How to Grow Pea Microgreens Fast and Easy: A Professional Guide

Growing pea microgreens is an increasingly popular activity among home gardeners and commercial growers alike. Pea microgreens looks good, is packed full of nutrients, taste great in salads and sandwiches, and can be grown relatively quickly and easily if you know how to do it.

In this article we will:

1. what are pea shoots and microgreens,
2. go over the tools you need to grow pea microgreens,
3. explore all steps of growing pea microgreens,
4. go over the nutrition benefits and usage of pea microgreens,
5. answer some frequently asked questions.

By the end of this article, you'll have the information you need to start or improove growing nutrient-rich pea microgreens at home or for profit.

1. What are Pea Shoots?

Pea shoots are the young, tender leaves, stems, and tendrils of pea plants, typically harvested when the plant is still in its early growth stage. They are popular in the microgreens and culinary world for their fresh, delicate texture and sweet, pea-like flavor.

►Key Features of Pea Shoots:

• Flavor: Sweet and mild, reminiscent of fresh peas.
• Texture: Crisp yet tender, perfect for raw or lightly cooked dishes.
• Appearance: Bright green with delicate leaves and curling tendrils.
• Nutritional Value: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with folic acid, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Growth: Grows quickly and can be harvested within 10–14 days, making them a favorite among urban farmers and microgreens growers.

►Why Farmers Love Growing Pea Shoots:

• Fast Growth: Quick turnaround time for a profitable crop.
• Easy Cultivation: Thrives with minimal effort in various setups, from soil trays to hydroponic systems.
• High Demand: Popular in restaurants, especially in salads, garnishes, and stir-fries.

►What is the difference between pea shoots and pea microgreens?

None! When it comes to pea shoots and microgreens, the terms are often used interchangeably! Both refer to the same early growth stage of pea plants harvested for their tender, sweet greens.

►What are the types of pea microgreens shoots?

When it comes to pea microgreens (or pea shoots), there are a few standout varieties that growers and chefs love. Each has just a little bit different traits, but they all share that fresh, sweet flavor and quick growth. Consider what kind of flavor, and shape of the peas you are looking for your clients.

Pea varieties with tendrills:

Depending on what you like you can choose curly variety with tendrills (which we call Afilla type):

• Pea, Foxy
• Pea, Frilly,
• Pea, Jumbo, or...

 

Pea varieties without tendrills:

More simply builded greens, just with leaves and without tendrills like:

-Pea, Salad

-Pea, Dunn.

[product id="193, 180"] 

Try experimenting with different varieties to find the taste, shape, and look that you and your clients enjoy most. Check our Pea microgreens selection to choose your favorite variety. 

Pea Seeds Photo⬇️ 

2. Tools needed to grow pea microgreens

►Seeds

Choosing the right seeds is crucial when it comes to growing healthy and delicious pea microgreens. When you are buying pea seeds, look for those labeled as "microgreen" or "sprouting" seeds. These are specifically designed for growing microgreens, and they tend to germinate more quickly and reliably than regular garden seeds. Better to choose high-quality, or organic seeds to ensure that your microgreens are free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

On the market you will find different pea microgreens varieties with different seeds. Smaller or bigger seeds, green or brown- if their quality is good then their look doesn't make the difference. Smaller seeds will give more greens in the same tray. Just decide what will be better for your urban farm.  

►Substrate

Pea microgreens are not picky. No matter which substrate you choose, they'll happily thrive! From classic soil (peat substrate) to coco coir and comfy coco mat – these little guys will make themselves right at home.

Don't know if to choose cocomats or cococoir? Read about ➡️pros and cons of cococoir vs cocomats in cultivating microgreens⬅️

PRO TIP: If you do not grow pea shoots on coco mats, try to focus on the substrate humidity. It cannot be too wet, because it can cause mold. The seeds are wet enough after soaking.  

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►Fertilizer

Normally pea microgreens are growing like crazy without fertilizer. While small seeds needs fertilizer, big seeds means no fertilizer in microgreens cultivation.

