Harvest when edible pods are plump but still crisp. Frequent picking keeps vines productive before spring heat.
EdibleCool-season cropNitrogen fixer
Growing spaceVegetable bedClimate fitUrban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b · Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9bCrop familyFabaceae (legume)Life cycleAnnual cropPhoenix planting windowSeptember–February, favoring October–January.How to plantDirect sow; trellis tall types.Plant spacing2–3 inFrostTolerates light frost once established; cover during a hard freeze.Time to harvestVariety-dependent; the local pea calendar spans roughly 60–150 days by sowing dateSuccessionSow every 3–4 weeks until midwinter.Special categoriesEDIBLE · NITROGEN FIXINGTypical harvestRepeated pod harvest through late winter and spring.
Before you plant
These conditions determine whether it will thrive.
Cold hardinessCover in a hard freeze below 28°F
Vines handle light frost, but flowers and young pods are more tender. Cover blooming plants in a hard freeze.
Leaves and wood: damaged below 28°FHeat toleranceNeeds afternoon shade
Pods get starchy and vines quit once days run warm. Expect the harvest to end by about April in Phoenix.
