or even August in cooler years. This is one crop where western Washington's cool summers are a genuine advantage. Fall peas from a July-August sowing produce into November. Eastern Washington: direct sow from March through April. Heat ends production by June-July. Fall peas in September. WSU Extension considers peas one of the best vegetable crops for western Washington.

Recommended Varieties for Washington

Sugar Snap, Oregon Sugar Pod (developed in Oregon for Pacific Northwest conditions), and Alderman (Tall Telephone) are all outstanding in western Washington. The long, cool season supports even slow-maturing shelling types. Eastern Washington: choose earlier varieties for the shorter cool window.

Common Challenges in Washington

Slugs attack pea seedlings in western Washington's damp conditions — iron phosphate bait helps. Powdery mildew in late summer. Aphids. Root rot in waterlogged clay — improve drainage. In eastern Washington, heat is the season-ender.

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 Washington with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 15, while Central Washington sees frost end around Apr 20 - May 10. 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 Washington Planting Calendar All plants for Washington 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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