Temperature

• Peas prefer cool weather and soil. The plants tolerate light frosts but a heavy frost can kill the vines. Temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit also cause the pea vines to wither and die. It takes about 60 days for most pea plants to become fully productive. The harvest continues as long as temperatures remain low enough. Climates that supply two consecutive months or more of temperatures between 55 and 65 F provide the best growing conditions and harvest opportunity for pea plants.
  
  

Sunlight

• Full sun during the cool growing days ensures best flowering and pod production. In warmer climates, the peas can tolerate some afternoon shading to protect them from heat, but the vines may not produce as well as they do in a cool, full sun climate. Shading the soil may help keep the roots cool while supplying the plants with the necessary sunlight. Use an organic mulch to keep the moisture in the soil and the roots cool in climates where the soil tends to warm up quickly.
  
  

Wind and Moisture

• Most pea varieties grow as climbing vines, making them prone to wind damage. If you grow peas in a windy climate, plant the vines in an area protected from high winds when possible. A secure trellis that won't blow over also helps keep the peas upright and protected. Compact bush plants are also available that are better able to withstand wind. Cold winds and light frosts after the pea plants begin to flower are most damaging, since frost causes the flowers to drop and pods aren't set. Cover the vines with a frost blanket if a frost is expected after the peas begin to flower.
  
  

Seasonal Considerations

• Cool spring weather may seem the perfect time to grow peas, but it depends on your climate. In areas where the temperatures warm quickly in early summer, you may only have a short-lived pea crop. Wet springs can also kill the peas prematurely. Wet weather results in less sunlight and high moisture, which can cause mold and mildew problems on the peas. Fall may provide a better climate for the peas since temperatures often remain cooler for a longer period. Fall typically provides less rainfall and more sunlight, depending on your area. In mild climates that rarely experience frost, consider growing peas as a winter crop.