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When to Plant Sweet Pea in Saint Petersburg, Florida (33708)

Location

Saint Petersburg, Florida

ZIP Code

33708

USDA Zone

10b

Last Frost

Thursday, January 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Based on last frost Thursday, January 15, 2026 · Zone 10b

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 Saint Petersburg?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Thursday, December 18, 2025.

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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 Saint Petersburg, Florida? +

In Saint Petersburg (Zone 10b), direct sow Sweet Pea outdoors around Thursday, December 18, 2025.

What is the last frost date for Saint Petersburg, Florida? +

The average last spring frost date for Saint Petersburg, Florida (ZIP 33708) is around Thursday, January 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 10b.

How long does Sweet Pea take to grow? +

Sweet Pea typically matures in about 65 days from direct sowing. In Saint Petersburg, that means you can expect harvest around Thursday, December 18, 2025 plus 65 days.

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

Sweet Pea does best when direct sown outdoors. In Saint Petersburg, sow directly around Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Other Plants for Saint Petersburg

Growing Sweet Pea in Zone 10b

Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Saint Petersburg, Florida, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b, you should direct sow seeds around Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Thursday, January 15, 2026. Sweet Pea grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.