Best Peas to Grow in New Hampshire
New Hampshire spans USDA Zones 3–6, typically Zone 5. 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 New Hampshire
USDA
Zones 3–6
120–180 days season
Beginner
20
easy to grow
Heirloom
24
heritage varieties
New Hampshire in USDA Zones 3–6
New Hampshire spans Zones 3–6. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Peas in New Hampshire
Zone 5 gardeners hit the sweet spot for pea growing, with a long enough growing season to enjoy both spring and fall harvests, yet cool enough temperatures to prevent these frost-loving crops from bolting prematurely in summer heat. The key challenge in this zone is timing your plantings around the April 30th average last frost while maximizing your 155-day growing window. Unlike warmer zones where peas struggle with heat stress, Zone 5's moderate summers allow for extended harvests well into June.
When selecting pea varieties for Zone 5, prioritize cold tolerance for early spring plantings and heat tolerance for late spring sowings that will mature in early summer. Look for varieties that mature within 55-70 days to allow for succession planting and fall crops. The best Zone 5 peas combine reliable germination in cool soil (as low as 45°F), vigorous growth during the variable spring weather, and the ability to produce heavily before summer heat arrives.
Our top picks for Zone 5 include proven performers like Sugar Snap and Little Marvel for reliability, along with heat-tolerant varieties like Wando that can handle late plantings. These selections give you the flexibility to plant from mid-March through early May for spring crops, plus late summer sowings for fall harvests that can continue until your first October frost.
Zone 5 Peas for New Hampshire★ Most of NH
35 varieties · Last frost April 30 · 155-day season
Zone 4 Peas for New Hampshire
35 varieties · Last frost May 10 · 135-day season
Zone 6 Peas for New Hampshire
35 varieties · Last frost April 15 · 180-day season
Zone 3 Peas for New Hampshire
35 varieties · Last frost May 15 · 120-day season
Zone 5 Growing Tips for New Hampshire
Start your first Zone 5 pea planting 2-4 weeks before your last frost date – typically mid to late March when soil can be worked. Peas germinate slowly in cold soil, so don't rush if temperatures are still dropping below 40°F regularly. Plant successive crops every 2 weeks through early May, switching to heat-tolerant varieties like Wando or Lincoln for plantings after April 15th. For fall crops, count backwards 10-12 weeks from your October 5th first frost date, making late July the ideal time for fall sowings.
Zone 5's unpredictable spring weather – from late snowstorms to sudden warm spells – requires flexible season extension strategies. Row covers are essential for protecting early plantings from unexpected freezes and can advance your harvest by 1-2 weeks. In years with late springs, consider starting peas indoors in biodegradable pots 3-4 weeks before transplanting, though direct seeding generally produces stronger plants.
The biggest Zone 5 challenge is managing the transition from cool spring to warm summer. Once daytime temperatures consistently hit 75°F, pea production drops significantly. Combat this by providing afternoon shade for late plantings, maintaining consistent soil moisture, and choosing varieties specifically bred for heat tolerance. Mulching becomes critical by late May to keep roots cool and extend your harvest window.