Pea microgreens taste very similar to full-grown peas. They are similar to the sweet-tasting snow peas that everyone loves. Pea microgreens are anti-inflammatory microgreens that are loaded full of vitamins and minerals. Pea microgreens have been shown to improve cardiovascular health, regulate blood glucose levels, and aid in weight loss.
Peas grow in stages. Right after germination, the sprout stage occurs. We want to wait until the next stage, known as microgreens. Microgreens are ready for harvest once the cotyledons have developed. The baby leaves are full of flavor and health benefits.
Our pea microgreen profile provides you with the information you need to grow pea microgreens at home. This easy-to-ready table includes information on the flavor of pea microgreens and how long it takes for these tasty microgreens to germinate. Finally, you will learn how long it takes for your microgreens to be ready to harvest.
| Attribute | Profile |
| Flavor | Pea microgreens have a mild, sweet pea flavor. |
| Pre-Soak (Yes/No) | Yes – Presoak for 6 to 24 hours. |
| Color | Pea microgreens have beautiful pale green cotyledons on white stems. |
| Germination Time | On average, germination will occur within 2 to 3 days. |
| Harvest Time | Your pea microgreens are ready for harvest in 6 to 14 days. |
| Green Thumb Level (1-5) | 2 – Pea microgreens are one of the easier microgreens to grow. They are perfect for beginner gardeners; however, the seeds must be soaked prior to planting. |
If you have never grown pea microgreens, you probably have some questions. We have gathered the most commonly asked questions and provided you with the answers that you need.
Yes, unlike most microgreens, pea microgreens will regrow after you have harvested your pea microgreens. You can get a second and possibly a third harvest. However, this is dependent on the nutrients in your growing medium and how you harvest your pea microgreens.
Pea microgreens are considered a fast-growing type of microgreen. On average, it will take about 3 days for your pea microgreens to germinate and then another week or two for your pea microgreens to be ready to harvest.
Pea microgreens are crunchy and slightly sweet. These microgreens pair great with nutty-flavored microgreens like sunflower microgreens. Pea microgreens can be lightly steamed or sautéed and added to a variety of pasta dishes.
Pea microgreens are filled with a variety of nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, and protein. Consuming pea microgreens improves your immune system, reduces inflammation, protects against heart disease, and aids in weight loss.
You will need several pieces of equipment for pea microgreen growing. On average, it will cost a few hundred dollars to purchase the equipment you need to grow pea microgreens. There are several growing methods that can be used to successfully grow pea microgreens. We recommend using the following method for best results.
A Deluxe Microgreen Starter Kit from True Leaf Market will provide you with the basic equipment you will need to begin growing pea microgreens. These kits come with grow trays, a sample of growing medium, a misting bottle, and a variety of seeds. In addition to this starter kit, we recommend purchasing the optional equipment listed below.
If you prefer, you can purchase individual pieces of equipment. The following list of equipment will help ensure the success of growing pea microgreens.
Because your pea microgreen seeds must be presoaked, you will need to be able to soak and drain your seeds. We recommend using a mason jar with a screw-on lid.
Pea microgreens can be grown in a variety of growing mediums; however, we recommend using coconut coir for pea microgreens.
Coconut coir is a growing medium made from pulverized coconut husks. This renewable growing medium is pH neutral. It is a fine-grained, soilless growing medium that drains well, making it the preferred choice for microgreen gardening.
A seed starting soilless growing medium contains extra nutrients designed to optimize growth. Because microgreens are harvested soon after germinating, the extra nutrients are unnecessary as the pea microgreen seeds have everything the microgreen plant needs to thrive.
You will need three trays for your pea microgreens. You will want two trays without drainage holes and one tray with drainage holes. When shopping for microgreen growing trays, we recommend purchasing 10-inch by 20-inch growing trays.
You will need to purchase one tray with drainage holes for every tray of pea microgreens you wish to grow. This tray will be used to hold your growing medium and your pea microgreen seeds. The drainage holes allow you to water your microgreens without fear of overwatering your pea microgreens.
One tray without holes will be used as a blackout dome to aid in the germination process. The other tray without holes allows you to water your pea microgreens from the bottom up, which will reduce the risk of mold and other soilborne diseases.
The fine mist from a misting bottle lets you water your pea microgreens quickly and without disturbing the freshly planted seeds. Additionally, the fine mist prevents damage to the delicate pea microgreen roots.
A full spectrum LED grow light is used to provide your pea microgreens with the light needed for optimal growth. The light should be long enough to shed light across the entire grow tray. We recommend placing the grow lights about 8 to 12 inches above your pea microgreens.
Although this piece of equipment is listed as optional, we recommend investing in high-quality LED full spectrum grow lights. This will ensure your pea microgreens are properly developed. To ensure your microgreens get the light and the darkness they require, we also recommend using a timer to turn your grow lights on and off as needed.
