Pea microgreens, often called pea shoots, are one of the most substantial and rewarding microgreens to grow at home. They produce crisp green stems, tender leaves and delicate tendrils with a fresh, mildly sweet pea flavour. In around 10–14 days, you can harvest a generous crop from a small growing tray on your kitchen bench, windowsill or indoor growing shelf.
If you’re wondering how to grow pea microgreens, the process is straightforward. Peas have larger seeds than broccoli, radish and many other microgreens, so they benefit from soaking before sowing and need a little more growing space. With quality pea microgreen seeds, a shallow tray, suitable growing medium, water and good light, you can successfully grow pea shoots indoors throughout the year.
This beginner-friendly guide explains exactly how to grow pea microgreens at home, including how long to soak pea seeds, how much seed to use, the best growing medium, how long to keep the tray covered, when to expose the shoots to light, how often to water, when to harvest and how to store fresh pea microgreens.
Pea Microgreens at a Glance
| Days to harvest | Approximately 10–14 days |
|---|---|
| Seed type | Untreated peas suitable for edible microgreen production |
| Seed soaking | Recommended for approximately 8–12 hours |
| Tray size | 10 × 10 inch tray |
| Seed rate | Approximately 100–150 g for a 10 × 10 inch tray |
| Covered germination | Approximately 3–5 days, or until shoots are well established |
| Growing medium depth | Approximately 2–4 cm |
| Harvest height | Approximately 10–15 cm |
| Best location | Bright windowsill or under grow lights |
| Difficulty | Easy |
What Are Pea Microgreens?
Pea microgreens are young pea plants harvested shortly after germination, while their stems and leaves are still tender. They are commonly grown from Pisum sativum and are often referred to as pea shoots.
Unlike smaller microgreens such as broccoli and mustard, pea microgreens develop thick stems, larger leaves and, as they mature, attractive curling tendrils.
Their flavour is fresh, mild and slightly sweet, with a recognisable green pea taste. Their crisp texture makes them useful in salads, sandwiches, wraps, stir-fries, bowls and many other meals.
Why Grow Pea Microgreens?
Pea microgreens are popular with home growers because they are easy to handle, relatively forgiving and produce a substantial harvest from a small growing area.
- Ready to harvest in approximately 10–14 days
- Fresh, sweet pea flavour
- Produces crisp stems and tender green leaves
- Easy to grow indoors
- Suitable for beginners
- Produces a substantial crop from a small tray
- Can be grown on a windowsill or under LED grow lights
- Useful in salads, sandwiches, wraps and cooked dishes
- Can be grown indoors throughout the year
How to Grow Pea Microgreens in 8 Simple Steps
- Soak the pea seeds for approximately 8–12 hours.
- Prepare a shallow tray with moist growing medium.
- Spread the soaked peas evenly across the tray.
- Press the seeds into the growing medium and lightly cover if desired.
- Cover the tray during germination for approximately 3–5 days.
- Expose the growing pea shoots to bright light.
- Water regularly and continue growing until the shoots reach a suitable size.
- Harvest the pea microgreens with clean scissors.
Under suitable indoor growing conditions, pea microgreens are generally ready to harvest approximately 10–14 days after sowing. Growing time can vary with variety, temperature, light, seed quality and your preferred harvest stage.
What You Need to Grow Pea Microgreens at Home
- Pea microgreen seeds
- A shallow growing tray with drainage holes
- A second tray, lid or suitable cover for germination
- A growing medium such as coco coir or quality potting mix
- A container for soaking the peas
- A spray bottle or gentle watering bottle
- Clean water
- A bright windowsill or LED grow light
- Clean scissors or a sharp knife for harvesting
Which Pea Seeds Are Best for Microgreens?
Choose untreated pea seeds suitable for edible growing. Pea varieties selected for shoots or microgreens are ideal because they are grown specifically for vigorous young stem and leaf production.
Field peas and certain garden pea varieties can also be used when the seed is clean, viable and suitable for edible microgreen production.
Avoid using seeds that have been treated with fungicides, insecticides or other chemical seed treatments unless they are specifically approved for the intended edible use.
