Most peas prefer cool weather. But in real life, gardeners grow them in all kinds of climates — from frosty springs in the north to early heat in the south. The key is picking a variety that fits your conditions.
Peas for Cold Zones
Peas are considered a cold-weather crop and thus thrive in Regions 3-6 climates. Most varieties can withstand temperatures down to 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius). Ideally, peas should be grown in daytime temperatures not exceeding 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) and nighttime temperatures not dropping below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Nonetheless, peas can successfully grow outside these temperature ranges depending on the specific variety and the microclimatic conditions you provide for the crop.
Oregon Sugar Pod and Oregon Sugar Pod II
| Sugar Snap Pea | Days to Maturity: 68-70 | Zones: 3-9 |
| Colors: Green | Height: 26-28″ / 66-71cm | Lowest Temp: 30° to 40°F / -1° to 4°C |
| Bush Peas: Grows on a trellis. | Fruit Size: 4-5″ / 10-13cm | Light: Full Sun |
| Breed: Open Pollinated | Space: 6-8″ / 15-20cm | Disease Resistance: Рowdery mildew, Fusarium wilt, and Pea enation mosaic virus (PEMV) |
Dr. James Baggett created Oregon Sugar Pod at the University of Oregon. This variety features bright green, crisp, and tender edible pods that contain very sweet peas.
It is resistant to most diseases and is an excellent choice for short growing seasons in cooler climate zones 3-5. This variety is versatile and suitable for fresh consumption or cooking methods such as frying, boiling, steaming, or pickling.
Early Frosty
| Shelling pea | Days to Maturity: 60-65 | Zones: 3-9 |
| Colors: Green | Height: 28-30″ / 71-76 cm | Lowest Temp: 28° to 40°F / -2° to 4°C |
| Bush Peas: Grow on a trellis. | Fruit Size: 3.5-4″ / 10-12cm | Light: Full Sun |
| Breed: Open Pollinated | Space: 6-8″ / 15-20cm | Disease Resistance:Common wilt, Powdery mildew |
Cold-hardy and productive. Can be planted early in spring or late summer for fall harvest. Compact enough for smaller gardens. Peas are sweet, tender, and good for fresh eating or freezing
Tom Thumb (Half Pint) Shelling Pea
| Sugar Snap Pea | Days to Maturity: 55-70 | Zones: 3-9 |
| Colors: Green | Height: 6-10″ / 15-50 cm | Lowest Temp: 30° to 40°F / -1° to 4°C |
| Bush Peas: Grow on a trellis. | Fruit Size: 4-5″ / 10-12cm | Light: Full Sun |
| Breed: Open Pollinated | Space: 1-3″ / 3-8 cm | Disease Resistance: Common wilt |
Tom Thumb, first introduced in the 1850s, is a low-growing variety suitable for cool weather. Each pod contains up to 4 peas. While young, the peas can be eaten with the pod, but for the best flavor, waiting until they are fully mature is recommended. This variety is also suitable for freezing and pickling.
Little Marvel
| Sugar Snap Pea | Days to Maturity: 62 | Zones: 3-9 |
| Colors: Green | Height: 12-18″/30-45 cm | Lowest Temp: 50° to 70°F / 10° to 20°C |
| Bush Peas: Grow on a trellis. | Fruit Size: 3″ / 7 cm | Light: Full Sun |
| Breed: Open Pollinated | Space: 1-3″ / 3-8 cm | Disease Resistance: Common wilt |
Little Marvel is another low-growing, frost-resistant variety. Its small, bright green pods produce juicy peas that remain tender and sweet even after fully maturing. This reliable pea variety produces double crops, even in Calgary’s unpredictable climate.
Knight
| Shelling pea | Days to Maturity: 56-62 | Zones: 3-9 |
| Colors: Medium Green | Height: 20-24″ / 50-65 cm | Lowest Temp: 50° to 75°F / 10° to 23°C |
| Short vines need no support. | Fruit Size: 2-3″ / 5-8 cm | Light: Full Sun/Partial Shade |
| Breed: Open Pollinated | Space: 1-2″ / 3-5 cm | Disease Resistance: Common wilt, Fusarium wilt, Pea enation mosaic virus, Powdery mildew, Yellow bean mosaic virus |
Knight peas are notable for having the most giant pods among the hardy, early-maturing varieties. Its short vines do not require any support, and each pod can hold up to 10 peas.
Alaska
| Shelling pea | Days to Maturity: 58 | Zones: 3-9 |
| Colors: Medium Green | Height: 36″ / 90 cm | Lowest Temp: 50° to 75°F / 10° to 23°C |
| Bush Peas: Grow on a trellis | Fruit Size: 4″ / 10 cm | Light: Full Sun |
| Breed: Open Pollinated | Space: 1″ / 3 cm | Disease Resistance: Common wilt |
Alaska, known since 1880, is a versatile and high-yielding pea variety for cold climates. Each pod contains 5-8 sweet peas. Historically, Alaska peas have been used for canning or freezing and are excellent in both fresh and dried (after about eighty days) pea soups.
