my LocalPlanting

When to Plant Sweet Pea in Bird Island, Minnesota (55310)

Location

Bird Island, Minnesota

ZIP Code

55310

USDA Zone

4b

Last Frost

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Based on last frost Tuesday, May 5, 2026 · Zone 4b

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 Bird Island?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

🤝 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

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

🌾 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 Bird Island, Minnesota? +

In Bird Island (Zone 4b), direct sow Sweet Pea outdoors around Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Bird Island, Minnesota? +

The average last spring frost date for Bird Island, Minnesota (ZIP 55310) is around Tuesday, May 5, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 4b.

How long does Sweet Pea take to grow? +

Sweet Pea typically matures in about 65 days from direct sowing. In Bird Island, that means you can expect harvest around Tuesday, April 7, 2026 plus 65 days.

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

Sweet Pea does best when direct sown outdoors. In Bird Island, sow directly around Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Other Plants for Bird Island

Growing Sweet Pea in Zone 4b

Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Bird Island, Minnesota, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, you should direct sow seeds around Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Sweet Pea grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.