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When to Plant Sweet Pea in Madison, New York (13402)

Location

Madison, New York

ZIP Code

13402

USDA Zone

5b

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Based on last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Zone 5b

Pro tip: Sow Sweet Pea directly outdoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Lathyrus odoratus
Days to Maturity 65 days
Mature Height 48-72"
Spread 8"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

6" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

1" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 10-21 days

Ready to Plant Sweet Pea in Madison?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, March 28, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CarrotRadishSpinach

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

OnionGarlic
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Sweet Pea

See which plants help Sweet Pea thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow seed pods to dry and turn tan on the vine. Pick before they pop open and throw seeds.

Processing

Shell dried pods, spread seeds to dry 1 week before storing.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Sweet peas are self-pollinating before flowers open — excellent for keeping varieties pure.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 4 per sq ft of Sweet Pea. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sweet Pea in Madison, New York? +

In Madison (Zone 5b), direct sow Sweet Pea outdoors around Saturday, March 28, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Madison, New York? +

The average last spring frost date for Madison, New York (ZIP 13402) is around Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5b.

How long does Sweet Pea take to grow? +

Sweet Pea typically matures in about 65 days from direct sowing. In Madison, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, March 28, 2026 plus 65 days.

Should I start Sweet Pea indoors or direct sow in New York? +

Sweet Pea does best when direct sown outdoors. In Madison, sow directly around Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Other Plants for Madison

Growing Sweet Pea in Zone 5b

Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Madison, New York, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should direct sow seeds around Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Sweet Pea grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.