What Is the Normal Time Frame for Peas to Sprout After Planting?

General Guidelines

• Garden peas typically sprout between 9 and 13 days after planting, according to Cornell University Home Gardening website. Once they sprout, the tender, young plants grow quickly, producing pods within 60 days.

Soil Conditions

• How quickly peas germinate depends mostly on the temperature and moisture of your soil. Peas germinate best when the soil is around 75 degrees. At 60 degrees, peas take about 9 days to germinate. Colder soils delay germination by as much as five weeks or more. Moisture is important too. Peas don't germinate well in dry soil and they're prone to root rot and seed decay in soggy soils. Lightly moist soil is ideal.

Potential Problems

• If your pea seeds aren't germinating, cold, wet soils are the likely culprits. Occasionally, though, birds might be the cause of your pea shortage. Birds love to eat pea seeds, especially if they're planted shallowly. Peas should be planted at least 2 inches deep. Floating row covers provide additional protection. Seedling decay or rot is also sometimes a problem. Peas planted early in the season are less likely to experience disease problems. Crop rotation can also reduce the risk of disease.

Considerations

• Peas grow well in regions with cool, moist springs. In some climates, though, growing peas can be a real challenge. If you live in an area with long cold springs, followed by searing summers, you might have experienced these challenges. Peas planted too early may fail to germinate. If planted too late, the peas wither and wane in hot weather. Many gardeners use raised beds, which warm up earlier in the spring. Other options include floating row covers or hoop tunnels.