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Growing Peas in Florida might not be the first crop you think of, but they’re actually a perfect fit for our cooler months. Whether you’re aiming for fresh snap peas to snack on straight from the garden or looking to grow shelling peas for cooking, this guide will help you get the most out of your pea plants. Florida’s climate has its challenges, but with a little timing and care, you can enjoy a healthy, productive pea harvest. Let’s explore how to plant, grow, and harvest peas right here in the Sunshine State.
Types of Peas: Shelling Peas vs. Snap Peas
Before we get into the details of planting, it’s important to know what type of peas you’re working with. There are two main varieties: shelling peas and snow/snap peas.
- Shelling Peas: These peas are grown for the seeds inside the pod, which means you don’t eat the pod itself. Once the peas are fully grown, you’ll shell them and discard the outer pod. Shelling peas are often used in cooked dishes, where their sweet, tender peas can shine.
- Snow or Snap Peas: With snow and snap peas, you get the best of both worlds—the whole pod is edible, so there’s no need for shelling. The sweet, crunchy pods make snap peas a versatile choice for fresh eating, stir-fries, and salads. Snap peas tend to be a great option because they’re space-efficient and easy to enjoy straight from the garden.
For this guide, we’ll focus mainly on snap peas, but many of the same principles apply to both types.
Ideal Conditions for Growing Peas in Florida
Now, here’s the first thing to know about growing peas in Florida: they thrive in cool weather. Peas love temperatures that are consistently in the 50s and 60s at night, which makes the cooler months of late fall, winter, and early spring the ideal time to plant them.
For Florida gardeners, the best time to plant peas is typically between October and February. These cooler months give peas the perfect environment to grow without the risk of heat stress. Unlike crops that can handle the sweltering Florida summer, peas will struggle when the temperatures start to rise, so timing is everything.
If you’ve ever tried planting peas too late in the season and wondered why they didn’t produce well, heat could be the culprit. Starting them in the cooler months ensures a longer growing window and a healthier harvest.
How to Plant Peas in Florida
When it comes to planting peas, the process is pretty straightforward. Peas are best grown by direct sowing, meaning you plant the seeds directly in the garden. They don’t transplant well because their delicate root systems don’t like to be disturbed.
Here’s how to plant them:
- Direct: Plant your pea seeds directly in the garden instead of trays or containers.
- Depth: Plant your pea seeds about an inch deep, or roughly up to your first knuckle.
- Spacing: Space the seeds 4-6 inches apart in rows or blocks, depending on your garden setup.
One tip I like to recommend is to use an inoculant when planting peas, especially if you’re planting them in a new garden bed. Inoculants are a natural way to introduce helpful bacteria into the soil, which can boost nitrogen levels and support the overall health of your plants. While peas can certainly grow without inoculants, adding them will usually give you a stronger, more productive harvest.
Trellising Your Peas
Peas love to climb, and providing them with something to hold onto will keep them happy and productive. Luckily, peas are lightweight and don’t need heavy-duty support like some other climbing plants.
Trellis options: You can use simple materials like chicken wire, bamboo sticks, or even tree branches to create a trellis for your peas. They’ll naturally start to wrap around and climb as they grow, so be sure to have your support system in place early on. Another option is using the Florida weave method which entains running twine or string between two posts, weaving the string in and out of each plant.
Not only does trellising make your garden look more organized, but it also helps with airflow around the plants, reducing the chance of disease and making it easier to harvest when the time comes.
Sunlight and Watering
Peas thrive in full sun, even in Florida. Make sure your garden spot gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day—ideally around 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. This will ensure that your peas grow strong and produce well.
When it comes to watering, peas prefer consistent moisture but don’t like to be waterlogged. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially while the seeds are germinating and during their early growth stages. A good layer of mulch can help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature steady, which is especially useful in Florida’s fluctuating weather.
Pest Management and Fertilization
Florida gardeners know that pests are part of the deal, and peas are no exception. While peas aren’t as prone to major pest infestations as some other crops, you might still run into trouble with birds, squirrels, or small insects. Also, since peas are grown during the winter, pest pressure is generally low.
Here are a few simple ways to protect your peas:
- Netting: If birds or squirrels are a problem, consider placing netting over your plants. This creates a physical barrier without blocking sunlight or airflow.
- Pests: Insects like aphids or caterpillars might pop up, but they can often be managed by hand-picking or using organic sprays like insecticidal soap, if needed.
Fertilizing peas is generally not necessary if you’ve used an inoculant, as the plants will naturally fix nitrogen in the soil. However, if you did not use inoculant and notice your peas struggling with yellow leaves, a light application of a liquid fertilizer, such as Neptune’s Harvest fish fertilizer, can give them the quick boost they need.
Harvesting Peas
Harvesting peas is one of the most rewarding parts of the process. Peas are typically ready to pick about 60-70 days after planting, depending on the variety. For snow or snap peas, pick them once the immature peas can be seen or felt inside the pod. Do not wait for the pods to fill out completely since this can make the pods stringy. For shelling peas, wait till the pods are completly full and you don’t feel any give of the pod when you lightly squeeze them.
To harvest, simply pinch the pea pods off the plant gently. If you’re growing snap peas, you can eat them right away—fresh off the vine is the best way to enjoy their sweet crunch. For shelly peas, break the pods open and remove the inside peas. For larger harvests, you can store peas in the fridge for up to a week, or blanch and freeze them for longer storage.
How Many Pea Plants Do You Need?
How many pea plants should you grow? If you’re just looking to snack on fresh peas, 15 plants per person should give you enough for the season. However, if you’re planning to preserve peas for future use (freezing or canning), you’ll want to plant around 30 plants per person.
Enjoying Peas from Your Florida Garden
Growing peas in Florida may seem challenging at first, but once you understand the importance of timing and give them the right care, peas are a highly rewarding crop to grow. If you haven’t tried growing peas in Florida yet, give it a shot this season—you might be surprised at how easy and rewarding it can be. Happy gardening!
