Peas are a cool-season crop, making precise planting timing essential for a successful harvest in Oklahoma. The state’s climate features a brief, mild spring that quickly transitions into oppressive summer heat, which causes pea plants to stop producing. Gardeners must plant early enough to secure a robust spring crop before temperatures rise and, for a second crop, time the fall planting to mature before the first killing frost.
Spring Planting Timing
The primary planting window for spring peas in Oklahoma opens between mid-February and mid-March, often four to five weeks before the last expected spring freeze. Planting as soon as the soil is workable allows the plants to establish themselves during the cooler period. Pea seeds can germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40°F, but 45°F to 50°F is ideal for reliable emergence.
The young plants are hardy and can tolerate light frosts, making them one of the first vegetables sown outdoors. Peas must complete their life cycle before daily temperatures consistently exceed 80°F, which typically happens by late spring or early summer. Planting in two-week successions within this window helps extend the harvest, ensuring a steady supply of fresh pods.
Fall Planting Timing
Oklahoma gardeners can plan for a second, late-season harvest, accounting for the intense summer heat during germination. The fall planting window generally begins around mid-August and extends through mid-September. This timing is calculated by counting backward from the average first frost date, which falls between late October and mid-November across most of the state.
Peas require 60 to 70 days to reach maturity, so planting must occur at least two months before the predicted first frost. Choosing heat-tolerant, early-maturing varieties resistant to powdery mildew increases the chances of success for this second crop. Providing consistent moisture during August and early September is necessary to encourage successful germination.
Regional Climate Considerations
Oklahoma spans multiple USDA Plant Hardiness Zones (6a to 8a), creating significant variation in planting timelines. The planting window shifts noticeably across the state due to differences in latitude and elevation. Gardeners in Southern Oklahoma often experience their last spring frost earlier and can begin planting two to four weeks earlier than those in the Panhandle or Northern Oklahoma.
The average first fall frost dates also vary, occurring as early as mid-October in northern and higher elevation areas and as late as mid-November in the south. This geographical variance means general planting dates require local adjustment. Consulting local extension resources for specific county frost dates provides the most accurate guidance for these microclimates.
Preparation and Planting Methods
Successful pea planting relies on proper site preparation. Peas require full sun exposure and well-drained soil, as seeds can rot in overly saturated conditions. The soil should have a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and incorporating organic matter, such as compost, improves soil structure and fertility.
Seeds should be planted one to two inches deep and spaced one to three inches apart within the row. Varieties are categorized as English (shelling), snap, or snow peas, with growth habits being bushy or vining. Vining varieties need a support structure, such as a trellis or netting, installed at planting time to avoid damaging the roots later. Bush varieties are shorter and may not need support, allowing for closer row spacing.