A heating mat is another optional piece of equipment that you should not be without. Heating mats are used to maintain optimal soil temperatures during the germination process. When the soil is kept at a constant temperature, the germination rates of your pea microgreens will increase.
If you are limited on space in your home, don't worry. You can still grow microgreens. A planter's rack allows you to grow multiple trays of microgreens in a small area. The rack uses the vertical space in your home. It also lets you attach your circulation fans and hang your grow lights.
Pea microgreen circulation fans are used to increase airflow around your microgreens. Because pea microgreens are planted so close together, the risk of soil-borne diseases is increased. A circulation fan helps keep your pea microgreens healthy and reduces the risk of disease.
There are several pea microgreen seed options. Each one produces a slightly different tasting microgreen. The following descriptions will help you choose the best pea microgreen for your needs.
Dundale (Dun) Pea Microgreen Seeds – Mountain Valley Seed Company's Dundale (Dun) Pea microgreen seeds are certified organic. The non-GMO, microbial tested seeds have a high germination rate. The Dun Pea is considered one of the most flavorful and colorful pea microgreens on the market.
Speckled Pea Microgreen Seeds – Mountain Valley Seed Company's Speckled Pea microgreen seeds are non-GMO, open-pollinated peas that are popular pea microgreens. The tender sweet microgreens are fast-growing.
Lincoln Pea Microgreen Seeds – Lincoln Pea microgreens are leafy, shorter microgreens. These microgreens taste like peas; however, they are less sweet and more bitter. The Lincoln Pea is an heirloom non-GMO pea that is loved by many.
Dun Pea Microgreen Seeds – Mountain Valley Seed Company's Dun pea microgreen is a non-GMO microgreen that is sweet, leafy, and delicious. Dun peas are great in salads or as a delicious, edible garnish.
Green Arrow Pea Microgreen Seeds – Mountain Valley Seed Company's Green Arrow microgreens have a strong pea flavor, yet not as sweet as other pea microgreens. This shorter pea microgreen is an heirloom non-GMO pea that offers consistent flavor and growth.
Organic Green Pea Microgreen Seeds – Mountain Valley Seed Company's Organic Green Pea microgreens are USDA organic, non-GMO pea microgreen seeds. This is one of the favorite pea microgreens thanks to its unique crunchy texture and sweet flavor.
Afila Tendril Pea Microgreen Seeds – Mountain Valley Seed Company's Afila Tendril Pea microgreens have high germination rates. This sweet pea is great in fritters, pea shooters, and sandwiches. The curly tendrils of these pea microgreens provide a delicious texture.
Organic Speckled Pea Microgreen Seeds – Mountain Valley Seed Company's Organic Speckled Pea microgreens have a fresh sweet pea flavor and a crunchy texture. These microgreens are USDA certified organic, non-GMO, and are great in salads and sandwiches.
Early Frost Pea Microgreen Seeds – Mountain Valley Seed Company's Early Frost Pea microgreens are non-GMO, heirloom microgreens that are less sweet than other varieties, but still very delicious. The crunchy microgreens are a great addition to sandwiches.
Yellow Organic Pea Microgreen Seeds – Mountain Valley Seed Company's Yellow Pea microgreens are USDA certified organic, non-GMO pea microgreens that have a light green color that is paler than other varieties. These microgreens have a crunchy, sweet pea flavor that is great in microgreen salads, pasta dishes, and an edible garnish.
Dwarf Sugar Grey Snow Pea Microgreen Seeds – Mountain Valley Seed Company's Dwarf Sugar Grey Snow Pea microgreens are heirloom, non-GMO pea microgreens with a sweet flavor and delightful crunch. Unlike the name suggests, these pea microgreens grow quite tall.
Pea microgreens are easy to grow as long as our detailed instructions are followed. The following step-by-step directions will help you successfully grow pea microgreens. Gather the supplies listed above and get ready to sow, grow, and reap a bountiful harvest.
Pea microgreen seeds are larger seeds and must be soaked before planting. Place approximately 8 ounces of pea microgreen seeds in your mason jar. Fill the jar with cold water and allow the microgreen seeds to soak for about 4 to 6 hours. Next place the seeds in a colander. Rinse and drain the microgreen seeds 2 to 4 times a day until the seeds break open (typically 1 to 2 days).
It is now time to prepare your microgreen growing trays for planting. Fill one of the trays with drainage holes with your coco coir growing medium. Then, take a piece of cardboard and press the coco coir down to slightly compact it. Add more coco coir and compact it until it is about 1/4 of an inch below the top of your grow tray.
Once the tray has been filled, the coco coir must be moistened. There are a couple of ways to do this. You can place your tray in a sink of water, or you can use your misting bottle. Whichever method you choose, you want to ensure that the soil is thoroughly saturated.
If using a misting bottle, evenly spray the entire surface of the growing tray. Allow the coco coir to absorb the moisture for about 15 minutes. Repeat this process four or five times until the coco coir is thoroughly saturated.
