Garden peas are self-fertile. Very little cross-pollination occurs as the anthers release their pollenĀ prior to the opening of the flower bud. Some pollinators will collect pea pollen, and pest infestations (i.e., thrips) can also result in cross-pollination rates as high as 20%. There is some evidence that this can increase yield, but in general pea flowers are not designed for pollination by insects.