Field Pea (Pisum sativum) is an open-pollinated vegetable prized primarily for its tender shoots, which are harvested young and tender at just 3 to 6 inches tall. This compact grower thrives across hardiness zones 3 through 10, making it accessible to gardeners in nearly every climate. With a remarkably fast turnaround of just 7 to 14 days from sowing to harvest, field pea delivers results quickly, whether you're growing it indoors under lights or outside when temperatures warm to around 65°F. The variety prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.5) and germinates readily when soil temperatures fall between 45 and 75°F.
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Field pea earns its reputation as the preferred choice for pea shoots, offering tender, flavorful greens that reach harvestable size in less than two weeks. The compact growth habit means you can pack multiple sowings into tight spaces, whether in a greenhouse, on a sunny windowsill, or in an outdoor bed. Its frost tolerance adds flexibility to your planting schedule, allowing sowings in cooler conditions when other crops struggle. The rapid turnaround from seed to shoots makes this variety exceptional for gardeners seeking quick, reliable harvests.
Field pea is grown specifically for its tender shoots, which are harvested when they reach 3 to 6 inches tall and used as a fresh microgreen or tender green. The shoots are cut just above the soil line using a sharp knife or scissors and stored in refrigerated sealed containers. This variety is valued in professional and home growing for rapid, repeatable pea shoot production.
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Soak seeds for 8 hours without reusing the water. Fill flats with 1 to 1.5 inches of soilless media and sow seeds thickly, pressing them lightly into the soil. Cover the flat with an inverted tray and maintain it until the germinating seeds lift the tray upward, typically 2 to 3 days. Once germination begins, remove the tray and keep the soil moist by misting or bottom watering. Grow indoors under lights or in a greenhouse when daytime temperatures reach around 65°F.
Field pea can be sown directly outdoors or started indoors and transplanted when seedlings are vigorous; maintain consistent moisture and outdoor temperatures around 65°F or warmer.
Sow seeds thickly directly into the garden when soil temperatures are between 45 and 75°F. Space seeds 3 inches apart with 18 inches between rows. Soak seeds for 8 hours before sowing to improve germination.
Cut the shoots just above the soil line using a sharp knife or scissors when they reach 3 to 6 inches tall, or according to your market or preference. Place harvested shoots immediately into plastic bags or sealed containers and refrigerate to maintain freshness.
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