Dakota

Pea

55d to harvest

Sweet, garden-fresh pods give way to peas with a vivid, candy-bright snap and a tender, buttery bite—ideal for shelling at peak sweetness. Dakota is a shelling pea for gardeners who love a reliable harvest rhythm, producing well-filled pods that hold their flavor through the season. Grow Dakota for spoonfuls of green goodness in classic shelling-pea preparations, from quick simmered sides to vibrant purées and hearty soups.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 13b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Nov 25th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

What disease or pest is most likely on Pisum sativum (pea) and how can I control it in my garden?

Pea plants commonly suffer from powdery mildew (white, dusty growth on leaves) in cool, humid weather. Improve airflow by spacing plants and removing heavily affected leaves, then spray with an approved sulfur-based fungicide early when symptoms first appear. Watch also for pea aphids—if you see clusters on new growth, rinse them off with a strong water jet and use insecticidal soap if numbers rebound.

How often should I water Pisum sativum during the main growing phase?

Water peas deeply about 1–2 times per week so the soil stays evenly moist but not waterlogged, especially from flowering through pod filling. Aim for roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week total (from rain plus irrigation), increasing slightly if beds dry quickly. Keep the soil surface from crusting—consistent moisture helps prevent poor pod set and misshapen pods.

How do I know when Dakota peas (Pisum sativum) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods are full but still tender—typically around 55 days to maturity—so peas inside are sweet and just starting to fill the pod. Pick in the morning and check pods every 1–2 days during peak harvest; leaving pods to over-ripen makes the plant slow down and reduces sweetness. Pods should snap crisply rather than feel tough or fibrous when bent.