But there is exeption... Make sure to fertilize when planting in coconut coir or cocomats, as they won't have added any natural nutrients needed for greens growing. If you are growing for business, you can use fertilizer as well. 

PRO TIP: If you want you can use fertilizer remember about below rules:

• use it only once with the first watering after germination period,
• never use it as spray from above,
• always use it from the bottom, 
• be careful with fertilizing during summer, or hot environment because, it can dry very quickly and burn the seeds. 

►Trays and Pots

When it comes to choosing trays for growing pea microgreens, there are several factors to consider- depending on where you want to grow it, on which scale, and for which purpose.

• First, make sure the tray is large enough to accommodate the quantity of seeds you plan to grow. A tray that is at least 10 inches by 20 inches should be sufficient for most home growers.
• Secondly, look for trays that have drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating and causing mold or rot. 
• Thirdly, consider using trays made from plastic or, which are easy to clean. 

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►Bucket or/and box with holes

You may need a bucket or box with holes if you want to follow one of our pro tips, which are described below. Keep reading. 

3. How to grow pea microgreens step by step?

Growing pea shoots should be easy if you follow below steps for professional growers. 

 

►Soaking pea seeds for microgreens

• Soak the seeds for 8 to (maximum) 12 hours.
• The seeds are ready when they are just cracked, and has 1 mm root outside.
• Be careful to not over grow them.
• If the seeds roots grow too long, you need to fix something with the germination process: keeping them in lower temperature or shortenning the soaking may help. 
• Drain all water.

PRO TIP: Leave in the bucket or box with holes for 24 hours, during that period they will dry out and sprout in good humidity. This option is especially useful if you do not have enough growing space. You can sow them 24hours later and save some space during that period. We call it bucket method. 

 

►Sowing pea seeds for microgreens 

• Now is the time for sowing!
• You cannot sow the seeds too late because you will face the problems. 
• Just spill even on your growing medium and water them a little.
• Watch out for over-watering!
• You can put the trays one on another - stack up to 3 trays.
• The last tray is empty, with small load on it.

 

►Germination of pea microgreens

• Remember to re-arrange trays everyday, so they don't heat up from sprouting seeds energy - just take the bottom tray and put it on top, repeat everyday. 
• Seeds during the germination release the energy and produce heat. You need to be aware of it. 
• After 4-5 days of germination, depending on the temperature, humidity, and airflow when they are 3-4 cm tall just give them light.

PRO TIP: Be careful to not to over grow the seeds on this phase. Adjust the time and the temperature to the cultivated variety. 

►Growing pea microgreens

• You can grow them under LEDs or just give them some sunlight. Actually LED lamps can be too strong for pea, so we recommend T5 type of lightening. 
• Look how big and white their roots can grow, you can easily on day 4 lift them and water from the bottom. 
• White roots means- healthy microgreens. Everything is going well with the pea cultivation process. 
• When growing indoors, try to give them cooler conditions during the night period, their taste is just magnificent using that trick.
• After 10-14 days of growing on light they are ready to  harvest and eat. Some varieties, like Pea Foxy are ready after 7-8 days of growing so be watchful.

White roots of this Pea Salad means healthy microgreens⬇️

►Harvesting pea microgreens

• Cut the pea shoots with the sharp knife when they are dry. 
• Never cut the microgreens after watering. 
• We recommend to minimize the watering the day before harvest. 
• Cutting with the knife is better for microgreens because it do not destroy the stems. If you need to cut with scissors, cut with small parts, one by one to minimize damage. 

PRO TIP: Depend from your urban farm conditions, schedule the harvest with the lowest humidity part of the day. 

 

►Packing Pea microgreens for sale

•  Use pads that absorb excess moisture.

PRO TIP: Leave the boxes open for some time in the fridge. Air from the fridge will dry a little bit the greens which will provide longer lasting. Then close them. 

4. What are the most popular problems while cultivating pea shoots?

• MOLD: Read our ➡️📚 guide to know how to prevent molding during microgreens cultivation.
• BUGS: It happens that you meet bean worm in your seeds. They are very popular in pea due to organic cultivation but they are not dangerous for the plants or humans. They will not cause problems during the cultivation if they are dead and it it not a lot of them. You can easily remove them whole soaking process, as they are floating on the water. Take a look how the infected seeds looks like.

