Growing peas can be a bit tricky since they prefer cooler weather and can be finicky if transplanted. However, starting peas indoors allows gardeners in cold climates to get a head start on the season for an earlier harvest. The key is knowing the right time to transplant pea seedlings into the garden.
Timing Pea Seedlings for Transplanting
Peas are quite hardy and tolerant of frost. However, direct sowing peas into cold, soggy spring soil often results in rotting seeds. This makes starting them indoors and transplanting them an appealing option for an earlier harvest.
When starting peas indoors, timing is important. Pea seeds take 1-2 weeks to germinate and 3-4 weeks to produce healthy seedlings ready for transplant. Target transplanting seedlings outdoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date.
In most regions, this means starting seeds indoors in late February to early March. Aim to transplant seedlings into the garden in March or by early April at the latest. If timed properly, the young pea plants will become established right as soil warms up for spring growing.
Signs Pea Seedlings Are Ready for Transplanting
Check for these signs that pea seedlings are mature enough for moving into the garden:
- 3-4 inches tall with 3-4 sets of true leaves
- Sturdy stems that can stay upright when gently blown on
- Well-developed root system with roots filling the container
Seedlings meeting these criteria typically have a better rate of survival when transplanted Move them into the garden before they become elongated, weak and leggy.
Tips for Transplanting Pea Seedlings
Follow these tips for successfully moving pea seedlings from indoors into the garden:
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Harden off seedlings first by slowly introducing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. This toughens them up and prevents transplant shock.
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Time it for a cloudy, calm day to reduce stress on seedlings Transplant in the evening if hot sun is forecasted
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Dig holes the width of the root ball and deep enough so roots are just below soil surface, Space 12-18 inches apart in rows,
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Gently remove seedlings taking care not to disturb roots. Place in holes and fill with surrounding soil.
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Water thoroughly after transplanting and provide shade for 1-2 days if very sunny.
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Consider using row cover to protect young transplants from wind, cold snaps and pests.
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Provide support once vines begin climbing.
With proper timing, care in transplanting, and protection, transplanted pea seedlings can flourish despite their reputation for preferring direct sowing.
Growing Peas from Seedlings for Succession Planting
In addition to starting an early crop, transplanting pea seedlings from indoors allows for succession planting for continuous harvests. Here’s how:
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Sow a new batch of seeds indoors every 2-3 weeks through early spring.
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Stagger transplanting hardened off seedlings into the garden through late spring.
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Choose quick-maturing pea varieties suited for spring and summer harvests.
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Time the last succession planting so the final harvest occurs before hot mid-summer temperatures.
With proper timing, gardeners can enjoy fresh peas for months from the first harvest in late spring through early summer.
Direct Sowing Peas for a Fall Crop
While growing pea transplants is ideal for very early spring crops, direct sowing is best for fall harvests. Here are some tips:
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Sow pea seeds 1-2 inches deep in prepared garden beds in late summer (July-August).
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Choose fast-maturing varieties (under 60 days) for a fall harvest before first frost.
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Space rows 15-24 inches apart; drop seeds 1-2 inches apart in the row.
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Provide support structures for the vines to climb when they emerge.
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Water regularly if late summer weather is hot and dry.
With the right variety, peas sown in mid-late summer can be ready for picking by September-October in most regions. This provides a bountiful fall crop.
Starting peas indoors for transplanting is an effective technique for getting a head start on the growing season. Time it right so seedlings are ready to move outdoors about 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost. Monitor young transplants and protect them as needed. Transplanting also enables succession planting for prolonged harvests. With the right approach, transplanting pea seedlings can help both spring and fall crops thrive.
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How to Tie Up Peas Growing on a Trellis
It’s true that peas have tiny tendrils, but they don’t reach out and grab something as often as other climbing plants do. You’ll have to help your peas find the trellis if it doesn’t have lots of nice, thin bars at the very bottom. If you don’t do what you need to do, your pea plants can get tangled up and even refuse to grow. Thats why this tending task is one of your most important jobs when growing peas.
I recommend starting to tie peas up as soon as theyre 2″ to 3″ tall. For extra points, you could even tie some twine to the frame the day you plant your peas.
Follow these steps to tie up your peas.
Need some string or twine? I like jute because it’s soft and won’t tear pea tendrils that are easily broken. Cut a piece of twine long enough to go around the entire base of the trellis.
Wrap the twine around all of the pea plants, making it look like you’re setting up a pea pen near the trellis. Tie the twine in a little bow, keeping some tension on the line. Make sure to take care around the fragile pea shoots. Pull the string down about half an inch below the top of the shoots and tie it above them. Then, carefully tuck the shoots inside.
Continue adding rows of twine every 2″ to 3″ as you go up the trellis, like ladder rungs. That way, the peas will have something to grab when their stalks go looking for anything. This will make them feel safe and secure.
Repeat every week until your peas are at least 12″ tall. They should be able to take it from there. If you notice tendrils that dont have something to latch onto, dont hesitate to add some more twine.
How to Seed Start Peas Indoors & Have Transplant Ready Peas in 2-3 Weeks: No Acclimation Needed!
FAQ
How big should peas be before planting out?
How big should seedlings be before transplanting?
What month do you plant peas?
Can You transplant peas from seed?
Once the seedlings have three to four pairs of leaves, it’s time to prepare the garden and harden off your plants. After planting peas from seed indoors and the pea shoots emerge, it’s time for outdoor transplanting. Discover how to harden off the seedlings and move them to their new home in the garden bed.
When to transplant peas?
Transplanting peas is a great way to get an earlier start on the growing season, but timing is everything when it comes to a successful transplant. Knowing when to transplant your peas can make all the difference in the success of your crop. When to Transplant Peas The best time to transplant peas is when the soil has warmed to at least 50°F.
When to plant sweet peas?
When To Start: In cold winter areas, sow in seed starting containers in early spring about 6-7 weeks before the last frost date, then plant out as soon as soil can be worked; sweet peas can handle light frosts.
Can You transplant peas outside?
After planting peas from seed indoors and the pea shoots emerge, it’s time for outdoor transplanting. Discover how to harden off the seedlings and move them to their new home in the garden bed. The best time to plant peas outside is in early spring.