What Conditions Do Peas Need to Germinate?

Soil Needs

• Peas require a soil pH between 5.8 and 6.3 to germinate and grow successfully. The pH indicates the acidity of the soil and is determined via soil testing with a kit. If necessary, add sulfur or lime in the amount dictated by the test to bring the soil into the proper range. The soil must supply enough drainage so that the bed doesn't become soggy during germination, otherwise the pea seeds rot before they sprout. Adding compost or other organic matter before sowing the seeds improves the drainage.

Temperature

• Only sow pea seeds after the soil reaches a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds require cool weather and soil to sprout well, so the plants are typically grown as spring or late fall crops. Although the seeds and newly sprouted seedlings can tolerate light frosts, they will not sprout in frozen soil. Use a soil thermometer to determine soil temperature or wait until the soil thaws and dries out enough to work easily before sowing the seeds.

Moisture

• Keeping the soil moist ensures successful germination. The soil may require no irrigation in spring during germination if it's still moist from winter and if temperatures remain cool enough to prevent rapid drying. Fall plantings typically require some irrigation to replenish the moisture in the soil. Water enough to moisten the soil but not so much that the bed becomes muddy or immersed in standing water, as the seeds rot instead of germinating in overly wet conditions.

Planting Requirements

• Planting too deeply can prevent the peas from sprouting. Sow pea seeds no deeper than a 1/2 to 1 inch in the soil. It's possible to germinate seeds indoors but the sprouts don't transplant well to the garden bed, making it a better choice to germinate the seeds directly in the garden soil. The seeds germinate quickly if the soil is the right temperature and contains the proper amount of moisture, with the first sprouts typically emerging within three to seven days of planting. Overly cool weather may delay germination by several days.