Peas are a great crop to keep in the garden on a continual basis. There is a pea variety for each growing season. Peas should be grown in full sun. While some can grow in shade, they won’t be as tasty or productive.
Best peas to grow in Florida
Sweet peas (Garden peas, English peas)
- These grow best in the winter
- Vertical growing – trellis required
- Not to be eaten whole; only the peas inside. Must be shucked.
- There is a variety called Wando which can be sown in late summer for a winter crop; more cold & heat tolerant than most other peas
Snap peas (Sugar snap)
- Cross between Snow peas and English peas
- Grown best in cooler months
- Same culture as pole beans
- Vining character – trellis required
- Similar to snow peas and unlike garden peas, you can eat the whole pod.
- Full sized peas inside (unlike snow peas eaten immature)
Snow peas
- Best planted in cooler months
- Eat whole with pods still immature
- Full sun to partial shade
- Culture similar to sweet peas
Southern peas (Cowpeas, Field peas)
- A warmer weather Pea to grow throughout summer
- Southern peas are also called black-eyed peas, crowder peas, and yard-long beans.
Pigeon peas
- Short-lived perennial growing 3 to 10 ft tall
- Don’t like cold
- Full sun and well drained soil (flexible with soil as long as it’s not soggy)
- Harvest to use as pea or bean
- Green pods can be eaten fresh, before turning brown and dry
When to plant and harvest your peas
This varies by variety and planting time. Planted too late or too early, you may end up with a smaller harvest, as your plants are unwillingly exposed to heat or cold.
| Peas | Plant | Harvest |
| Sweet peas | Sept – Feb | Few months |
| Snap peas | Sept – March | 70-75 days |
| Snow peas | Sept – Feb | Few months later |
| Southern peas | March – August | Continual; After 60-90 days |
| Pigeon peas | Late spring (May) | Late fall (Oct-Nov) |
Growing peas in Florida: the basics
Peas generally have vining tendencies, so choose your planting site wisely. Plant by a fence or trellis where they can grow vertically.
What you’ll need
Seeds — check local markets or shop online from these sources. Use pea pods from a previous crop if you’ve (or a gardener nearby) has grown peas before.
How to plant peas
Stick a finger in the dirt a half inch deep, drop in a couple peas (seeds) and cover.
Best to plant peas straight into the ground, as they don’t like their roots disturbed.
Growing peas in containers
Peas can happily be grown in containers, especially with a sort of trellis or something to support their growth habit. As mentioned above, plant the seeds directly into the containers, rather than transplanting.
Caring for your peas
- Pick ripening peas often
- Provide growing peas with trellis or other vertical climbing space
- Don’t overwater, but don’t let your plants dry out
Suggested recipes for peas
Sweet peas
- Pea salad with other veggies + cheese
Snow peas
- Sauteed with butter and lemon
Snap peas
- Raw with dip or stir fried in butter and garlic
Southern peas
- Eat them fresh: Simmer with onions, bacon fat, bone broth, and a pepper.
Pigeon peas
- Arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas)
Sources