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When to plant Sweet Pea in Wright County, MO

Wright County gardeners should plant Sweet Pea between March 7 and March 28 in spring. With Wright County's Zone 7a climate (last frost April 11), Sweet Pea needs 65–85 days to mature — plant by July 29 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 27 to September 10 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Sweet Pea in Wright County, MO

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.

Wright County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 923 feet, Wright County receives approximately 32.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Pea during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting Fragrant
Wright County, MO (Zone 7a) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Wright County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Sweet Pea Planting Timeline — Wright County, MO

Sweet Pea Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 7 Mar 7 – Mar 28
Bloom May 16 May 16 – Aug 8
Fall Sowing August 27 Aug 27 – Sep 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

65–85 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 7–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Wright County

Growing Tips for Wright County

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 Wright County, MO?

Wright County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Sweet Pea planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wright County, MO?

Wright County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 22.

When should I plant Sweet Pea in Wright County, MO?

In Wright County, MO, plant Sweet Pea after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Wright County, MO for Sweet Pea?

Wright County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Sweet Pea grows reliably in zones 2a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Sweet Pea grow in Wright County's climate?

Yes — Sweet Pea grows well in Wright County's temperate climate. Wright County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 22.

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Your Wright County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Wright County (Zone 7a). 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 Wright County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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