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When to Plant Pole Pea in Benkelman, Nebraska (69021)

Location

Benkelman, Nebraska

ZIP Code

69021

USDA Zone

5b

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Saturday, March 14, 2026

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

Pro tip: Sow Pole Pea directly outdoors 6 weeks before your last frost date.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Pisum sativum
Days to Maturity 70 days
Mature Height 48-96"
Spread 6"
Type Vine
Fruit Size Small (2-3 inch pods)

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Regular (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

3" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

1" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days

Ready to Plant Pole Pea in Benkelman?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, March 14, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CarrotRadishTurnipCucumberCorn

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

OnionGarlic
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Pole Pea

See which plants help Pole 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

Let pods dry and rattle on the vine before harvesting for seed.

Processing

Shell dried pods, spread seeds to dry 1–2 weeks before storing.

Seed Viability

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

Pro Tip

Self-pollinating before flowers open — very reliable for pure seed saving.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 16 per sq ft of Pole Pea. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pole Pea in Benkelman, Nebraska? +

In Benkelman (Zone 5b), direct sow Pole Pea outdoors around Saturday, March 14, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Benkelman, Nebraska? +

The average last spring frost date for Benkelman, Nebraska (ZIP 69021) is around Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5b.

How long does Pole Pea take to grow? +

Pole Pea typically matures in about 70 days from direct sowing. In Benkelman, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, March 14, 2026 plus 70 days.

Should I start Pole Pea indoors or direct sow in Nebraska? +

Pole Pea does best when direct sown outdoors. In Benkelman, sow directly around Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Other Plants for Benkelman

Growing Pole Pea in Zone 5b

Pole Pea (Pisum sativum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Benkelman, Nebraska, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should direct sow seeds around Saturday, March 14, 2026.

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