In this article, we will be going over everything you need to know about growing pea shoot microgreens. Starting with what materials you are going to need all the way to harvesting and storing. Pea shoot microgreens like all microgreens are super easy to grow and don't require a green thumb. So even if you are just getting into growing microgreens you will most likely succeed on your first try.
Pea shoot microgreens are the second most popular microgreens and they are by far one of the easiest to grow, so if you want to get into growing microgreens you should start with pea shoots first.
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How To Grow Pea Shoot Microgreens
Now that you know what pea shoot microgreens are let's get into the materials you are going to need in order to follow along in this guide.
You can grow pea shoot microgreens with just a microgreen kit and a pack of pea shoot seeds right by your window if you have a well-sunlit window. If not, then I recommend you get an LED grow light. You'll also need a wired shelf to place the LED grow lights under.
Here are the materials you are going to need to follow along in this guide.
Materials Needed:
Containers: At Least 3 growing trays
Growing Medium: Such as soil or coco coir
Grow Lights: T8 Grow Lights are the way to go
Misting Water Bottle
Scissors
First, start with some pea shoot seeds, I recommend Pea Shoot Seeds from Mountain Valley Seed Co as they have given me the most success. The Seeds are large compared to other microgreens but are nevertheless still easy to plant.
Step 1. Soak The Seeds ---
Pea seeds need a bit more growing time than some other microgreens. The seeds need to be soaked first, so add the pea seeds to a glass or a container and then add water to soak the seeds for 24 hours.
After 24 hours the seeds are well-hydrated and are ready to be planted.
Step 2. Prepare The Growing Tray ---
This may be different for everyone depending on what growing tray you are using. As some growing trays are "self-watering", and then there are the normal 10 by 20-inch trays.
If you are using a normal 10 by 20 then you will need two of them for one grow. One will be beneath the other filled with water. While the one above will have drainage holes so the water can reach the roots of the microgreens. This will prevent mold growth and overall just make the growing process so much easier.
Do not add water to the one below yet, first grab the tray without drainage holes and fill it with coco coir. Then smooth out the surface and mist it well with a spray bottle. If you don't have a spray bottle then just sprinkle water over the coco coir until it is well moisturized.
Step 3. Time To Add The Seeds ---
Next, place the seeds on top of the coco coir and spread them with your hands until they are evenly spread. Then add more coco coir on top of the seeds to cover them, then flatten it out with anything smooth like a piece of wood. Then just water one more time.
If the seeds are not spread evenly this could cause overcrowding and a few other problems. So make sure not to add too much or too little!
Pea seeds need humidity and dark to thrive. Set your tray in a place where it won’t get too hot, or too cold. 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. This begins the germination process. Then spray the seeds about 15 times once every 10-12 hours.
Step 4. Check Daily ---
Your microgreens should have the right balance of water from now till harvest. Now is the time to stop using the spray bottle and start adding water to the second tray below. This will prevent you from getting the leaves wet and prevent mold from growing.
Once they sprout all you have to do now is just give your pea shoot microgreens at least 12 hours of light every day. I highly recommend you use LED grow lights. Direct sunlight, and fluorescent, or incandescent lights are also good. If your microgreens angle for light, be sure to rotate the tray occasionally.
How To Harvest Pea Shoot Microgreens
Most microgreens will be ready to harvest in just 10 days. Although some microgreens can be harvested as early as 7 days. But pea microgreens are ready to harvest once the shoots are about five to six inches tall.
Now it's time to move your trays to a cool, shady place. If your microgreens are harvested when it is too hot, they will wilt very quickly after harvesting. If harvested when cool (late evening, early morning), they will tend to stay fresh and crisp.
Harvest the shoots with a pair of scissors or a sharp knife, and take about 4 inches off the top shoots when harvesting. Cut about half an inch above the coco coir, and there you go you have now successfully grown pea shoot microgreens! Pretty easy right?
Washing and Drying Pea Shoot Microgreens
Use a colander to rinse your pea microgreens thoroughly under cold water. Dry the microgreens completely by spreading them over some paper towels and letting them air dry. You can also speed-dry them by using a fan on a slow setting.
Cut microgreens are best if eaten right after drying, but can be stored loosely in a bowl in the refrigerator for several days. Do not try to refrigerate microgreens that are not completely dry.
How To Store Pea Shoot Microgreens
After you harvest your pea microgreens you might be wondering how you're going to store them. Unless you end up eating your entire harvest in one sitting you are going to want to keep them from going bad.
Just simply place them loosely in a bowl or container and put them in the refrigerator.
What Pea Shoot Microgreens can be used for
Pea Shoot microgreens can be used in salads, soups, sandwiches, and baked goods.
You can even juice them and add them to wheatgrass shots or even smoothies.
Health Benefits of Pea Shoot Microgreens
Due to their nutritional content, they provide many antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular and cancer-preventing benefits. Pea shoots have an outstanding nutrient-to-calorie ratio and offer a good amount of dietary fiber, which helps control body weight and regulate metabolism.
1. Prevents Iron Deficiency
Being deficient in iron can make you feel tired and weak without you even knowing why. luckily, pea shoot microgreens contain significant amounts of iron. Iron is essential to the body and is present in all cells. It is used to transport oxygen to your body tissues and contributes to your overall wellness.
2. High In Protein
Not getting enough protein in your diet can lead to many health issues. For example, tissue can break down and lead to muscle loss. Therefore you must add protein to your diet for your overall health. As you can see from the chart above, pea shoot microgreens are a great source of natural protein!
3. Prevent Diseases
Pea shoot microgreens are also an excellent source of Vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant and is essential for maintaining good health. Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals, and free radicals are molecules that live short but are unstable and can damage nearby cells which can lead to oxidative stress. Which can then cause many diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, cancer, degenerative diseases, ischemia, and anemia. (2)
4. Reduce High Blood Pressure
Vitamin C has also been found in one study to relax the blood vessels that transport blood from the heart, which helped reduce blood pressure levels in those with and without high blood pressure. (1)
5. Fight Cancer
There are many studies on Vitamin C and its protective effects against cancer and harmful diseases. The antioxidants in Vitamin C inhibit free radicals from inducing oxidative stress and oxidative stress is a driving factor in the development of cancer. (2)
Pea Shoot Microgreens Nutritional Chart
Scientific Name: | Clitoria Ternatea |
Minerals per 100g of (FW) | |
Calcium, Ca | 25 mg |
Magnesium, Mg | 33 mg |
Phosphorus, P | 108 mg |
Potassium, K | 244 mg |
Sodium, Na | 5 mg |
Iron, Fe | 1.47 mg |
Zinc, Zn | 1.24 mg |
Copper, Cu | 0.176 mg |
Manganese, Mn | 0.41 mg |
Vitamins per 100g of (FW) | |
Vitamin A | 0.8 mg |
Vitamin B-6 | 0.169 mg |
Vitamin C | 40 mg |
Vitamin E | 0.13 mg |
Vitamin K | 24.8 µg |
Antioxidants: | |
Beta-Carotene | 0.4 mg |
Lutein + zeaxanthin | 2.4 mg |
Other Nutrients: | |
Protein | 5.42g |
Fiber | 5.7 g |