Pea shoots are one of the most substantial and satisfying microgreens to grow at home. They produce crisp stems, tender green leaves and a fresh, mildly sweet flavour similar to young garden peas.
Unlike small microgreen seeds such as broccoli, mustard and radish, peas need a different growing method. The large seeds should be pre-soaked, sown densely onto a supportive growing medium and kept under gentle pressure during early germination.
OzSprout offers two different pea microgreen crops: Maple Pea Shoot Microgreen Seeds for leafy pea shoots and Blue Pea Tendril Microgreen Seeds for crops grown slightly longer to develop more prominent curling tendrils.
Pea Shoots vs Pea Tendrils: What's the Difference?
Pea shoots and pea tendrils are both young plants of Pisum sativum, but the variety and harvest stage influence the finished crop.
Pea shoots are generally harvested for their crisp stems and leafy green growth.
Pea tendrils are allowed to develop further so their characteristic fine curling tendrils become more prominent.
OzSprout currently carries different varieties for these purposes:
| Feature | Maple Pea Shoot | Blue Pea Tendril |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Leafy pea shoots | Leafy shoots with curling tendrils |
| Seed Rate | 240–280g per 25 × 50cm tray | 230–280g per 25 × 50cm tray |
| Pre-soak | 6–8 hours | 6–8 hours |
| Blackout | 3–5 days | 3–5 days |
| Germination | Approx. 2–4 days | Approx. 2–4 days |
| Ideal Temperature | 15–22°C | 15–22°C |
| Harvest | 10–14 days | 10–16 days |
The growing method is very similar for both. The main practical difference is that tendril crops can be left slightly longer so their curling growth becomes more developed.
Pea Shoot Growing Guide at a Glance
For OzSprout Maple Pea Shoots:
- Botanical Name: Pisum sativum
- Variety: Maple Brown Field Pea
- Seed Rate: approximately 240–280g per 25 × 50cm tray
- Pre-soak: approximately 6–8 hours
- Blackout: approximately 3–5 days
- Germination: approximately 2–4 days
- Ideal Growing Temperature: approximately 15–22°C
- Harvest: approximately 10–14 days
- Flavour: fresh, mildly sweet garden-pea flavour
What You Need to Grow Pea Shoots
- Pea microgreen seed
- A large clean container for soaking
- A shallow grow tray with drainage holes
- A solid lower tray for bottom watering
- A second tray for weighted germination
- A suitable growing medium
- Clean drinking-quality water
- A modest flat weight
- Bright natural light or a suitable grow light
- Clean scissors or a sharp harvesting knife
Peas develop a dense, vigorous root system, so the OzSprout Microgreen & Wheatgrass Grow Tray is well suited to this crop.
Coco coir or a fine seed-raising mix both work well. If you are deciding which medium to use, see Best Growing Medium for Microgreens.
How Much Pea Seed Should You Use?
Pea shoots require much more seed by weight than small-seeded microgreens because individual pea seeds are large.
For a standard 25 × 50cm tray:
- Maple Pea Shoots: approximately 240–280g of dry seed
- Blue Pea Tendrils: approximately 230–280g of dry seed
Measure the seed before soaking.
After hydration, the peas expand substantially.
The soaked seed should cover the growing surface densely and evenly without forming deep piles.
Why Not Simply Add More Seed?
Overcrowding can:
- Trap excessive moisture
- Reduce airflow
- Increase competition between seedlings
- Leave more ungerminated seed within the crop
- Make deterioration more difficult to detect
The correct density is a full, even crop—not the greatest possible mass of peas that can physically fit into the tray.
How Long Should You Soak Pea Seeds?
Pre-soak the seed for approximately 6–8 hours.
Peas absorb a considerable amount of water and expand during soaking, so use a container much larger than the volume of dry seed.
How to Soak Pea Seeds
- Measure the dry seed.
- Place it in a clean container.
- Add plenty of cool or room-temperature drinking-quality water.
- Allow approximately 6–8 hours for soaking.
- Drain thoroughly.
- Rinse with fresh drinking-quality water.
- Drain again before sowing.
Do not leave peas submerged for substantially longer simply because you want them to germinate faster.
Seeds need oxygen as well as moisture, and unnecessarily prolonged soaking—particularly in warm conditions—can contribute to deterioration.
How to Grow Pea Shoots Step by Step
Step 1 – Prepare the Growing Medium
Add approximately 2–4cm of coco coir, fine seed-raising mix or another suitable microgreen growing medium.
Peas develop a substantial root system, so avoid using an extremely thin layer of growing medium.
Moisten the medium evenly before sowing.
It should:
- Feel evenly damp
- Hold together lightly
- Drain effectively
- Contain no standing pools of water
Step 2 – Spread the Soaked Peas
Spread the soaked and thoroughly drained peas evenly across the growing surface.
The seeds can sit close together, but avoid creating deep layers.
Press them gently and firmly against the growing medium.
Step 3 – Add a Cover & Weight
Place a second clean tray directly over the peas.
Add a modest, evenly distributed weight.
The purpose is to keep the large hydrated seed in firm contact with the growing medium while roots emerge.