Also avoid cooked, roasted or otherwise processed peas, as they will not germinate.
Do Pea Microgreen Seeds Need to Be Soaked?
Yes. Pea seeds are considerably larger than most microgreen seeds and generally benefit from soaking before sowing.
Place the pea seeds in a clean container and cover them generously with clean water. Allow them to soak for approximately 8–12 hours.
The peas will absorb a significant amount of water and expand during soaking, so use a container with plenty of extra room.
After soaking:
- Drain the peas thoroughly
- Rinse with clean water if necessary
- Allow excess water to drain away
- Sow the hydrated peas promptly
Avoid leaving the peas submerged for unnecessarily long periods. The purpose of soaking is to hydrate the seed and encourage even germination, rather than to leave the seed continuously underwater.
How Much Pea Seed for a 10 × 10 Inch Tray?
For a standard 10 × 10 inch microgreen tray, approximately 100–150 grams of dry pea seed is a useful starting point.
Pea seed varies considerably in size between varieties, so the ideal sowing rate may need to be adjusted.
After soaking, spread the expanded peas in a dense but relatively even layer across the growing medium.
The peas can sit close together, but avoid creating deep piles of seed. Excessive overcrowding can restrict airflow and contribute to mould or uneven germination.
For larger trays, increase the amount proportionally.
Best Growing Medium for Pea Microgreens
Pea microgreens develop substantial roots and relatively large shoots, so they perform particularly well in a growing medium that retains moisture while still providing adequate aeration and root support.
Coco Coir
Coco coir is a practical choice for pea microgreens. It retains moisture well while providing a loose growing environment for developing roots.
It is also relatively clean and easy to handle, making it particularly useful for indoor microgreen growing.
Quality Potting Mix
A clean, fine-textured potting mix can also work very well.
Avoid very coarse mixes containing large pieces of bark. A finer medium allows better seed-to-medium contact and makes harvesting easier.
Peat-Based or Soilless Growing Mixes
Commercial seed-raising and soilless growing mixes can also be suitable. Look for a fine-textured medium that holds moisture while still draining freely.
Growing Mats
Peas can be grown using some hydroponic or microgreen mats, although their larger seeds, vigorous roots and relatively high water requirements mean they generally need more root support than smaller microgreens.
For beginners, coco coir or a fine potting/seed-raising mix is often the simplest option.
Best Temperature for Growing Pea Microgreens
Pea microgreens generally perform well under mild indoor conditions. A temperature of approximately 18–22°C is a useful target for home growing.
Peas naturally favour relatively cool growing conditions compared with many warm-season crops.
Very warm conditions can cause trays to dry quickly and may increase problems with excessive moisture, poor airflow or mould.
Cooler conditions may simply slow germination and increase the time needed to reach harvest.
Keep trays away from strong heaters, hot windows and direct air-conditioning vents.
Step 1: Soak the Pea Seeds
Place the pea microgreen seeds in a clean bowl, jar or container.
Cover them generously with clean water and allow them to soak for approximately 8–12 hours.
Remember that dry peas expand considerably as they absorb water, so make sure your soaking container is large enough.
After soaking, drain thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Growing Tray
Start with a clean shallow growing tray.
If using coco coir, potting mix or seed-raising mix, add approximately 2–4 cm of moist growing medium.
Level the surface gently without heavily compacting it.
The growing medium should feel evenly moist but should not contain standing water.
A tray with drainage holes placed inside a second solid tray can make watering easier later in the growing process.
Step 3: Sow the Pea Microgreen Seeds
Spread the soaked pea seeds evenly across the surface of the growing medium.
Aim for good coverage without creating thick piles of peas.
Because peas are large seeds, they will naturally take up considerably more space than broccoli, radish or mustard seed.
Gently press the peas against the growing medium to improve seed-to-medium contact.
Step 4: Press or Lightly Cover the Seeds
Once the peas are evenly distributed, gently press them into the surface.
Peas can also be given a light covering of fine growing medium or vermiculite. A heavy layer is unnecessary.
The aim is to maintain good moisture and seed-to-medium contact while allowing the developing shoots to emerge easily.
Lightly mist the tray with clean water after sowing.
