Pea shoots care guide
Pisum sativum
Also known as: Pea sprouts, Garden pea
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Pea shoots
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every day
- For regrowing in water, change it about once a day, keeping only the roots submerged, as a guide; in summer the water spoils fast, so twice a day is fine.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every day
- Change the water about once a day, as a guide; peas sown in soil are watered when the topsoil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every day
- Change the water about every one to two days, as a guide; regrowth is slower in the cold, but the water stays fresh longer, which makes winter an easy season.
Light and placement for Pea shoots
A bright window out of direct sun is about right; in the dark the shoots stretch, yellow, and lose flavor, while direct sun generally warms the water and damages the roots, so keep it in a cool, airy spot.
Overwintering Pea shoots
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
Indoors it grows year-round and generally needs no special winter care; it does best at about 15 to 25°C, and in a cold room a cutting can take around two weeks to regrow.
Fertilizing and repotting Pea shoots
Fertilizer
Regrown in water it lives on the reserves in the seed and generally needs no fertilizer; sown in soil with a base fertilizer, one dose of diluted liquid feed is usually plenty.
When to repot
Repotting is not normally needed
Common problems with Pea shoots
- Water left unchanged rots the base, with mold and a bad smell.
- Submerging the seeds themselves rots them.
- In a dark spot the shoots stretch, turn yellow, and lose flavor.
Tips for growing Pea shoots
- Cut just above the two lowest side buds and the next flush comes quickly.
- Two regrowths are about the limit; from the third the shoots come thin and weak.
- Pea seed sown thickly in soil can be harvested as shoots too.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
