UK sowing calendar
When to sow peas in the UK
Peas sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Feb-Mar (also autumn under cover) |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Mar-Jun (hardy types Oct-Nov) |
| Harvest | Jun-Oct (autumn-sown from May) |
Mostly direct-sown once the soil is workable, from March through June for successional harvests. Hardy round/smooth varieties (e.g. 'Meteor') can be autumn-sown Oct-Nov in mild areas or started under cover for an early crop; peas are frost-hardy once established.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for peas.
Keep going
When to sow peas in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow peas in the UK?
Sow peas under cover Feb-Mar (also autumn under cover), then outdoors mar-jun (hardy types oct-nov). Mostly direct-sown once the soil is workable, from March through June for successional harvests. Hardy round/smooth varieties (e.g. 'Meteor') can be autumn-sown Oct-Nov in mild areas or started under cover for an early crop; peas are frost-hardy once established.
Can you sow peas outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant peas outdoors mar-jun (hardy types oct-nov). Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is peas ready to harvest in the UK?
Peas is typically harvested Jun-Oct (autumn-sown from May) in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow peas?
It depends on the month and your region. Peas has a UK outdoor window of mar-jun (hardy types oct-nov); northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.