Best Peas to Grow in Florida

Zone 9 gardeners have both incredible advantages and unique challenges when growing peas. The extended growing season of nearly 290 days means you can often squeeze in both spring and fall crops, but the intense summer heat can quickly end your pea harvest if you don't time things right. The key is choosing varieties that either mature quickly in spring before temperatures soar, or heat-tolerant types that can handle Zone 9's unpredictable late spring weather.

When selecting pea varieties for Zone 9, prioritize heat tolerance and days to maturity. Fast-maturing varieties like Sugar Ann (52 days) and Little Marvel (63 days) can give you a spring harvest before the heat hits, while heat-tolerant varieties like Wando can extend your season. You'll also want to consider growth habit – bush varieties are easier to manage and less likely to suffer heat stress than tall climbing types that require more energy to maintain.

The varieties I've selected for Zone 9 excel in at least one of these areas: exceptional heat tolerance, quick maturation, or proven performance in Southern gardens. From sugar snaps that kids love eating straight off the vine to heavy-producing shelling peas perfect for preserving, these varieties will give you the best chance of pea success in your challenging but rewarding climate.