When to Plant Peas in Illinois
In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Mar 9 – Mar 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 18 in Granite City and as late as Mar 20 in Roscoe.
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 |
|---|---|
| Chicago | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Aurora | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Rockford | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Joliet | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Naperville | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Peoria | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Springfield | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| North Peoria | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Elgin | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Waukegan | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Champaign | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Cicero | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Bloomington | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Arlington Heights | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Evanston | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Schaumburg | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Bolingbrook | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Decatur | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Palatine | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Skokie | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Des Plaines | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Orland Park | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Tinley Park | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Oak Lawn | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Berwyn | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Mount Prospect | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Normal | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Wheaton | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Oak Park | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Hoffman Estates | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 242 Illinois cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Illinois cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant peas in Illinois?
In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Mar 9 – Mar 23. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 18 in Granite City and as late as Mar 20 in Roscoe.
When is the last frost in Illinois?
The average last spring frost in Illinois ranges from April 1 in Granite City to May 1 in Roscoe, 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 Illinois
- 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