How to Grow Pea Shoots in Australia
A fast, year-round microgreen you can grow on a windowsill
Growing your own Pea Shoots is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. They are rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$4-6/punnet. A bag of dried peas produces months of shoots.
This guide covers when to plant Pea Shoots in your region, the position and soil they like, how to start them, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Pea Shoots are a year-round crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland they are best grown all year round. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Dried Whole Peas
Any whole dried peas from the supermarket or bulk store. Cheap and effective.
Try: Supermarket (dried pea section), bulk food stores, Eden Seeds
Position and Soil
Give Pea Shoots part sun to light shade. They do best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. They grow happily in a pot of Shallow tray 5cm deep, which makes them a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
How to Grow It
Pea Shoots are simply seeds sprouted for a few days. Rinse a tablespoon of seed, soak overnight, then spread over a shallow tray or jar and rinse twice a day. Keep them out of direct sun. They are ready to eat in about 12 days, once the first leaves show.
Dried peas grown as tender shoots. Sweet, crisp, taste like fresh peas. Grow indoors on a tray. Harvest at 10-14 days. Can recut once for a second smaller harvest. The most popular microgreen for a reason. Year-round kitchen bench crop.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 3 L per plant every day in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Damping off and Mould. The main diseases to watch are Damping off. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Pea Shoots are typically ready to harvest in about 12 days. Harvest and use fresh within 3-4 days. Fridge in sealed container.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, pea shoots are good tossed into salads, piled onto Asian soups and stir-fries, added to sandwiches and used as a spring garnish. Nutritionally: rich in vitamins A and C and high in folate.
Track Your Pea Shoots Growing
Add pea shoots to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pea Shoots in Australia?
Pea Shoots are a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland they are best grown all year round. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Pea Shoots take to grow?
Pea Shoots are generally ready to harvest in about 12 days.
Can I grow Pea Shoots in a pot?
Yes. Pea Shoots grow well in a container of Shallow tray 5cm deep with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Pea Shoots need?
Give they part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Pea Shoots in the Plant Library