If you prefer to place your grow tray in a sink, fill the sink with about 1 inch of lukewarm water. Place the tray in the sink and allow the coco coir to slowly absorb the water for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Then, remove from the water and allow the coco coir to drain for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.
Once your trays are properly prepared, evenly spread the pea microgreen seeds across the surface of the soil. Then, press the seeds gently into the coco coir. Cover with a thin layer of soil and lightly tamp it down. Spray the entire surface with your misting bottle. Place your prepared tray inside one of the microgreen grow trays without holes.
When you plant a seed in the ground, you cover it with soil and tamp down the soil. The soil keeps the seed in total darkness and places constant pressure on the seed. Because we are using growing trays, we must mimic this action for optimal growth and development. Invert a grow tray without drainage holes and place it atop your pea microgreens.
Next, take a heavy stone, a weight, or a heavy book and place it atop the inverted growing tray. We recommend using a 5 to 7-pound weight. The weight will apply pressure to the seed and help ensure the roots grow downward.
Next place your pea microgreens on one of your heat mats. For optimal germination, turn the temperature of your grow mat to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It should take 2 to 3 days for optimal germination. Your pea microgreens are considered fully germinated when 90 percent of the seeds have sprouted.
Check the moisture level daily to ensure the coco coir remains damp. If it feels dry to the touch, wet the soil using your misting bottle and then replace the inverted tray and weight.
Once your pea microgreens have fully germinated, remove the weight and inverted tray. Turn off the heat mat and turn on your LED full spectrum grow lights. The grow lights should be about 8 to 12 inches from the top of your pea microgreens.
When you first remove the inverted tray, your microgreens will be pale white and crooked; however, once they are placed under your grow lights, they will develop color quite quickly. Additionally, the grow lights will help strengthen your pea microgreen stems and straighten them out.
Your pea microgreens need around 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness. A timer makes it easy to control the amount of light your pea microgreens receive.
During the growth stage of your pea microgreens, you will need to ensure they are properly watered. If your peas dry out, they can wilt and die. Conversely, if they are overwatered, the risk of mold development increases.
Check the moisture level daily. If the soil becomes dry. Water from the bottom up. This method lets the soil soak the moisture upward to the roots without getting the pea microgreens wet, which minimizes the risk of mold.
Lift the tray with drainage holes out of the tray without drainage holes. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom tray and replace your microgreen grow tray. Let the coco coir soak up the water for about an hour. Then, pour any remaining water off and place the microgreens back under your grow lights.
Circulation is key to healthy pea microgreen growth. Using circulation fans increases the airflow around the plants. Increased air circulation has been shown to reduce the development of mold, mildew, and other soilborne diseases.
Attach the circulation fans to the sides of your planter's rack. When attaching, ensure the air only blows across the top of your pea microgreens. You do not want the air to blow against the soil surface, as it will cause your coco coir to dry out quickly.
Your pea microgreens will be ready for harvest in about 10 to 14 days. The best time to harvest pea microgreens is when they reach a height of 6 to 10 inches. The best way to know when to harvest your pea microgreens is to taste them.
When they reach your desired flavor, withhold watering for at least 12 hours. This will ensure your pea microgreens remain crisp for a longer period of time.
When your pea microgreens are ready to harvest, place three paper towels on your countertop and get a sharp pair of scissors or a sharp knife.
Grasp your pea microgreens in one hand and use your kitchen shears or a kitchen knife to cut the microgreens about an inch or two above the coco coir.
Place the cut pea microgreens on the paper towels and continue to harvest until the entire tray has been harvested. Work as quickly as possible to minimize air exposure. Excess air exposure reduces the shelf life of your pea microgreens.
If you will be immediately using your pea microgreens, fill a bowl with cool, not cold water and plunge your pea microgreens in, swirling slightly. Then, remove them from the water and place them in a single layer to dry before using. If you will be storing your pea microgreens, continue to the next step.
Pro Tip: If you want your pea microgreens to regrow, place the grow tray back under the grow lights and water thoroughly. Follow the steps listed above and harvest again when your pea microgreens reach 6 to 10 inches again.
Pea microgreens will remain fresher for a longer period of time if they are not exposed to moisture. To help keep your pea microgreens dry, gently wrap your harvested pea microgreens in a paper towel and then place them in an airtight storage bag or storage container.
Then, place the pea microgreens in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, ensuring the temperature is between 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. When these storage directions for microgreens are followed, your pea microgreens should remain fresh for about a week to a week and a half.
When you are ready to eat your stored pea microgreens, rinse them in cool, not cold water and then place them on a paper towel to dry.
Pea microgreens are extremely tasty. The sweet, fresh flavor of pea microgreens is delicious in salads, on sandwiches, or in pasta. You can also use pea microgreens as an edible garnish. Pea microgreens are packed with flavor. In addition to this, pea microgreens are filled with nutrients and have been shown to aid in weight loss, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance the immune system.
