Peas are a popular addition to many meals, leading many to wonder about their growth habits. Do peas grow underground? No, peas do not grow underground. Unlike some garden vegetables, the edible parts of the pea plant develop entirely above the soil surface. Peas are part of the legume family, and their growth cycle ensures the pods, which contain the peas, are accessible above ground.
How Peas Develop
Pea plants begin their life cycle from a seed planted in the soil. The seed germinates, sending down roots that anchor the plant and absorb water and nutrients. These roots grow underground but are not harvested for consumption. A stem emerges from the soil, growing upwards towards sunlight.
As the plant matures, it develops leaves and, for many varieties, vining stems that seek support to climb. These vining types benefit from structures like trellises or netting to support their upward growth. Flowers bloom on the above-ground stems, which are crucial for pea pod development. Each flower gives rise to a pea pod containing the peas.
The Edible Part of the Pea Plant
The edible portion of the pea plant is the pea pod and the peas (seeds) inside. Both develop and mature entirely above ground, hanging from the plant’s stems. Different types of peas exist, such as shelling peas, snow peas, and snap peas. Shelling peas require removing the fibrous pod to access the sweet peas, while snow peas and snap peas have edible pods often eaten whole. This above-ground development makes harvesting easy.
Peas Versus Root Vegetables
Confusion about peas growing underground often stems from comparison to root vegetables. Root vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, radishes, and beets, have their primary edible part developing beneath the soil. Their roots are cultivated to store energy and nutrients, making them the desired harvest.
In contrast, pea plants have roots that grow underground, serving only to anchor the plant and absorb water and minerals. These roots are not cultivated for consumption. The distinction lies in the food source: for peas, it is the fruit (the pod and its seeds) that develops above ground, whereas for root vegetables, it is the modified root itself.