Peas for Hot Climate Zones 9-11
When growing peas in hot climates, air temperatures should not exceed 85°F (29.4°C), and soil temperatures should remain between 45-75°F (7.2-23.9°C). Excessive heat can cause peas to suffer from heat stress, leading to halted blooming, sickness, and wilting.
However, some early-maturing pea varieties are suited for hotter conditions and can still thrive in zones 9-11.
Kelvedon Wonder
| Shelling pea | Days to Maturity: 75 | Zones: 3-11 |
| Colors: Medium Green | Height: 18″ / 45 cm | Lowest Temp: 45° to 80°F / 7° to 26°C |
| Short vines need no support. | Fruit Size: 3″ / 8 cm | Light: Full Sun |
| Breed: Open Pollinated | Space: 1″ / 3 cm | Disease Resistance: Fusarium wilt, Downy mildew |
Kelvedon Wonder produces a bountiful harvest of sweet, petite peas, with eight peas per pod. It is also suitable for planting in containers.
Mr. Big Pea
| Shelling pea | Days to Maturity: 58-62 | Zones: 3-9 |
| Colors: Green | Height: 24-36″ / 60-90 cm | Lowest Temp: 45° to 80°F / 7° to 26°C |
| Bush Peas: Grow on a trellis | Fruit Size: 4-5″ / 12-13 cm | Light: Full Sun |
| Breed: Open Pollinated | Space: 2-3″ / 5-8 cm | Disease Resistance: Fusarium wilt, Powdery mildew |
Mr. Big was bred specifically for size and productivity. If you want fewer plants but more food, this variety delivers — the pods are some of the largest among shelling peas. It’s a good choice for gardeners with limited space who still want a generous harvest. The strong stems support the heavy pods well, reducing the need for extra staking, even in warm weather.
Swiss Giant Snow Pea
| Snow pea | Days to Maturity: 65-70 | Zones: 3-9 |
| Colors: Green | Height: 6″ / 180 cm | Lowest Temp: 45° to 80°F / 7° to 26°C |
| Bush Peas: Grow on a trellis | Fruit Size: 4″ / 10 cm | Light: Full Sun |
| Breed: Open Pollinated | Space: 2″ / 5 cm | Disease Resistance: Common wilt, Downy mildew |
Swiss Giant Snow Pea grows well in warm climates and has a long harvest window. Its tall vines need support, but in return, you get lots of crisp, sweet pods that stay tender even as temperatures rise. A solid choice if you’re looking for snow peas that can handle heat and keep producing.
Lincoln Shelling
| Shelling pea | Days to Maturity: 67 | Zones: 3-11 |
| Colors: Green | Height: 25-30″ / 64-76 cm | Lowest Temp: 45° to 80°F / 7° to 26°C |
| Bush Peas: Grow on a trellis | Fruit Size: 4-5″ / 10-12 cm | Light: Full Sun |
| Breed: Open Pollinated | Space: 2″ / 5 cm | Disease Resistance: Fusarium wilt, Downy mildew |
A top choice for heat-resistant peas is this variety from Idaho. It grows well with or without support and tolerates crowded planting. The large pods, containing 6-9 sweet peas each, are excellent for freezing and canning.
Cascadia
| Sugar Snap Pea | Days to Maturity: 65 | Zones: 3-10 |
| Colors: Deep green | Height: 24″ / 60 cm | Lowest Temp: 45° to 80°F / 7° to 26°C |
| Short vines need no support. | Fruit Size: 3.5″ / 9 cm | Light: Full Sun |
| Breed: Open Pollinated | Space: 1″ / 3 cm | Disease Resistance: Pea enation mosaic virus, powdery mildew |
Cascadia peas are juicy, sweet peas with thick-walled pods. They are perfect for eating whole, using in salads, or freezing. This variety grows easily in containers without the need for trellis support.
Tall Telephone
| Shelling pea | Days to Maturity: 68-72 | Zones: 3-10 |
| Colors: Green | Height: 72″ / 182 cm | Lowest Temp: 45° to 80°F / 7° to 26°C |
| Bush Peas: Grow on a trellis | Fruit Size: 4-5″ / 10-12 cm | Light: Full Sun |
| Breed: Open Pollinated | Space: 3″ / 8 cm | Disease Resistance: Common wilt |
This is the only high-growing pea that many gardeners recommend growing in hot climates. Such varieties bear fruit longer than bush peas, with large pods containing up to 10 sweet peas. It is also recommended to wait until full ripeness before harvesting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re growing peas in a tricky climate — too cold, too hot, or with a short spring — variety choice matters more than anything. Some peas stall as soon as the weather turns, while others push through frost or heat with no problem.
Use this guide to match your timing and conditions to the right type. It’s not about finding a “perfect” variety — it’s about choosing one that fits your season.
That’s how you get a full harvest, not just a handful of pods.
