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When to plant Peas in Alachua County, FL

In Zone 9a (Alachua County), direct-sow Peas between February 2 and February 23 for spring, after the February 23 last-frost mark. A second sowing from October 2 to October 16 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Peas in Alachua County, FL

Peas

Peas are a cool-season legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil. Garden peas are shelled, while snap and snow peas are eaten pod and all.

Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.

At an elevation of 398 feet, Alachua County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Peas may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Peas will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Alachua County, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
277 days
Last Spring Frost February 23
277 growing days
First Fall Frost November 27

Alachua County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-6.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Peas

Peas needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Peas Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Alachua County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Peas Planting Timeline — Alachua County, FL

Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 26 Jan 26 – Feb 9
Transplant Outdoors February 23 Feb 23 – Mar 9
Direct Sow February 2 Feb 2 – Feb 23
Harvest April 20 Apr 20 – Jun 15
Fall Sowing October 2 Oct 2 – Oct 16

Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

55–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

277 days in Alachua County

Growing Tips for Alachua County

Direct sow as early as soil can be worked in spring. Inoculate seeds with rhizobium for best nitrogen fixation. Provide trellising for climbing varieties.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Peas Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Let pods dry brown and papery on the vine.
Storage Store airtight; viable 3 years at 35°F, under 45% humidity.

Very easy to save. Self-pollinating means varieties stay true.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Peas in Alachua County, FL?

Alachua County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 23. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Alachua County, FL?

Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and first fall frost is November 27.

When should I plant Peas in Alachua County, FL?

In Alachua County, FL, plant Peas after the last frost (around February 23) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Alachua County, FL for Peas?

Alachua County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Peas grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Peas grow in Alachua County's climate?

Yes — Peas grows well in Alachua County's temperate climate. Alachua County averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 23 and first frost around November 27.

🌱

Your Alachua County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Alachua County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Alachua County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.