Bill Ebbesen / CC BY-SA 3.0
Austrian winter pea
Overview
A cold-hardy legume cover crop that fixes atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms in the soil. Austrian winter peas can add 100-150 pounds of nitrogen per acre, dramatically reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. They also produce biomass that improves soil structure and feeds soil microorganisms when turned under in spring.
How to Grow Austrian winter pea
Plant it in adaptable; performs well in most well-drained soils, at a slightly acidic pH of 5.5–7.
Exact sowing, transplanting, and harvest months shift by climate zone — the planting calendar below lays them out for cool through hot regions. Give it what it asks for here, and it will find its place in the garden.
Companion Planting & Soil
Austrian winter pea grows well alongside annual ryegrass, oats, crimson clover, and winter rye.
Good Companions
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Aug — Sep | Fall sow; cold-hardy legume; nitrogen fixer; may winterkill in zone 1-2 |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | May — Jun | Mow at bloom; incorporate for nitrogen; or let winterkill for dead mulch |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Aug — Sep | Fall sow; more cold-hardy than hairy vetch; fixes nitrogen |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Apr — May | Terminate at flowering for maximum nitrogen fixation |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Fall sow; grows through winter; mix with oats or rye for support |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Mar — Apr | Mow or incorporate at bloom; releases nitrogen as residue decomposes |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Oct — Nov | Fall sow; vigorous winter growth |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Feb — Mar | Terminate before seed set |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Dec | Fall/winter sow; blooms in early spring |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Jan — Feb | Terminate in late winter |
Uses
Beyond the Garden
Austrian winter pea earns its keep past the plate, too: nitrogen-fixing green manure cover crop; erosion control and weed suppression; forage crop for livestock and wildlife.
