When to Plant Peas in California
In a typical California location, sow outdoors Dec 5 – Dec 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Nov 17 in San Mateo and as late as Apr 15 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
Cold-hardy; direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked.
Peas Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| San Diego | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| San Jose | Nov 21 – Dec 5 |
| San Francisco | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Fresno | Dec 3 – Dec 17 |
| Sacramento | Dec 1 – Dec 15 |
| Long Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Oakland | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Bakersfield | Dec 20 – Jan 3 |
| Anaheim | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Riverside | Nov 28 – Dec 12 |
| Santa Ana | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Stockton | Dec 25 – Jan 8 |
| Chula Vista | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Irvine | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Fremont | Nov 26 – Dec 10 |
| San Bernardino | Dec 16 – Dec 30 |
| Fontana | Nov 29 – Dec 13 |
| Modesto | Dec 20 – Jan 3 |
| Oxnard | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Moreno Valley | Dec 16 – Dec 30 |
| Huntington Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Glendale | Nov 21 – Dec 5 |
| Santa Clarita | Nov 27 – Dec 11 |
| Santa Rosa | Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| Oceanside | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Garden Grove | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Rancho Cucamonga | Nov 23 – Dec 7 |
| Ontario | Nov 23 – Dec 7 |
| Elk Grove | Dec 22 – Jan 5 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant peas in California?
In a typical California location, sow outdoors Dec 5 – Dec 19. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Nov 17 in San Mateo and as late as Apr 15 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
When is the last frost in California?
The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do peas take to grow?
Peas typically take 55–70 days from planting to harvest. Cold-hardy; direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked.
Other Crops in California
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant peas in other states