Pea Shoots

Pea shoots are grown from Pisum sativum, the garden pea. It is a green-leaved annual that climbs with tendrils. Tall types can reach about 1.8 m (about 6 feet), while dwarf types stay around 45 cm (about 18 inches).

Sowing. Sow in early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked. Plant seeds 1 to 1½ inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) deep and about 2 inches (5 cm) apart.

Site and support. Choose full sun, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Use well-drained but moisture-retentive soil. Give the plants netting, a trellis, wires or pea brush to climb on.

Inoculation and pre-sprouting. Inoculate pea seed with a nitrogen-fixing bacterium just before sowing, especially if peas have not grown in the bed before. You can also lay seeds between moistened paper towels in a warm place until roots show, then plant them.

Water. Keep the soil consistently moist and well drained. Water deeply so the soil is moistened to about 6 inches (15 cm).

Mulch and weeds. Spread 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or pine straw. Slice young weeds off at the soil line.

Soil and feeding. Keep the soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Peas rarely need extra fertilizer, so test the soil first and feed only if the test shows a need.

Powdery mildew can appear, especially in hot weather, leaving a white powder on leaves and pods. Aphids can build up fast and curl leaves, and cutworms can cut young plants off at the base. Pea moth, pea and bean weevil, slugs, snails and pigeons are also listed as possible pests.

Flowers and developing pods are sensitive to frost, so protect plants from a late spring frost. Blossoms cannot tolerate frost. Very little growth happens when temperatures exceed 85 °F (29 °C).