Best Peas to Grow in Oklahoma
Oklahoma spans USDA Zones 6–8, typically Zone 7. 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 Oklahoma
USDA
Zones 6–8
180–240 days season
Beginner
20
easy to grow
Heirloom
24
heritage varieties
Oklahoma in USDA Zones 6–8
Oklahoma spans Zones 6–8. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Peas in Oklahoma
Zone 7 gardeners hit the sweet spot for pea growing – your moderate climate offers a generous window for both spring and fall crops without the brutal heat that plagues warmer zones. With an average last frost around April 1st, you can start your peas outdoors much earlier than northern gardeners, while your October 30th first frost gives you plenty of time for succession planting. The key challenge you'll face is managing the transition from cool spring weather to hot summer temperatures, which can cause peas to bolt or stop producing.
When selecting pea varieties for Zone 7, prioritize heat tolerance and disease resistance. Look for varieties that can handle temperature swings and have some tolerance for powdery mildew, which becomes more problematic in humid summer conditions. Your 210-day growing season means you can experiment with both early-maturing varieties for quick spring harvests and longer-season types that can handle the heat better. The varieties I've selected below excel in Zone 7's specific conditions – they'll give you reliable harvests from early spring through late fall.
Zone 7 Peas for Oklahoma★ Most of OK
35 varieties · Last frost April 1 · 210-day season
Zone 6 Peas for Oklahoma
35 varieties · Last frost April 15 · 180-day season
Zone 8 Peas for Oklahoma
35 varieties · Last frost March 15 · 240-day season
Zone 7 Growing Tips for Oklahoma
Start your first pea planting in mid-March, about 2-3 weeks before your average last frost. Peas can handle light frosts, so don't wait until April 1st – getting them established in cool weather is crucial for Zone 7 success. Plant successive crops every 2-3 weeks through early May, then pause during the hottest months. Resume planting in late July through August for fall harvests that will produce until your first frost.
Focus on soil preparation and mulching in Zone 7, as your peas will face more heat stress than in cooler zones. Work compost into well-draining soil and apply a light mulch once plants are established to keep roots cool. Consider providing afternoon shade during the hottest part of summer using shade cloth or tall companion plants. Water consistently but avoid overhead watering in humid conditions to prevent fungal diseases. For fall crops, plant heat-tolerant varieties like Wando or Sugar Sprint that can germinate in warmer soil.