Vegetable · Fabaceae family
pea
Pisum sativum
In short a 10-second read
Pea (vegetable) grows to 0.45–1.8 m tall and 0.15–0.3 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Sow in March–June. Harvest in June–July.
× spread 0.15–0.3 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, humus-rich, sandy, clay
Soil pH 6–7.5
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
cut back to the ground (as needed)
Sowing
direct sowing: March–June
Harvest
June–July
Winter protection
does not overwinter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow pea?
In March–June (direct sowing).
When is pea harvested?
In June–July.
Does pea tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does pea need?
At maturity 0.15–0.3 m wide and 0.45–1.8 m tall; recommended spacing 10 cm.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 2 September 2026.
Show sources (4)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- RHS — How to grow peas
- Wikidata (CC0) — Pisum sativum
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU
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