Home › Peas › Grow in Illinois

Can You Grow Peas in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

Peas grow excellently here as a cool-season crop — plant in early spring or late summer.

Plant zones

2a–9a

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

55–70 days

When to plant Peases in Illinois

Direct sow

Apr 7

Harvest

Jun 1 – Jun 16

Dates are approximate, based on Illinois's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Peas

Peas are cool-season crops that prefer the shoulder seasons — they dislike both hard frost and summer heat.

Sow directly as soon as soil can be worked in spring — peas tolerate frost. Provide a trellis. Harvest frequently to encourage production. Sow again in late summer for a fall crop.

Full peas growing guide →

Gardening in Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.