Austrian Winter Peas

Austrian Winter Peas – Raw
Cold-Hardy, High-Protein Legume for Fall, Winter, and Spring Forage

Austrian Winter Peas are a versatile, cool-season legume prized for their excellent cold tolerance, nitrogen-fixing ability, and outstanding forage quality. Highly attractive to deer, turkeys, and other wildlife, these peas produce lush, tender vines and foliage that can deliver crude protein levels of 20–30%, making them a valuable food source during the challenging late fall, winter, and early spring months.

Adapted to a wide range of soils and climates, Austrian Winter Peas excel in fall plantings, establishing quickly before frost and continuing to grow whenever temperatures allow throughout the winter. In milder regions, they remain green all season, while in colder climates they overwinter as a dormant plant and resume vigorous growth in early spring. Their sprawling vine growth habit also helps suppress weeds and protect soil from erosion.

As a legume, Austrian Winter Peas naturally fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil for future crops. When planted in a blend with cereal grains, brassicas, or clovers, they add both diversity and soil health benefits.

• Maturity: 50–60 days to early forage production (full biomass in spring for fall plantings)

• Seeding Rate:

  • 60–80 lbs per acre (drilled)

  • 80–100 lbs per acre (broadcast)

  • In blends: 30–50 lbs per acre

• Planting Depth: 1–2 inches

• Best Planting Time:

  • Fall: Late August through mid-October (varies by region)

  • Spring: As soon as soil can be worked

• Soil Preference: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; pH 6.0–7.5

• Fertility Needs: Responds well to moderate phosphorus and potassium

• Bag Sizes: 5 lb, 25 lb, 50 lb

Whether used as a stand-alone crop or as part of a diverse food plot blend, Austrian Winter Peas provide dependable cold-weather forage, soil improvement, and an excellent protein boost for wildlife through the toughest months of the year