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When to Plant Sweet Pea in Fairbanks, Alaska (99708)

Location

Fairbanks, Alaska

ZIP Code

99708

USDA Zone

2a

Last Frost

Monday, June 1, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Monday, May 4, 2026

Based on last frost Monday, June 1, 2026 · Zone 2a

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 Fairbanks?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, May 4, 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 Fairbanks, Alaska? +

In Fairbanks (Zone 2a), direct sow Sweet Pea outdoors around Monday, May 4, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska? +

The average last spring frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska (ZIP 99708) is around Monday, June 1, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 2a.

How long does Sweet Pea take to grow? +

Sweet Pea typically matures in about 65 days from direct sowing. In Fairbanks, that means you can expect harvest around Monday, May 4, 2026 plus 65 days.

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

Sweet Pea does best when direct sown outdoors. In Fairbanks, sow directly around Monday, May 4, 2026.

Other Plants for Fairbanks

Growing Sweet Pea in Zone 2a

Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Fairbanks, Alaska, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a, you should direct sow seeds around Monday, May 4, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Monday, June 1, 2026. Sweet Pea grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.