Germination Details

• Germination: 71%    
• State (Utah) Requirements: 80%  
• Suggested Use/s: Microgreens, Cover Crops  
• Special Directions: This seed is -9% below standard. Increase the number of seeds you plant accordingly to make sure you get the growth you envision.  

What is "Below Standard Seed"? 

Simply put, it is seed that doesn't meet our state's (Utah) germination standard, a standard that varies slightly from seed to seed. Any seed intended for gardening that has a below standard germination rate cannot be sold alongside those that meet the state requirements (which often reflect the national requirements for germination).  

We send samples of all our seed to the Utah Department of Agriculture, where they perform several tests to assess the quality of the seed. These state-wide and national seed standards are in line with Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA), which exist to ensure consumers that they are getting the highest quality seed, as advertised. Since this seed doesn't meet the state standard, we mark it as "Below Standard Seed".

Below standard seeds are non-refundable. 

Click here to view regularly priced, high germination seed.

Using Organic Speckled Pea (Arivka Pea) as a Cover Crop 

As a cover crop it is high yielding with long, light purple flowered vines, that are great for forage and biomass production. Biomass production is strong both above and below ground as these peas have fast growing root systems. Legumes such as pea, fava, and clover replenish depleted soils of nitrogen during the winter to develop and Organic and compost-free garden bed. They offer good ground cover, weed suppression and are very good nitrogen fixers. 

Using Organic Speckled Pea as Microgreens Seed 

Growing Directions: 

Pea microgreens (also known as pea shoots) usually have very prominent root systems, which is why it is primarily grown in soil. The roots like to burrow and explore the soil while taking hold so the shoots can start "shooting" up. It is possible to get them to thrive with the right hydroponic medium. 

Soak seeds in cold water for 4-6 hours. Make sure you use plenty of water and a large bowl, as the peas soak up large amounts of water. You can plant directly, but we prefer to transfer to a colander. Rinse and drain 2-4 times per day in the colander for another day or two until the seedlings begin to peek out. 

Tamp the soil gently to flatten. Spread evenly (they should be quite thick) and tamp very gently to insure contact with the soil. Mist thoroughly twice a day. Keep covered with the blackout/humidity dome for 2-3 more days before exposing to light. Water once a day so the soil is damp, but not soggy. 

Using Organic Speckled Pea as Sprouting Seed 

Organic speckled pea is one of the easier seeds to sprout, only requiring an initial 4-6 hour soaking followed by 2-3 days of daily rinsing. A medium legume with a thick sprout tail, pea may be sprouted in either a tray, jar, or bag. 

Like many legumes, sprouting pea is thin-shelled, clean, odorless, and only requires 2-3 days of rinsing. Regardless of variety, speckled pea has a thin and translucent shell that is soft and edible within the first 2 days of sprouting, becoming fairly tough and fibrous by day 3. Regular rinsing helps separate the sprout from the shell. Sprouting pea produces a longer 2‚ sprout tail when ready for harvest, compared to garbanzo which produces no tail. Unlike pea shoots microgreens, keep pea sprouts in darkness to inhibit bittering chlorophyll production. 

Whether growing soil-based pea shoots or hydroponic sprouts, pea is arguably the sweetest sprout ever, often grown exclusively for sugar content. Since sprouting pea is germinated entirely in the dark without need for sunlight, it can be eaten as early as 48 hours from soaking. Pea sprouts are best eaten before the sprout tail develops maturing discoloration. The translucent shell is completely edible but becomes less palatable as early as day 3. 

For more detailed instructions on growing, as well as some troubleshooting and tips, please visit our Soil Growing Directions page or our Hydroponic Growing Directions page 

Facts: 

Pea microgreens can aid in diabetes, cancer prevention and overall heart health. They are high in antioxidants and phytonutrients, which are necessary in supporting the body's inflammation system. 

Seeds per Package: 

• 25 g - Approximately 130 seeds  
• 1 lb - Approximately 2,300 seeds  
• 5 lb - Approximately 11,500 seeds  
• 25 lb - Approximately 57,600 seeds