Best Peas to Grow in Massachusetts
Massachusetts spans USDA Zones 5–7, typically Zone 6. 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 Massachusetts
USDA
Zones 5–7
155–210 days season
Beginner
20
easy to grow
Heirloom
24
heritage varieties
Massachusetts in USDA Zones 5–7
Massachusetts spans Zones 5–7. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Peas in Massachusetts
Zone 6 offers excellent conditions for growing peas, with its moderate climate providing the cool, moist conditions these crops crave. The challenge lies in timing your plantings correctly – peas need to establish before hot summer weather arrives, but they can handle light frosts that would damage tender crops. With an average last frost around April 15th and first frost around October 15th, you have a generous 180-day growing season that allows for both spring and fall harvests.
When selecting pea varieties for Zone 6, prioritize heat tolerance for spring plantings and quick maturity for fall crops. Look for varieties that can handle temperature swings and have good disease resistance, as Zone 6's variable spring weather can stress plants and make them susceptible to fungal issues. The varieties I've selected below have proven themselves reliable performers in Zone 6 conditions, offering everything from early harvests to extended production through changing seasons.
These recommended varieties balance cold hardiness with heat tolerance, ensuring you can start planting as soon as soil is workable in March and still get quality harvests before summer heat shuts down production. Many also work well for fall plantings, extending your pea season well into autumn.
Zone 6 Peas for Massachusetts★ Most of MA
35 varieties · Last frost April 15 · 180-day season
Zone 5 Peas for Massachusetts
35 varieties · Last frost April 30 · 155-day season
Zone 7 Peas for Massachusetts
35 varieties · Last frost April 1 · 210-day season
Zone 6 Growing Tips for Massachusetts
Start your spring pea planting 4-6 weeks before your last frost date – that means getting seeds in the ground by mid-March in Zone 6, as soon as soil can be worked. Peas actually prefer cool soil temperatures between 45-65°F, so don't wait for warm weather. Plant successive crops every 2-3 weeks through early May to extend your harvest, but stop before Memorial Day as summer heat will prevent good pod development.
For fall crops, count backward 10-12 weeks from your first frost date and plant in late July to early August. Fall peas often produce better than spring crops because they mature in cooling weather rather than increasing heat. The key challenge in Zone 6 is managing the transition periods – late spring heat waves can stress young plants, while early fall warm spells can delay pod filling. Provide afternoon shade during heat waves and ensure consistent moisture, as stressed pea plants become bitter and stop producing.
Mulch is crucial in Zone 6's variable climate – it keeps roots cool during unexpected warm spells and retains moisture during dry periods. Plant disease-resistant varieties and ensure good air circulation, as Zone 6's humid springs can promote powdery mildew and other fungal issues that plague stressed pea plants.