Best Peas to Grow in Louisiana
Louisiana spans USDA Zones 8–10, typically Zone 9. We've broken out 35 pea varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
35
for Louisiana
USDA
Zones 8–10
240–320 days season
Beginner
20
easy to grow
Heirloom
24
heritage varieties
Louisiana in USDA Zones 8–10
Louisiana spans Zones 8–10. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Peas in Louisiana
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.
Zone 9 Peas for Louisiana★ Most of LA
35 varieties · Last frost February 15 · 290-day season
Zone 8 Peas for Louisiana
35 varieties · Last frost March 15 · 240-day season
Zone 10 Peas for Louisiana
35 varieties · Last frost January 31 · 320-day season
Zone 9 Growing Tips for Louisiana
In Zone 9, timing is everything with peas. Start your first planting 4-6 weeks before your last frost date, which means getting seeds in the ground by early to mid-January. The soil will be cold but workable, and peas actually germinate better in cool soil. For insurance, make successive plantings every 2-3 weeks through February and into early March – this spreads your harvest and increases your chances of catching ideal growing weather.
Skip transplanting and direct sow instead. Peas hate root disturbance, and Zone 9's quick temperature swings can shock transplanted seedlings. Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep in well-draining soil, as winter rains can cause rot in poorly drained areas. Consider raised beds or mounded rows if your soil holds water. Most importantly, have row covers ready – Zone 9's late winter can swing from 70°F days to sudden freezes, and young pea plants need protection from these temperature extremes.
For fall crops, timing is trickier but possible with the right varieties. Count backward from your first frost date (around December 1st) and plant heat-tolerant varieties like Wando in late September or early October. The challenge is getting seeds to germinate in still-warm soil, so try pre-sprouting seeds indoors or providing afternoon shade until temperatures moderate.