Peas before a hot spell

Highs of 85°F or more are forecast starting the forecast. Peas grow best in cool weather. Above about 85°F they nearly stop growing and set few flowers or pods, and hot days can make flowers drop.

When we suggest this

• ForecastHighs of about 85°F or more for 2 or more days in a row are forecast for today or the next 3 days.
• Your noteYour note: stage is flowering or pods forming.

What would stop us suggesting it

• When the forecast heat ends.
• When you mark it Done or Doesn't apply. "Doesn't fit my setup" stops it for that plant this season.

What to do

1. Before the forecast, pick every pod that's ready.
2. Expect few new flowers or pods while highs stay above about 85°F.
3. During the heat, check the soil and water if the top inch is dry.

What we can't know

• Whether cooler weather will return soon enough for new flowers.
• Whether your variety handles heat better than most.

Sources put the limit between about 80°F, when flowers become sensitive (Utah State), and 85°F, when growth and pod set stop (Minnesota, Iowa State). They don't say how many hot days it takes; we wait for 2+ days to limit tasks to real hot spells.

Where this advice applies

All US regions.

Any US garden with flowering or podding peas when highs of about 85°F or more are forecast for two or more days.

In most areas this marks the end of the spring pea season.

Exceptions

• Pea plants that haven't flowered yet.
• Plants you've marked finished.

Reviewed

Sources checked Sept 2026 · awaiting expert review

Gardenplanner research (AI-assisted), pending extension-qualified review

Rule id and version: pea.heat-pod-set@1