Step 5: Cover the Tray During Germination
Place a second tray, lid or suitable cover over the seeded tray.
Keep the peas covered while they begin to germinate, generally for approximately 3–5 days.
The exact timing is less important than the development of the seedlings. Check the tray daily.
Once most seeds have germinated and the young shoots are beginning to push upwards, they are ready to be exposed to light.
During germination:
- Keep the growing medium evenly moist
- Check the tray at least once daily
- Mist lightly if the surface is beginning to dry
- Avoid leaving the growing medium waterlogged
- Maintain clean growing conditions
Step 6: Expose the Pea Microgreens to Light
Once the majority of peas have germinated and the shoots are growing strongly upwards, remove the cover.
Move the tray into a bright location.
This can be:
- A bright windowsill
- A well-lit indoor growing area
- Under suitable LED grow lights
The shoots may initially appear pale yellow or light green after growing beneath the cover.
This is normal.
Once exposed to light, the leaves will begin producing chlorophyll and should become progressively greener.
Step 7: Water and Grow the Pea Microgreens
Continue growing the pea microgreens in bright light for several more days.
Pea shoots develop relatively quickly once established and can use a considerable amount of water.
Keep the growing medium evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Where possible, bottom watering can be useful once the plants are established. Add water to the solid tray beneath the growing tray and allow the growing medium to absorb the moisture from below.
This helps keep the stems and foliage relatively dry.
For best results:
- Check moisture levels every day
- Do not allow the growing medium to dry out completely
- Avoid leaving roots sitting permanently in deep water
- Provide good airflow around the tray
- Provide plenty of bright light
- Rotate the tray if light is coming strongly from one direction
Step 8: When to Harvest Pea Microgreens
Pea microgreens are generally ready to harvest approximately 10–14 days after sowing.
Some growers harvest earlier for shorter, particularly tender shoots, while others allow the plants to grow slightly longer so that leaves and tendrils become more developed.
A useful harvest height is approximately 10–15 cm.
Look for:
- Strong upright stems
- Healthy green leaves
- Tender new growth
- Developing tendrils
- Crisp stems
Avoid allowing the pea shoots to become excessively mature if you prefer the tender texture associated with young microgreens.
How to Harvest Pea Microgreens
Use clean scissors or a sharp knife to cut the pea microgreens just above the growing medium.
Hold a small group of shoots gently with one hand and cut the stems with the other.
Avoid pulling the whole plants from the growing medium, as this can bring roots and growing material into the harvested crop.
For the freshest flavour and texture, harvest shortly before use.
Do Pea Microgreens Regrow After Cutting?
Pea microgreens are one of the microgreen crops that may produce some regrowth after cutting.
If you leave the lower portion of the stems and growing points intact, some plants may produce a second flush of shoots.
However, the second harvest is usually smaller and may be less uniform than the first.
For home growing, you can experiment with allowing the tray to regrow. Commercial growers and anyone wanting the most consistent crop often treat each tray as primarily a single main harvest.
How Much Can You Harvest from One Tray?
Pea microgreens are relatively large compared with crops such as broccoli or mustard and can produce a generous amount of fresh shoots from a 10 × 10 inch tray.
The exact yield will vary considerably according to:
- Pea variety
- Seed size
- Seed quality and germination
- Sowing density
- Growing medium
- Temperature
- Light intensity
- Water availability
- Harvest height
For home growers, good airflow and healthy plant development are more important than packing in as much seed as possible.
How to Store Pea Microgreens
Pea microgreens are best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated after harvesting.
Place harvested pea shoots in a clean container and refrigerate promptly.
For best storage:
- Harvest with clean scissors or a clean knife
- Remove any pieces of growing medium
- Keep the shoots as dry as practical before storage
- Place them in a clean refrigerated container
- A piece of clean paper towel can help absorb excess moisture
- Use within several days for the best flavour and texture
Excess moisture can shorten storage life, so if you wash the pea shoots before refrigerating them, drain and dry them carefully.
Many home growers prefer to store harvested shoots dry and rinse them immediately before eating.
