HomeHow to GrowMicrogreens
🌱

How to Grow Microgreens

Microgreens are the fastest, most space-efficient vegetables you can grow - ready to harvest in just 7-14 days! These tiny powerhouses pack 4-40 times more nutrients than mature plants and add incredible flavor and color to any dish. Best of all, you can grow them indoors year-round on a windowsill or under simple grow lights. Whether you're in an apartment with no outdoor space or just want fresh greens in winter, microgreens are the answer.

Difficulty:Very Easy
Time to Harvest:7-21 days
Space Needed:Windowsill

Quick Facts

What Are They: Young seedlings harvested 7-21 days after germination

Harvest Stage: When first true leaves appear (after cotyledons)

Nutrition: 4-40x more nutrients than mature plants

Growing Medium: Soil, coconut coir, or hemp mats

Container: Shallow trays 1-2 inches deep

Light: 12-16 hours (grow light or bright window)

Temperature: 60-75F (room temperature)

Year-Round: Grow indoors any season

Best Microgreen Varieties

Beginner-Friendly

  • Sunflower: Large seeds, nutty, 10-12 days
  • Pea Shoots: Sweet, tender, 10-14 days
  • Radish: Spicy, fast, 5-10 days
  • Broccoli: Mild, nutritious, 8-12 days

Flavorful Options

  • Arugula: Peppery, 10-14 days
  • Mustard: Spicy kick, 8-12 days
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb flavor, 14-21 days
  • Basil: Aromatic, 12-18 days

Colorful Additions

  • Red Cabbage: Purple leaves, 10-12 days
  • Amaranth: Red/pink stems, 8-12 days
  • Beet: Red stems, earthy, 12-18 days
  • Swiss Chard: Rainbow colors, 10-14 days

Equipment Needed

Essential Supplies

  • Trays: 10x20 inch nursery trays with drainage (1-2 inches deep)
  • Growing Medium: Seed starting mix, coconut coir, or hemp mats
  • Seeds: Microgreen-specific seeds (untreated, higher germination)
  • Spray Bottle: For gentle watering

Helpful But Optional

  • Grow Lights: LED strips for consistent results
  • Heat Mat: For faster germination in cool rooms
  • Weight: Second tray with weight for blackout phase
  • Harvesting Scissors: Sharp, clean scissors

Step-by-Step Growing Guide

Day 0

Sow Seeds

Spread 1-1.5" moist medium in tray. Scatter seeds densely and evenly. Mist well. Cover with another tray (blackout dome) and add weight for larger seeds.

Days 1-3

Germination

Keep covered in warm spot (65-75F). Check daily and mist if dry. Seeds germinate in 2-5 days depending on variety. Keep dark until sprouted.

Days 3-5

Uncover

When seeds sprout (you'll see them pushing up), remove cover and place under lights or in bright window. Seedlings may be yellow - they'll green up quickly.

Days 5-14

Grow

Provide 12-16 hours of light daily. Water from bottom or mist gently. Keep medium moist but not soggy. Watch for mold (improve airflow if seen).

Days 7-21

Harvest

Harvest when first true leaves appear and greens are 1-3" tall. Cut just above soil with scissors. Eat immediately or store in refrigerator up to 10 days.

Common Problems

Mold/Fungus

Cause: Too wet, poor airflow, or contaminated seeds

Solution: Improve ventilation with small fan. Don't overwater. Use clean trays. Let medium dry slightly between waterings. Hydrogen peroxide spray can help prevent.

Leggy/Pale Greens

Cause: Insufficient light - greens stretch toward light source

Solution: Move closer to light source (2-4 inches from LEDs). Increase light duration to 14-16 hours. South-facing window may not be enough in winter.

Uneven Germination

Cause: Uneven moisture or seed distribution

Solution: Mist evenly and thoroughly. Distribute seeds more carefully. Press seeds gently into medium. Ensure consistent temperature.

Seeds Rotting

Cause: Too wet, old seeds, or wrong temperature

Solution: Use less water. Let surface dry slightly. Ensure good drainage. Use fresh seeds. Room temperature (65-75F) is ideal for most varieties.

FAQ

What's the difference between microgreens and sprouts?
Sprouts are germinated seeds eaten whole (root, seed, and shoot) and grown in water. Microgreens are young seedlings grown in soil, harvested above the soil line after first true leaves appear. Microgreens are grown longer (7-21 days vs 2-7), need light, and are generally considered safer (no root/seed bacteria concerns).
What are the easiest microgreens for beginners?
Best for beginners: sunflower (large seeds, fast, delicious), pea shoots (sweet, tender), radish (quick, spicy), and broccoli (nutrient-dense). These germinate reliably, grow quickly, and have good flavor. Avoid tiny seeds like basil and celery until you have experience.
Do microgreens need sunlight?
Microgreens need light but not necessarily sunlight. A bright window works, but grow lights produce more consistent results. 12-16 hours of light daily is ideal. Too little light causes leggy, pale greens. LED grow lights are efficient and affordable.
Can I regrow microgreens after harvesting?
Most microgreens don't regrow after cutting - they're harvested as the cotyledons (seed leaves) and first true leaves develop. The energy is depleted. Some exceptions: pea shoots and sunflower may produce a smaller second harvest. It's usually better to start fresh trays.
How do I store harvested microgreens?
Harvest dry (not after watering), place between paper towels in container, and refrigerate. Use within 5-10 days for best quality. Don't wash until ready to eat - moisture speeds decay. Store away from ethylene-producing fruits.
Are microgreens really more nutritious than mature plants?
Yes! Studies show microgreens contain 4-40 times more nutrients than mature plants by weight. They're concentrated packets of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, you eat small amounts, so they supplement rather than replace regular vegetables.
🥬

Lettuce

Next step up from microgreens

🌿

Herbs

Indoor herb options

🥗

Spinach

Another nutritious green

Ready to Grow Nutrient-Dense Microgreens?

Get a personalized indoor garden plan with our AI planner.

Create Your Garden Plan