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When to plant Sweet Pea in Ware County County,

For Sweet Pea in Ware County County, the safe spring window opens around mid-spring and closes around late spring. Last expected frost is March 4, first fall frost November 22, giving a 263-day growing season. A second sowing from September 13 to September 27 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Sweet Pea in Ware County, GA

Ware County, Georgia Zone 9a June

Your June planting checklist for Ware County, Georgia

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Ware County, Georgia this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost March 4
Avg. first frost November 22
Soil temp (4") 82°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14 hrs

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Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are beloved cool-season climbing annuals grown primarily for their intensely fragrant, ruffled blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, and white. They thrive in cool spring conditions, climbing trellises to 4–6 feet, and make outstanding cut flowers. Bloom ceases once summer heat arrives, making early sowing critical for a long cutting season.

Ware County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 263 days.

At an elevation of 482 feet, Ware County receives approximately 56.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Sweet Pea may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Sweet Pea, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sweet Pea root diseases.

Annual Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting Fragrant
Ware County, GA (Zone 9a) Long season
263 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
263 growing days
First Fall Frost November 22

Ware County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Sweet Pea Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (143 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 20 🌸 Bloom: May 1 – Jun 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (137 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 4 🌸 Bloom: May 13 – Jul 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (139 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 24 🌸 Bloom: Jun 2 – Jul 28

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Soil Compatibility in Ware County

How your county's soil matches Sweet Pea's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.3–6.6) is more acidic than Sweet Pea prefers (7.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Ware County is excellent for Sweet Pea — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Sweet Pea.

How to Plant Sweet Pea

0.5"
Planting Depth
6"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Sweet Pea

4
successive plantings in your 263-day season

Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 29 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 13.

Sweet Pea Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 225 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Sweet Pea

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

Month Sweet Pea Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Sweet Pea Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Sweet Pea needs ~1,594 GDD — county provides 5,588 GDD Excellent fit

Sweet Pea Planting Timeline — Ware County, GA

Sweet Pea Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Bloom November 22 Nov 22 – Jan 17
Fall Sowing September 13 Sep 13 – Sep 27

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Bloom
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October
November Bloom
December Bloom

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

65–85 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 7–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

263 days in Ware County

Growing Tips for Sweet Pea in Ware County

Direct sow Sweet Pea outdoors after March 04 in Ware County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Ware County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Sweet Pea. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

Common pests for Sweet Pea in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

Soak seeds 24 hours before sowing to soften the hard seed coat; nick the seed coat with a file for the fastest germination. In cold zones (2–6), direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked, 4–6 weeks before last frost; seedlings tolerate light frost but not a hard freeze. In zones 7–9, fall-sow 8–10 weeks before first frost for earlier, stronger spring bloom. Provide a trellis or netting from the start. Feed with low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer once buds form. Pick blooms regularly — even one mature seed pod stops flower production. All plant parts are mildly toxic if eaten.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sweet Pea in Ware County, GA?

Ware County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Sweet Pea planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ware County, GA?

Ware County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 22.

When should I plant Sweet Pea in Ware County County, ?

In Ware County County, , plant Sweet Pea after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ware County County, for Sweet Pea?

Ware County County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Sweet Pea grows reliably in zones 2a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Sweet Pea grow in Ware County County's climate?

Yes — Sweet Pea grows well in Ware County County's temperate climate. Ware County County averages a 263-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 22.

🌱

Your Ware County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ware 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.

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

Sources & credits

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