How to Use Pea Microgreens
Pea microgreens have a fresh, slightly sweet flavour that works well in both simple and more substantial meals.
Try them:
- In fresh salads
- In sandwiches and wraps
- On avocado toast
- In rice and grain bowls
- With scrambled eggs or omelettes
- As a topping for soups
- Alongside roasted vegetables
- In noodle dishes
- Added to stir-fries near the end of cooking
- As a fresh garnish
Because pea microgreens are larger and more substantial than many smaller microgreens, they can be used as a vegetable component rather than simply as a garnish.
Pea Microgreens vs Pea Shoots
The terms pea microgreens and pea shoots are often used interchangeably, particularly when the plants are harvested young.
In practice, “pea shoots” may sometimes refer to slightly more developed young pea plants with visible leaves and tendrils, while “pea microgreens” generally refers to plants harvested during the young seedling stage.
| Feature | Pea Microgreens | Pea Shoots |
|---|---|---|
| Plant | Young pea seedling | Young pea plant |
| Typical harvest | Young stems and leaves | Stems, leaves and often tendrils |
| Growing method | Densely grown in shallow trays | Can be grown densely as microgreens or allowed to grow longer |
| Terminology | Common retail and microgreen term | Often used interchangeably with pea microgreens |
Pea Sprouts vs Pea Microgreens
Pea sprouts and pea microgreens come from pea seeds, but they are grown and harvested differently.
| Feature | Pea Sprouts | Pea Microgreens |
|---|---|---|
| Growing method | Germinated in a moist sprouting system | Grown in a tray with growing medium |
| Growing medium | Usually no soil or growing medium | Usually coco coir, potting mix or another suitable medium |
| Light | Generally not required during sprouting | Bright light after germination |
| Harvest | Germinated seed and young sprout | Developed green stems and leaves |
| Typical texture | Small, crisp germinated seed | Crisp stems with tender leaves and tendrils |
Tips for Growing Pea Microgreens Indoors
Pea microgreens are well suited to indoor growing, but their larger size and vigorous growth mean they need slightly more water and root space than many smaller microgreens.
- Use untreated pea seeds suitable for edible growing
- Soak the seeds for approximately 8–12 hours before sowing
- Use a growing medium with good moisture retention and drainage
- Do not overcrowd the tray
- Keep the tray covered during early germination
- Provide bright light once the shoots emerge
- Maintain good airflow
- Check moisture levels every day
- Use bottom watering once the plants are established where practical
- Start a new tray regularly if you want a continuous harvest
With a simple setup, you can grow fresh pea microgreens indoors throughout the year.
Common Problems When Growing Pea Microgreens
Mould on Pea Microgreens
Pea seeds are large and are generally sown relatively densely. Combined with moisture, this can create conditions that favour mould if airflow is poor.
To reduce problems:
- Use clean trays and equipment
- Avoid excessive sowing density
- Do not leave the growing medium waterlogged
- Provide good airflow after germination
- Remove obviously damaged or decaying seeds
Poor or Uneven Germination
Uneven germination can result from old seed, inconsistent moisture, inadequate soaking or poor seed-to-medium contact.
Soak the peas before sowing and spread them evenly across consistently moist growing medium.
Yellow Pea Shoots
Young pea shoots can appear pale or yellow while they are covered during germination.
Once they are exposed to adequate light, the leaves should gradually become green.
Leggy Pea Microgreens
Very long, weak stems can indicate insufficient light.
Move the tray to a brighter position or use an appropriate LED grow light.
Pea Microgreens Are Wilting
Pea microgreens develop substantial foliage and can use water quickly.
Wilting often means the growing medium has become too dry. Check trays regularly and water before they dry out completely.
Avoid compensating by leaving the roots permanently submerged, as excessively wet growing conditions can create other problems.
Pea Seeds Are Rotting
Seeds may rot when they remain excessively wet or poorly aerated.
Make sure soaked peas are drained thoroughly before sowing and avoid waterlogging the growing medium during germination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do pea microgreen seeds need to be soaked?
Yes. Pea seeds generally benefit from soaking for approximately 8–12 hours before sowing. Soaking hydrates the large seeds and helps encourage more even germination.
