How to Grow Microgreens

Wikimedia Commons

Microgreens

Various species (seedlings of vegetables, herbs, and grains)

vegetable

Microgreens are young seedlings of vegetables, herbs, and grains harvested at 1-2 weeks old, typically at the cotyledon (first true leaf) stage. They are nutrient-dense, flavorful, and can be grown indoors year-round in minimal space. Popular varieties include broccoli, radish, mustard, sunflower, and pea shoots.

Looking for a specific variety?

Broccoli Radish Mustard Sunflower Pea shoots Arugula Basil Alfalfa Cabbage Kale

When should you plant Microgreens in your zone?

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Example Microgreens timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Microgreens
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Microgreens
Around Apr 24

≈ 7 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Microgreens dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Bright indirect light or 12-16 hours of LED grow lights daily; no direct harsh sunlight needed

💧

Water: Keep medium consistently moist but not waterlogged; mist daily or bottom water to prevent mold; drainage is critical

📏

Spacing: Dense sowing, seeds touching or slightly overlapping; no thinning needed inches

📅

Days to maturity: 7-21 days depending on variety

🌱

Planting depth: Seeds pressed firmly into medium surface or barely covered; depth varies by seed type (tiny seeds on surface, larger seeds ¼ inch)

Soil

Type: Light, well-draining growing medium (coconut coir, peat moss, or seed-starting mix)

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Coconut coir Perlite Peat moss Compost for nutrient boost

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

All zones; indoor growing year-round makes them zone-independent

1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b 13a 13b

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Growth Stages

Germination & Sprouting

2-5 days

Seeds absorb moisture and begin sprouting. Tiny white root tips emerge, and the seed coat cracks open.

Keep medium moist but not soggy; maintain 65-75°F; use a humidity dome or cover to retain moisture for 3-5 days; blackout period (darkness) can help sprouts develop faster

Root Development & Seedling Emergence

3-7 days

Roots establish in the medium. Cotyledons (first leaves) begin pushing through soil; seedlings are small and fragile.

Remove humidity dome once stems emerge; maintain consistent moisture; keep temperature 65-75°F; begin providing light if not already; ensure good air circulation to prevent mold and damping-off

Cotyledon & Early Leaf Development

5-10 days

First true leaves (cotyledons) fully expand; seedlings develop stronger stems and deeper green color; dense canopy of tiny leaves forms.

Increase light intensity (12-16 hours daily); maintain consistent watering from below or careful misting; ensure excellent air circulation; seedlings should be vibrant green and sturdy

True Leaf Emergence

2-5 days

First true leaves (after cotyledons) begin developing; microgreens reach peak tenderness and nutritional density just before true leaves fully expand.

Continue optimal light and air circulation; reduce watering slightly if true leaves are emerging (less water loss through transpiration); harvest at this stage for best flavor and nutrition

Harvest-Ready

Harvest immediately or store 1-2 weeks refrigerated

Microgreens are 1-3 inches tall with developed cotyledons and minimal true leaf development; full flavor and nutrient profile achieved.

Harvest when most have developed first true leaves or when reaching desired height; use clean scissors for clean cuts just above soil line; rinse gently and store in refrigerator

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Not applicable for indoor trays Can be rotated with other microgreen varieties in succession growing

Avoid planting near:

Not applicable for indoor growing; ensure separate trays for different varieties to prevent cross-contamination

Common Pests

and (Botrytis, Fusarium)
Improve air circulation with fans, reduce humidity (keep below 70%), water from below instead of misting, remove any affected seedlings, ensure proper spacing, use sterile growing medium
Use sterile seed and medium, avoid overwatering, ensure good drainage, maintain proper air circulation, keep temperature 65-75°F, sterilize trays between crops
Avoid overwatering, use yellow sticky traps, ensure good drainage, sterilize growing medium, remove any decomposing material promptly

Uses

🍳

Fresh salads & garnishes

Culinary

Microgreens add vibrant color, complex flavor, and crisp texture to salads, sandwiches, bowls, and plated dishes. They provide a gourmet presentation for restaurants and home cooking. [source]

🍳

Smoothies & juices

Culinary

Blend microgreens into smoothies and fresh juices for a nutrient boost. Leafy varieties like sunflower and pea shoot microgreens work particularly well. [source]

💊

Nutritional supplementation

Medicinal

Microgreens contain concentrated levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—up to 40 times more nutrition per serving than mature plants. Studies suggest benefits for cellular health and disease prevention. [source]

🏠

Year-round home production

Household

Grow fresh greens indoors on windowsills, shelves, or countertops with minimal space and no outdoor garden needed. Perfect for apartments, urban settings, or extending the growing season. [source]

🎨

DIY growing kits & education

Craft

Microgreens are ideal for teaching children about plant biology, germination, and nutrition in a quick, hands-on project. They make engaging STEM learning activities and gift kits. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest when seedlings are 1-3 inches tall and have developed their first true leaves, typically 7-21 days after sowing depending on variety. Use clean, sharp scissors and cut just above the soil line. Harvest in the morning for best flavor. Rinse gently with cool water and spin dry. Store in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For best flavor and nutrition, use within 3-5 days of harvest.

Fun Facts

🌱 Microgreens can contain 4-40 times more nutrients than their mature plant counterparts; for example, broccoli microgreens contain up to 50 times more sulforaphane (an anti-cancer compound) than mature broccoli.
🌱 The entire microgreens lifecycle from seed to harvest takes just 7-21 days, making them one of the fastest-growing crops available—perfect for impatient gardeners.
🌱 Microgreens became popular in upscale restaurants in the 1980s and are now a multi-million dollar industry, with commercial growers producing them in stacked trays and shipping them fresh to restaurants and grocery stores worldwide.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

True Leaves

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