Garden pea (Pisum sativum) — Plotwright

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Garden pea

Habit (mature) · Kolforn / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Garden pea

Pisum sativum

An annual cool-season legume grown for edible seed pods or shelled green peas. Self-pollinating in the bud — among the most reliable garden vegetables and the species Mendel used to establish modern genetics. Vining types reach 5-6 feet; bush types stay under 24". Fixes atmospheric nitrogen via Rhizobium nodules — leaves the soil enriched for the next crop.

Review: Source-backed

Edible

Light

Full sun

Water

Consistent moisture

Mature size

24-72" tall · 3" apart

Hardy in zones

Annual everywhere

Summer heat range

Cool-Mild

cool to mild summers Interim Plotwright tier until the plant AHS range is authored.

Native in Illinois

No

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Cold hardiness

This plant is grown as an annual; hardiness zones don't apply.

Heat tolerance

°C

°F

Loading current AHS heat-zone and plant heat-fit data at your coordinates…

Sources & citations

Cite this page

For lesson plans, articles, or research that uses this page. To cite a single upstream fact instead, use its specific source listed below.

Plotwright. (2026, May 17). Garden pea (Pisum sativum). Retrieved 2026, June 5, from https://plotwright.garden/plants/garden-pea

Sources for every fact

Every fact on this page traces to a source. 18 fields cited — 18 source-backed.

NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

University extension service

Backs 17 fields

Identity

Summary

Plant type

Light

Moisture

Hardiness

Heat zone

Size

Spacing

Habit

Design roles

Seasonal interest

Growth stages

Lifecycle

Regional guidance

Success tips

Designer notes

Wikimedia Commons

Photo · CC BY-SA 4.0

Backs 1 field

Image

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