How to Grow Forage Pea
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Forage Pea
Pisum sativum subsp. arvense
vegetableForage peas are hardy annual legumes grown primarily as cover crops and livestock feed rather than for human consumption. They fix nitrogen in soil, improve soil structure, and provide excellent nutritional value for grazing animals. These plants are typically planted in fall or early spring and can be grazed or harvested fresh.
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Example Forage Pea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Forage Pea
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Forage Pea
Around Jul 6≈ 80 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Forage Pea dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8; winter varieties extend into zone 9
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout within 7-10 days; seedlings develop cotyledons and first true leaves. Plants grow rapidly with pale green foliage.
Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings if overcrowded. Protect from slug damage in cool, wet conditions.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlants develop compound leaves, branching stems, and climbing tendrils. Vining varieties grow 24-36 inches tall; semi-leafless types are more compact.
Monitor for early pests. Ensure adequate phosphorus for root development. Provide support or allow to sprawl depending on management goals.
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall white, pink, or purple flowers appear in clusters along stems. Flowers are self-pollinating and develop into pods.
Maintain consistent moisture during flowering. Avoid high nitrogen fertilization which delays flowering. Watch for pollinating insects.
Pod Development & Maturity
3-4 weeksPods swell and mature from green to tan/brown. Seeds inside reach full size. Plant begins to senesce if not grazed.
Begin grazing at boot to early pod stage for highest nutritional value. For seed harvest, allow pods to fully mature and dry.
Senescence & End of Season
1-2 weeksFoliage yellows and dries; plant dies back naturally. Seed pods are fully mature and dry.
Incorporate remaining plant material into soil to enhance organic matter. Legume residue provides nitrogen credit for next crop.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs and parasitic wasps; resistant varieties available
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Early planting to avoid peak weevil activity; seed treatment; clean up crop residue; crop rotation
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Monitor seedlings; early insecticide application if threshold exceeded; resistant varieties; cultural controls
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Hand-pick; beer traps; copper barriers; encourage ground beetles; maintain adequate soil moisture only when necessary
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Improve air circulation; fungicide sprays (sulfur, potassium bicarbonate); resistant varieties; avoid overhead irrigation
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Use disease-resistant varieties; crop rotation (3-year minimum); seed treatment; remove infected plant material
Uses
Livestock Feed & Grazing
CulinaryForage peas are primarily grown as high-protein livestock feed, providing 15-25% crude protein when grazed at optimal growth stages. They are palatable to cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry and can be grazed fresh or harvested as hay or silage. [source]
Nitrogen Fixation & Soil Improvement
HouseholdAs legumes, forage peas form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, adding 100-150 lbs/acre of nitrogen to soil. They improve soil structure and organic matter when incorporated as a cover crop or green manure. [source]
Cover Crop & Erosion Control
HouseholdForage peas are used in cover crop mixtures to prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and improve soil health. Their root systems stabilize soil while winter varieties provide year-round coverage. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Food Source
WildlifeFlowering pea plants attract pollinating insects including bees and beneficial predatory insects. The foliage and seed provide food for wildlife and game birds. [source]
Animal Health & Nutrition
MedicinalForage peas provide balanced nutrition with amino acids including methionine and lysine essential for livestock growth, reproduction, and milk production. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For grazing: Begin at boot stage (flower buds visible but not open) for highest digestibility and nutrition. Clip at 6-8 inches for continued regrowth. For seed harvest: Allow pods to mature fully and dry on plant; pods should be brown and brittle. Harvest when moisture content reaches 15% or less. Thresh pods to remove seeds. For silage or haylage: Harvest at mid-bloom for optimal forage quality.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Forage peas can be inter-seeded with cereals like oats or barley to create a balanced, high-protein forage mixture known as a 'pea-cereal' or 'pea-oat' mix, improving nutritional value and reducing pest problems.
- 🌱 Winter forage pea varieties can be planted in fall and grazed through mild winters, providing early spring pasture before warm-season grasses begin growing, extending the grazing season.
- 🌱 A single pea plant can produce 40-60 pods under good growing conditions, with each pod containing 5-10 seeds; 100 pounds of forage peas can produce 10-15 pounds of seed for re-planting.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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