GardenHow to grow peas (matar)
मटर. When to sow it in each part of India, how deep, how far apart, what size of pot, and what to watch for.
When to sow
North and central plainsSeptember to November
South and coastal IndiaSeptember to November
HillsMarch to May, October and November
Green months are the usual sowing or planting time. Dates shift by a few weeks from place to place.
How to sow and grow
- Method
- Sow the seed straight where the plant will grow.
- Depth
- 2.5 cm
- Spacing
- 5 to 8 cm apart in rows
- In a pot
- A long box or pot 25 cm deep, with sticks or a net to climb
- Sprouts in
- 7 to 10 days
- Harvest
- 60 to 90 days
- Sun
- Full sun: at least 6 hours a day
Tips from the garden
- Give the plants twigs, string or a net to hold. Even short varieties crop better with support.
- Pick the pods when they are full but still bright green. Regular picking keeps the plants flowering.
- Peas fix their own nitrogen, so go easy on manure. Too much gives leaves and few pods.
What can go wrong
A white powder on the leaves late in the season is powdery mildew. Sowing on time, so the crop finishes before the weather warms, avoids most of it.
Sown around the same time
New to growing from seed? Read how to sow seeds and the balcony and terrace garden guide.
Questions people ask
When is peas sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for peas are September to November.
How long does peas take to grow?
Usually 60 to 90 days.
Can peas be grown in a pot?
Yes. A long box or pot 25 cm deep, with sticks or a net to climb.