Pea seeds eaten by bean worm⬇️

 

5. Pea microgreens health benefits:

Pea microgreens are a fantastic addition to a healthy diet due to their numerous health benefits. These tiny sprouts are packed with essential nutrients that can provide a wide range of benefits to the body.

One of the most significant benefits of pea microgreens is their high fiber and protein content. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals looking to boost their energy levels and improve overall health. In addition, they are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, which are all essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and supporting healthy skin and vision.

The antioxidants found in pea microgreens have been linked to reducing inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial in preventing chronic diseases such as cancer. Additionally, their iron content can help fight off fatigue and anemia, while their potassium content can help regulate blood pressure.

Another benefit of pea microgreens is their prebiotic content, which encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, aiding digestion. They also contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc that can help to keep bones strong and healthy. 

6. How to eat pea microgreens?

Pea microgreens are versatile and can be added to a variety of dishes such as:

• salads,
• sandwiches,
• stir-fries, and
• smoothies.

To maximize their nutritional benefits, it is best to eat them fresh or lightly steamed, as cooking them for too long may reduce their nutrient content. We love to use it as a substitute for pak choi in ramen soup!

In conclusion, pea microgreens are a fantastic addition to a healthy diet due to their numerous health benefits. They are not only delicious but also a great source of essential nutrients that can support good health and well-being. Incorporating them into your diet can help to boost your energy levels, improve digestion, and support healthy immune function.

Want to grow your pea microgreens? You need SEEDS! Check all pea varieties avaliable now HERE. 

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7. FAQ about pea microgreens cultivation

Should I soak the pea seeds before seeding?

Yes- definitely! Pea and other greens which have big seeds need to be soaked. Pea seeds should be soaked for 8 to 12 hours.

 

Pea shoots- where to buy?

• Grow Them Yourself: Get high-quality pea seeds from MP Seeds for fresh, homegrown shoots.
• Local Markets: Find fresh pea shoots at farmer’s markets or specialty stores.
• Online Suppliers: Some platforms sell ready-to-eat pea shoots, but growing them ensures better freshness and quality.

 

When pea microgreens are ready to harvest?

Pea microgreens need 4-5 days for blackout and 10-14 days for the growing period. It depends on the variety and your taste when to cut it but it starts from 15 cm high above the soil level.

 

Will pea microgreens grow without soil?

Yes! Pea mcrogreens can be grown hydroponically or You can use coconut mats or coconut coir. But then remember to add some fertilizer to the first watering!

 

Will pea microgreens regrow after cutting?

It is possible! But... You need to cut them a little bit above the microgreen embrio visible on the down part of the stem. Then take care about the good hydration and airing (to prevent the mold). Good idea is to add a little bit of fertilizer as well. Read the full article about: ►"Will microgreens regrow after cutting?" to get more information. 

 

How do pea microgreens taste?

Pea microgreens have a fresh, sweet, and crisp taste, very similar to young, fresh peas straight from the pod. They carry a subtle nuttiness and a slightly grassy undertone that adds brightness to dishes. Their tender yet crunchy texture makes them versatile and satisfying.

These little greens are loved by chefs and microgreen enthusiasts because they complement a wide range of dishes, from fresh salads and sandwiches to soups and stir-fries. Their taste is light and refreshing, making them a perfect addition to balance rich or spicy flavors. Plus, they look beautiful as a garnish, giving a vibrant, green pop to any plate!

8. Summary of the pea shoots cultivation in simple points

• You need good seeds, bucket, trays, water, growing substrate, and fertilizer optionally.
• 12 hours of seeds soaking,
• 4-5 days of blackout,
• and 10-14 days under the light.

Growing pea microgreens can be tricky business (not only if you are a beginner)- but you have some pro advices that could help! All in all the best way to figure out which works better is by giving yourself space to give various methods a try. 

 

See the comparison of all pea varieties avaliable in MP SEEDS 

 

Keep growing,

Caroline