This helps the roots grow down into the medium rather than allowing the swollen seeds to push themselves upwards.
Step 4 – Blackout for Approximately 3–5 Days
Keep the crop covered for approximately 3–5 days.
Check the tray every day.
Maintain even moisture without keeping the root zone saturated.
Remove or reduce the weight when:
- Most viable peas have germinated.
- Roots are anchored into the growing medium.
- The seedlings are pushing firmly upwards.
- The top tray is beginning to lift.
Do not keep strongly established seedlings compressed beneath weight merely because a set number of days has not passed.
For a more detailed explanation of weighted germination and blackout, see Microgreen Blackout Explained.
Step 5 – Move the Crop into Light
Freshly uncovered pea shoots may initially appear pale.
Move the tray into:
- Bright indirect natural light
- Gentle morning sunlight where temperatures remain suitable
- A suitable grow light
The leaves and stems should progressively develop a stronger fresh-green colour.
Step 6 – Switch to Bottom Watering
Once the roots are established, supply most of the crop's water from below.
Add a modest amount of drinking-quality water to the solid lower tray and allow the growing medium and roots to absorb it through the drainage holes.
Pea shoots can become relatively thirsty as their canopy develops, but that does not mean the root zone should remain continuously submerged.
For the complete method, see How to Water Microgreens: Misting vs Bottom Watering.
Step 7 – Maintain Airflow
Pea shoots develop a thick canopy and dense root system.
Maintain adequate airflow and avoid:
- Hot stagnant growing positions
- Continuously wet foliage
- Standing water beneath the tray
- Excessively dense seed layers
Step 8 – Harvest at the Right Stage
Maple Pea Shoots are generally ready approximately 10–14 days after sowing.
Look for:
- Healthy green foliage
- Crisp tender stems
- A height of roughly 10–15cm
- A fresh pea aroma
- The flavour and texture you prefer
Cut cleanly several centimetres above the growing medium.
Why Do Pea Shoots Need Weight During Germination?
Large pea seeds behave differently from small broccoli or mustard seeds.
As the root emerges, it can physically lift the pea away from the medium rather than anchoring strongly down into it.
Moderate pressure helps:
- Keep seeds against the moist growing surface
- Encourage roots downward
- Produce stronger anchoring
- Improve uniformity across the crop
The goal is firm contact, not crushing pressure.
Once the seedlings are strongly lifting the upper tray, the crop is telling you that it no longer needs the same amount of compression.
Pea Shoot Blackout Explained
Peas use a relatively long blackout period compared with fast small-seeded microgreens.
The current OzSprout guidance is approximately 3–5 days.
The blackout stage can involve two phases:
Weighted Germination
The upper tray sits directly against the seed while roots establish.
Optional Unweighted Blackout
Once the roots are anchored, the weight can be removed and the cover inverted so the seedlings have more room while remaining in darkness for any remaining blackout period.
This can allow useful stem extension without continuing to compress the growing shoots.
Do not deliberately stretch peas for excessive periods. Weak, elongated growth is not the goal.
How Often Should You Water Pea Shoots?
There is no fixed daily quantity that works in every environment.
Pea shoots can use significant water as the canopy develops.
Water demand depends on:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Growing-medium depth
- Light intensity
- Airflow
- Plant age
- Crop density
Check the tray and root zone before watering.
During warm Australian conditions, mature pea shoots may need more frequent attention. During cool or humid conditions, the same crop can remain wet much longer.
Best Light & Temperature for Pea Shoots
Aim for approximately 15–22°C.
Peas generally perform well under cool to moderate conditions.
After blackout, provide enough light to maintain:
- Good green colour
- Compact growth
- Strong stems
- Healthy leaf development
Avoid extreme afternoon heat through glass, particularly during Australian summer conditions.
Excessive warmth combined with dense wet pea seed can create unfavourable growing conditions.
How to Grow Pea Tendrils
Pea tendrils use essentially the same growing method as pea shoots.
OzSprout Blue Pea Tendril Microgreen Seeds currently use:
- Seed rate: approximately 230–280g per 25 × 50cm tray
- Pre-soak: approximately 6–8 hours
- Blackout: approximately 3–5 days
- Germination: approximately 2–4 days
- Temperature: approximately 15–22°C
- Harvest: approximately 10–16 days
The longer possible harvest window allows the distinctive fine curling tendrils to become more prominent.
There is a trade-off:
- Younger shoots are generally especially tender.
- Slightly older shoots provide more developed tendrils.
- Very mature shoots gradually become tougher and more fibrous.
Harvest according to the texture and appearance you prefer rather than waiting for every plant to produce identical tendrils.
When Should You Harvest Pea Shoots?
For Maple Pea Shoots, aim for approximately 10–14 days.
For Blue Pea Tendrils, the crop can generally be grown approximately 10–16 days.
Use the day range together with the crop's condition.
Good harvest indicators include:
- Crisp stems
- Tender leaves
- Fresh green colour
- Clean pea aroma
- Tendrils at the preferred stage where applicable
If stems begin becoming noticeably tough or fibrous, the ideal harvest window is passing.
Do Pea Shoots Regrow After Cutting?
