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Can You Grow Peas in Iowa?

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

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

2a–9a

Iowa last frost

mid-April

Iowa first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

55–70 days

When to plant Peases in Iowa

Direct sow

Apr 15

Harvest

Jun 9 – Jun 24

Dates are approximate, based on Iowa'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 Iowa

Iowa has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Most of the state is Zone 5a-5b. Excellent for cool-season crops and hardy fruits.