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Can You Grow Snap Peas in Illinois?

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

Grows well here

Snap peas are a great fit for your zone — one of the first crops in and first harvested each year.

Plant zones

2a–9b

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

60–70 days

When to plant Snap Peases in Illinois

Direct sow

Apr 7

Harvest

Jun 6 – Jun 16

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

About Snap Peas

Snap peas are the sweet crisp pods eaten whole — one of the most rewarding quick crops in the garden. Extremely cold-tolerant, they are among the first plants sown in spring and last eaten in early summer.

Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked — 6 weeks before last frost. Install a trellis before planting (tall varieties reach 5-6 feet). Pick daily when pods are plump and sweet. Heat stops production — plant a fall crop as well.

Full snap 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.