How to Grow Peas in New Zealand
A cool-season crop in Auckland, so sow from autumn through to early spring and avoid the heat of summer. Trellis climbing types. They fix nitrogen for the following crop.
When to plant peas in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | March, April, May, August, September |
| Auckland | March, April, May, August, September |
| Waikato & BoP | March, April, May, August, September |
| Wellington | March, April, May, August, September |
| Nelson & Marlborough | March, April, May, August, September |
| Canterbury | March, April, May, August, September |
| Otago & Southland | March, April, May, August, September |
| Central Otago | March, April, May, August, September |
Best peas varieties for NZ
- Greenfeast — Heavy cropping main-season shelling pea, sweet well-filled pods. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds, Mitre 10)
- Sugar Snap — Plump edible-pod pea eaten whole, sweet and crunchy. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Mitre 10)
- Novella (Dwarf) — Self-supporting semi-leafless dwarf pea, good for small gardens. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
- Telephone (Tall) — Tall heritage climber with large well-filled pods. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow peas
- Space plants about 10cm apart.
- Sow seed around 3cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 75 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow peas near: Carrot, Radish, Corn, Cucumber, Beans.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Aphids, Slugs, Birds. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Peas plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant peas in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in March, April, May, August, September. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy peas seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds, Mitre 10.