Peas (Pisum sativum), a popular cool-weather crop, offer a short path from seed to table. The growth timeline follows a predictable pattern dictated by genetics and environment, though the precise number of days can vary. This breakdown details the stages and timing required until the pod is ready for harvest.
Timing the Start and Early Growth
Peas are highly resilient and can be planted as soon as the soil becomes workable in late winter or early spring, making them one of the first crops of the season. Sowing the seeds is recommended when the soil temperature is at least 40°F (4°C), though warmer soil will speed up the process considerably.
Germination, the initial stage, typically takes 6 to 17 days, depending on soil temperature. Temperatures between 55°F and 65°F (13°C and 18°C) are optimal for quick emergence. This is followed by vegetative growth, where the young plants develop the leaves and vines necessary to support future pod production.
Maturity Timelines by Pea Type
The most significant factor determining the total growth cycle is the specific type of pea being cultivated, categorized generally into three groups. The overall window from planting to first harvest for most pea varieties spans approximately 50 to 70 days.
Snow peas, harvested while the pods are still flat and the seeds are immature, often have the shortest time to maturity, typically 50 to 60 days. Varieties like ‘Oregon Sugar Pod II’ fall into this range because the seeds are not allowed to fully swell.
Snap peas, or sugar snap peas, feature a fully edible, crunchy pod and usually take an intermediate time to develop. These types are ready for picking in about 55 to 65 days. Some fast-maturing varieties like ‘Sugar Ann’ are ready in as little as 55 days, while others may require 66 days to reach peak sweetness.
Shelling peas (English or garden peas) are grown specifically for the mature seeds inside a fibrous pod that is not eaten. These varieties, such as ‘Green Arrow’ or ‘Little Marvel,’ generally require the longest time, maturing between 60 and 70 days. Waiting for the seeds to fully fill out the pod accounts for their extended growth cycle.
Environmental Factors Influencing Speed
The days to maturity listed on a seed packet represent a typical range, but external conditions heavily influence the actual speed of growth. Peas are a cool-season crop that thrives when average daily temperatures remain between 55°F and 65°F (13°C and 18°C).
Temperatures that exceed 80°F (27°C) for sustained periods cause heat stress, which drastically slows or halts growth and reduces yields. This sensitivity requires spring crops to be planted early to complete pod development before the peak of summer. Consistent moisture is also a major factor, as water stress during the flowering and pod-filling stages can inhibit seed development. Furthermore, peas require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for vigorous growth and pod production.
Indicators of Readiness and Harvest Window
The end of the growth cycle is marked by specific visual cues that signal the pods are ready for picking. For snow peas, the harvest window begins when the pod reaches its full length (typically 2 to 4 inches) but before the seeds inside begin to swell. The pod should remain flat, tender, and bright green.
Snap peas are ready when the pod has plumped up significantly, becoming round and firm while remaining glossy and sweet. The peas inside should be well-formed, but not so large that they are pressing tightly against the pod walls, which can indicate they are becoming starchy. Shelling peas are harvested only when the pods are completely full, plump, and round, just before the exterior begins to look dull or waxy.
Picking regularly, often every few days once production begins, is recommended. This encourages the plant to produce more flowers and extends the harvest window.