Pea shoots can sometimes produce a second flush after harvesting if enough healthy lower nodes remain.
This is one feature that distinguishes peas from many single-harvest microgreens.
However, regrowth should be treated as a possible bonus rather than a guaranteed second crop.
A second harvest is often:
- Less uniform
- Lower yielding
- Slower
- Slightly tougher
If you want to try for regrowth:
- Harvest several centimetres above the growing medium.
- Leave healthy lower nodes intact.
- Continue providing suitable light.
- Maintain root-zone moisture without saturation.
- Maintain airflow.
- Monitor the older seed and root zone carefully for deterioration.
If the original tray develops slime, mould, sour odour or significant deterioration, discard it rather than pursuing another harvest.
For consistently high-quality pea shoots, sowing a fresh tray remains the more reliable method.
How to Store Fresh Pea Shoots
Where practical, harvest when the foliage is relatively dry.
After cutting:
- Remove obvious seed or growing-medium debris.
- Keep the shoots as dry as practical.
- Place them loosely in a clean container.
- Refrigerate promptly.
- Avoid crushing the tender stems and leaves.
If washed before storage, drain and dry the shoots thoroughly first.
Common Pea Shoot Growing Problems
Poor Germination
Check:
- Seed storage and age
- Soaking time
- Growing temperature
- Seed-to-medium contact
- Moisture during germination
Peas Are Lifting Out of the Growing Medium
This usually means the large seeds need stronger contact with the medium during early germination.
Use a second tray and suitable modest pressure.
The Tray Smells Sour
A healthy pea crop should smell fresh and plant-like.
A strong sour, fermented or rotten smell can indicate excessive moisture or deteriorating seed.
Do not taste-test a suspicious crop.
Pea Shoots Are Tall & Weak
The crop may have:
- Stayed in blackout too long
- Received insufficient light after uncovering
- Been grown under excessively warm conditions
The Peas Are Rotting
Possible causes include:
- Excessive moisture
- Overcrowding
- Poor drainage
- Prolonged soaking
- Poor seed quality
- Hot stagnant conditions
White Fuzz Around the Roots
Fine white hairs growing directly from individual roots can be normal root hairs.
More concerning signs include irregular spreading growth combined with:
- Slime
- Sour or musty odours
- Rotting peas
- Seedling collapse
If you are unsure what you are seeing, see Mould vs Root Hairs on Sprouts & Microgreens.
Clean Growing & Food Safety
Pea shoots and tendrils are commonly eaten raw, so clean growing practices matter.
Use:
- Clean soaking containers
- Clean trays
- Fresh growing medium
- Drinking-quality water
- Clean harvesting tools
Drain peas thoroughly after soaking and maintain good airflow once the crop leaves blackout.
Discard pea shoots showing visible mould, slime, rotting seed, abnormal discolouration or unpleasant odours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pea Shoots
Are pea shoots easy to grow?
Yes. Pea shoots are a good beginner crop once you understand the pre-soaking and weighted-germination steps required for large seeds.
How much pea seed should I use per 25 × 50cm tray?
Use approximately 240–280g for the current Maple Pea Shoot variety and approximately 230–280g for Blue Pea Tendrils.
How long should pea seeds soak?
Pre-soak for approximately 6–8 hours using the current OzSprout growing method.
Do pea shoots need weight during germination?
Yes. Modest pressure helps the large hydrated peas maintain contact with the growing medium while roots establish.
How long should pea shoots stay in blackout?
Approximately 3–5 days.
What temperature is best for pea shoots?
Aim for approximately 15–22°C.
How long do pea shoots take to grow?
Maple Pea Shoots are generally ready in approximately 10–14 days.
How long do pea tendrils take to grow?
Blue Pea Tendrils can generally be harvested at approximately 10–16 days, depending on how developed you want the curling tendrils to become.
Can pea shoots grow in coco coir?
Yes. Coco coir works well when there is enough depth for the substantial pea root system and the tray drains effectively.
Can you harvest pea shoots twice?
Sometimes. Peas may regrow if healthy lower nodes remain after the first harvest, but a second crop is not guaranteed and is usually less uniform than the first.
What do pea shoots taste like?
They have a fresh, mild and slightly sweet flavour similar to young garden peas.
What is the difference between pea shoots and pea tendrils?
Pea shoots are primarily harvested for their leafy stems, while tendril varieties are grown slightly longer to develop more prominent curling growth.
How to Grow Pea Shoots: The Bottom Line
For OzSprout Maple Pea Shoots:
- Use approximately 240–280g of dry seed per 25 × 50cm tray.
- Pre-soak for approximately 6–8 hours.
- Sow densely onto a supportive moist growing medium.
- Use modest pressure during early germination.
- Keep the crop in blackout for approximately 3–5 days.
- Grow at approximately 15–22°C.
- Move into good light after germination.
- Bottom water once the roots establish.
- Harvest at approximately 10–14 days.
For more pronounced curling growth, choose Blue Pea Tendrils and allow the crop to develop for approximately 10–16 days.
Peas require more seed than small microgreens, but their crisp stems, fresh flavour and substantial harvest make them one of the most rewarding tray-grown crops for home growers.