How long do pea microgreens take to grow?
Pea microgreens are generally ready to harvest approximately 10–14 days after sowing, depending on variety, temperature, light and preferred harvest size.
Can pea microgreens be grown indoors?
Yes. Pea microgreens grow very well indoors when they receive sufficient light, moisture and airflow. They can be grown on a bright windowsill or underneath suitable LED grow lights.
How much pea seed should I use for a 10 × 10 inch tray?
Approximately 100–150 grams of dry pea seed is a useful starting point for a 10 × 10 inch tray.
Because pea seed varies considerably in size, adjust the amount if your particular variety appears overcrowded or too sparse.
How long should pea microgreens stay covered?
Keep pea microgreens covered during their initial germination period, generally around 3–5 days.
Rather than relying only on the number of days, watch the plants. Remove the cover when most seeds have germinated and the shoots are beginning to push upwards strongly.
How tall should pea microgreens be before harvesting?
A harvest height of approximately 10–15 cm is suitable for many growers.
They can be harvested somewhat earlier for particularly tender shoots or allowed to grow slightly longer if you prefer more developed leaves and tendrils.
Can pea microgreens regrow?
Yes, pea microgreens can sometimes produce a second flush after cutting if enough stem and viable growing points remain.
The second crop is generally smaller and less uniform than the first.
Can you grow pea microgreens without soil?
Yes. Pea microgreens can be grown in suitable hydroponic and soilless systems.
Because peas produce vigorous roots and relatively large shoots, make sure the system provides enough moisture, root support and stability.
How often should I water pea microgreens?
There is no fixed watering schedule suitable for every environment.
Check the growing medium daily and water when necessary to keep it evenly moist. Established pea shoots can use water relatively quickly, particularly in warm or dry indoor conditions.
Why are my pea shoots yellow?
Pale or yellow pea shoots are normal immediately after the covered germination stage.
Once exposed to adequate light, the leaves should progressively turn green.
Can pea microgreens be grown all year round?
Yes. Because pea microgreens can be grown indoors, they can generally be produced throughout the year when suitable temperature, light, moisture and airflow are provided.
Are pea microgreens and pea shoots the same thing?
The terms are frequently used interchangeably.
Pea microgreens are young pea plants grown densely in trays and harvested for their edible stems and leaves. The term pea shoots is often used for the same product, particularly as the plants begin developing their characteristic leaves and tendrils.
Can I use ordinary dried peas from the supermarket?
Seeds intended specifically for microgreen or edible growing are the better choice because their germination, treatment status and intended use are known.
Some food-grade dried peas may germinate, but seed quality, age and germination rates can vary.
Should pea microgreens be washed before eating?
As with other fresh produce eaten raw, rinse harvested pea microgreens with clean drinking water before eating.
If you intend to store them first, keeping the harvested shoots relatively dry can improve storage quality, so many growers rinse them immediately before use.
Food Safety When Growing Pea Microgreens
Because pea microgreens are often eaten raw, good hygiene is important throughout the growing process.
Use clean growing trays, clean water and fresh growing medium, and choose seed intended for edible growing.
Wash your hands before handling soaked seeds, growing trays or harvested microgreens.
Avoid using mouldy, damaged or visibly contaminated seed.
Keep the growing environment clean and avoid continuously saturated growing conditions.
After harvesting, rinse pea microgreens with clean drinking water before eating.
Start Growing Pea Microgreens at Home
Learning how to grow pea microgreens is simple and rewarding. Their large seeds are easy to handle, their vigorous shoots grow quickly, and the finished crop provides crisp stems, tender leaves and a fresh pea flavour in around two weeks.
The most important differences compared with smaller microgreens are to soak the pea seeds before sowing, provide enough growing medium and moisture for their vigorous roots, and give the developing shoots plenty of light once germination is underway.
With a shallow tray, quality pea microgreen seeds, a suitable growing medium and a few minutes of care each day, you can grow fresh pea shoots indoors throughout the year.
Once you have successfully grown your first tray, start another every few days or each week to maintain a regular supply of fresh pea microgreens for salads, sandwiches, wraps and everyday meals.