Growing pea shoots is a quick and rewarding process. In just two to three weeks, you can have tender and delicious pea shoots ready for harvest. This is significantly faster than growing peas for their pods, which typically takes around three months.
To begin growing pea shoots, you will need pea seeds specifically meant for shoots rather than pods. These seeds are typically a dwarf or compact variety that is specifically bred for their tender shoots. You can find these seeds at your local gardening store or online.
Once you have your pea shoot seeds, you can start the growing process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Soaking the seeds: Start by soaking the pea shoot seeds in water for about 24 hours. This will help to speed up germination.
2. Preparing the growing container: Choose a shallow container with good drainage. You can use a seed tray, a shallow pot, or even a plastic container with holes drilled in the bottom. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix or compost, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
3. Sowing the seeds: Spread the soaked pea shoot seeds evenly over the surface of the potting mix. Press them lightly into the soil, but don’t bury them too deeply. Aim for a spacing of about an inch between seeds to allow for proper growth.
4. Watering: After sowing the seeds, water the container thoroughly. Make sure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Maintain this moisture level throughout the growing process.
5. Providing light and warmth: Place the container in a warm and well-lit location. Pea shoots prefer bright indirect light, so a sunny windowsill or a greenhouse with some shade is ideal. If you don’t have access to natural sunlight, you can use grow lights to provide sufficient light.
6. Maintenance and care: Keep an eye on the moisture levels in the soil and water as needed to prevent it from drying out. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Pea shoots also benefit from regular misting to increase humidity.
7. Harvesting: In just two to three weeks, your pea shoots should be ready to harvest. Look for shoots that are around four to six inches long with a pair of leaves. Use clean scissors or garden shears to cut the shoots just above the soil level. Harvesting will encourage new shoots to grow.
8. Successive sowings: To have a continuous supply of pea shoots, you can make successive sowings every one to two weeks. This way, you will always have fresh and tender shoots available for harvest.
Growing pea shoots is a relatively quick and straightforward process. With the right seeds, proper care, and attention to watering and light, you can enjoy the delightful taste of pea shoots in just a couple of weeks.
