Habit (mature) - Kolforn / Wikimedia Commons - CC BY-SA 4.0
Limited coverage
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.
Edible
Light
Full sun
Water
Consistent moisture
Mature size
24-72" tall · 3" apart
Hardy in zones
Annual everywhere
AHS heat range
1-6
Plant range authored in AHS heat-zone terms.
Native in Illinois
No
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Moisture retention
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Plant support
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Transplanting and establishment
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Fertility and feeding
Compost, balanced fertilizer, slow-release plant food, and organic amendments.
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Seed starting
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Edible pods + seeds.
Cold hardiness
Future
This plant is grown as an annual; hardiness zones don't apply.
Heat tolerance
Future
Heat tolerance values are location-based too: heat days today are observed at this site, and the 2050 value projects this same location under a future climate.
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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 14, from https://plotwright.garden/plants/pisum-sativum
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