How to Grow Pea Shoots in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
Dried peas grown into tender shoots that are sweet, crisp and taste like fresh peas. Grow on a tray indoors and cut at 10 to 14 days, with a second smaller cut often possible. A reliable year-round bench crop.
When to plant pea shoots in New Zealand
Timing changes across the country, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
Best pea shoots varieties for NZ
- Dried Whole Peas, Plain dried peas sprouted for sweet, crisp shoots. Cheap from the bulk bin or as seed peas. (Bulk food stores, supermarkets, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow pea shoots
- Space plants about 1cm apart.
- Sow seed around 2cm deep.
- Position: part sun to light shade.
- Ready to harvest in around 12 days.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Damping off, Mould, Damping off. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
🌱 Plant Pea Shoots in your garden →For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Pea Shoots plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant pea shoots in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Northland, Auckland) sow in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy pea shoots seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Bulk food stores, supermarkets, Egmont Seeds.