When to plant peas in Montana
Montana spans USDA zones 4b–5b, so the right time to plant peas shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 23 in Billings to May 2 in Butte-Silver Bow — below are local dates for 8 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | 5a | May 4 | October 7 | March 23 – April 20 |
| Missoula | 5b | May 10 | October 1 | March 29 – April 26 |
| Great Falls | 4b | May 6 | October 1 | March 25 – April 22 |
| Bozeman | 5a | May 26 | September 22 | April 14 – May 12 |
| Butte-Silver Bow | 5a | June 13 | September 5 | May 2 – May 30 |
| Helena | 5a | May 9 | September 30 | March 28 – April 25 |
| Kalispell | 5b | May 31 | September 10 | April 19 – May 17 |
| Belgrade | 5a | May 26 | September 16 | April 14 – May 12 |
Peas in Montana: FAQ
When can I plant peas in Montana?
Across Montana, the time to direct-sow peas spans roughly March 23 in Billings to May 2 in Butte-Silver Bow, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the peas planting date vary across Montana?
Yes. Montana publishes 8 cities with their own frost dates, so the right peas planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does peas take to grow in Montana?
Peas takes about 55–70 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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