Pea Microgreens produce thick green shoots with tender leaves and curling tendrils. They have a fresh, mildly sweet flavour similar to green peas, with crisp stems that can be used in salads, sandwiches, wraps, raita, eggs, rice, noodles, soups and cooked vegetable dishes.

Pea shoots grow taller and feel more substantial than small-leaved microgreens. Their large seeds require soaking and brief presprouting before sowing, but the shoots are usually ready within 8–12 days.

Why Grow It

• Mild Sweetness: Fresh flavour that works with many meals.
• Crisp Shoots: Thick stems provide a juicy, crunchy texture.
• Tender Tendrils: Curled tips add an attractive finish to dishes.
• Quick Harvest: Usually ready within 8–12 days.
• Indoor Growing: Suitable for shallow trays, shelves and balconies.

Best Conditions

• Germination: Usually 2–3 days
• Harvest: Around 8–12 days
• Temperature: Around 16–24°C
• Light: Bright, indirect light after germination
• Tray: A shallow tray around 1½–2 inches deep
• Seed soaking: Around 6–12 hours
• Presprouting: Around 12–24 hours
• Growing mix: Coco peat or fine seed starter mix
• Seed amount: Enough to form one dense layer without piling

Pea Microgreens can be grown throughout the year in Pakistan but develop best in a cool, airy place. During hot or humid weather, keep the tray indoors away from direct afternoon sunlight and provide gentle airflow.

How to Grow

1. Rinse the seeds and soak them in plenty of clean water for 6–12 hours.
2. Drain them into a colander and rinse regularly for 12–24 hours, until small root tips begin appearing.
3. Fill a shallow tray with moist coco peat or fine seed starter mix, then spread the seeds in one even layer.
4. Press gently, mist with water and cover with another tray and a light weight for 3–4 days.
5. Remove the cover when the shoots begin lifting it, then provide bright indirect light and water from below.

Plant Care

Pea shoots use more water as they grow taller. Check the tray daily and add water to the lower tray whenever the growing mix begins drying. Avoid leaving the seeds submerged or the mix constantly soaked.

Remove any seed that becomes soft or develops an unpleasant smell. Rotate the tray each day for straighter growth and provide gentle airflow between the shoots.

Extra fertilizer is usually unnecessary during the short growing period.

Local Gardener Tips

• Use a large bowl because the seeds expand while soaking.
• Rinse the seeds thoroughly after soaking.
• Keep the seeds in one layer instead of piling them.
• Use the coolest available place during hot weather.
• Divide the pack into smaller trays if you are growing them for the first time.

Harvesting

Harvest when the shoots are around 3–5 inches tall and have developed tender leaves and curling tips, usually 8–12 days after sowing.

Use clean scissors to cut the stems around 1 inch above the growing mix. Avoid including roots or coco peat with the harvested shoots. Rinse with clean water, drain well and use while fresh.

FAQs

Why are some seeds splitting after soaking?

The seed covering may split as it absorbs water and begins germinating. This is normal if the seed remains firm and has a fresh smell.

Why are the shoots becoming tangled?

Pea tendrils naturally curl around nearby stems. Harvest the shoots once they reach a useful height before the tray becomes heavily tangled.

Will Pea Microgreens grow again after cutting?

New shoots may develop if the first cut leaves the lowest leaf joint in place. The second growth is usually smaller and less even than the first.

Common names: Pea Microgreens, Pea Shoots, Pea Shoot Microgreens, Green Pea Microgreens, Matar Microgreens