🫛 Can I Plant Peas in Denver, CO?

2026 planting guide for Zone 5b · Last frost ~May 7 · Growing season ~153 days

✅ YES — Good time to plant for a fall harvest

Peas thrives in cool weather and can be planted now for a fall harvest. Sow seeds soon — they'll be ready around Sep 23–Oct 8, well before the average first frost around Nov 2.

Planting window: Jul 30 – Aug 13
Sow peas seeds directly now for a fall harvest. Expect to harvest around Sep 23.
Live result based on current forecast for Denver, CO · Updates every 6 hours
USDA Zone
5b
Last Spring Frost
~May 7
First Fall Frost
October 7
Growing Season
~153 days
Ideal Temp for Peas
45–70°F
Frost Risk
✅ Tolerant

Growing Peas in Denver

Denver's Zone 5b location at 5,280 feet elevation means gardeners face late spring frosts (sometimes into May) and early fall frosts (as early as late September). The intense high-altitude sun and dry air accelerate both plant growth and water loss. Row covers, raised beds, and careful timing are key to Denver gardening success.

In Denver (last frost around May 7), peas can go out around March — approximately 6 weeks before the last expected frost, making it an early-season opportunity.

Peas thrives between 45°F and 70°F. It tolerates temperatures as low as 28°F, making it a candidate for early spring planting before the last frost date. Expect 55–70 days from transplant to first harvest. Cool-season. Plant as soon as soil can be worked.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I plant peas in Denver, CO?

In Denver (last frost around May 7), peas can go out around March — approximately 6 weeks before the last expected frost, making it an early-season opportunity.

What is the USDA hardiness zone for Denver?

Denver, CO is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5b. The last expected spring frost is around May 7, and the first fall frost arrives around October 7. This zone classification helps you understand which perennials survive winter and when annual vegetables can safely go outdoors.

Is it safe to plant peas outside in Denver right now?

That depends on the current weather forecast. Peas needs temperatures above 28°F (ideally 45–70°F) to thrive. CanIPlant checks your real 7-day forecast and any active frost alerts to give you a live YES, NO, or WAIT answer — just enter your ZIP code.

Can I grow peas in Denver 2026?

Yes — Peas grows well in Denver, CO. With a Zone 5b climate and a growing season of ~153 days, Denver is well-suited for cool-season crops like peas. As a frost-tolerant crop, peas can even go out a few weeks before the last frost date.

Grow Peas in Other Cities

New York, NYLos Angeles, CAChicago, ILHouston, TXPhoenix, AZPhiladelphia, PASan Antonio, TXSan Diego, CA

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