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How to Grow Microgreens

Microgreens

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

vegetable

Microgreens are young seedlings of vegetables, herbs, and grains harvested at the cotyledon or early true-leaf stage, typically 7-14 days after germination. Grown indoors in shallow trays without soil or in a thin growing medium, they are nutrient-dense, flavorful, and ready to harvest in weeks. They are increasingly popular for culinary use, offering concentrated nutrition and vibrant colors.

Looking for a specific variety?

Broccoli Radish Sunflower Pea shoots Mustard Arugula

When should you plant Microgreens in your zone?

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

  1. Plant Microgreens

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. 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: Grow lights (14-16 hours daily) or bright indirect light; LED lights work well
💧
Water: Keep medium consistently moist but not waterlogged; mist 2-3 times daily or use bottom watering; avoid standing water to prevent mold
📏
Spacing: Sow densely (seeds touching but not overlapping) for optimal yield in trays inches
📅
Days to maturity: 7-14 days
🌱
Planting depth: Surface sow or barely press into medium; no deep planting required

Soil

Type: Soilless growing medium (coconut coir, hemp mat, or soil-based shallow layer) or hydroponic system
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Coconut coir for moisture retention Perlite for drainage Compost for nutrients (optional in shallow systems) Hydroponic nutrients if using water-based systems

Growth Stages

1

Germination

2-3 days

Seeds absorb moisture and begin sprouting; roots emerge; typically takes 2-3 days

Keep medium moist; use a humidity dome to maintain 70-80% humidity; blackout period helps etiolation of some varieties; ensure good air circulation to prevent mold

2

Emergence & Root Development

1-2 days

Cotyledons (seed leaves) break through the medium; white root system develops; seedlings begin lifting the seed coat

Maintain moisture and humidity; remove humidity dome once sprouted; mist gently; ensure air circulation to prevent damping off

3

Cotyledon Growth

2-4 days

True seed leaves unfold and expand; seedlings develop pale green color; roots establish; stems elongate

Introduce grow lights gradually (4-6 hours daily, then increase); reduce humidity dome; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging; ensure air circulation

4

True Leaf Development

2-4 days

First true leaves appear above cotyledons; color intensifies to vibrant green; seedlings reach 1.5-2 inches height; flavor and nutrition peak

Increase light to 14-16 hours daily; maintain moderate moisture; ensure good air circulation; monitor for fungal issues; reduce misting frequency

5

Harvest Ready

Harvest at peak (7-14 days total from sowing)

Seedlings have developed true leaves, vibrant color, and full flavor profile; typically 1.5-3 inches tall depending on variety

Harvest when true leaves are well-formed but before plants become leggy; cut just above soil/medium line with clean scissors; keep harvested greens cool and use within days

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Common Pests

  • and (various fungi including Botrytis cinerea)

    Ensure excellent air circulation with fan; maintain 50-60% humidity; avoid overwatering; do not let water sit on leaves; use well-draining medium; sanitize trays and equipment between crops; consider hydrogen peroxide spray (1:10 solution) if needed

  • Use sterile, disease-free seeds; maintain proper drainage and air circulation; avoid overwatering; sanitize all equipment; ensure 60-70°F temperatures; can apply sulfur-based fungicide if available

  • Maintain 50-60% humidity (mites prefer dry air); spray with water or neem oil if infestation occurs; quarantine affected trays; improve air circulation

  • Allow medium surface to dry slightly between waterings; maintain air circulation; use sticky traps to monitor; apply yellow sticky traps for early detection; remove any decaying plant material

Uses

🍳

Nutrient-Dense Garnish & Salad Topper

Culinary

Microgreens add concentrated flavor, color, and nutrition to salads, sandwiches, wraps, and plated dishes. Their tender texture and vibrant appearance enhance both taste and visual presentation of fresh foods. [source]

🍳

Smoothies & Fresh Juice

Culinary

Mild varieties like sunflower, pea, or broccoli microgreens blend smoothly into beverages, providing a subtle vegetable note and concentrated vitamins without affecting flavor negatively. [source]

💊

Bioactive Compounds & Disease Prevention

Medicinal

Microgreens contain 4-40 times higher concentrations of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, glucosinolates, carotenoids) than mature plants. Broccoli and radish microgreens are particularly noted for sulforaphane content, linked to anti-inflammatory and detoxification properties. [source]

🏠

Year-Round Indoor Gardening

Household

Microgreens enable fresh vegetable production indoors regardless of season or climate, making them ideal for urban gardeners, windowsills, or controlled environments with minimal space and resources. [source]

🎨

Culinary Presentation & Fine Dining

Craft

Chefs use microgreens extensively for visual appeal and sophisticated plating. Their delicate appearance and variety of colors (purple, red, green, yellow) make them popular in upscale cuisine. [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 microgreens when true leaves have emerged and color is vibrant, typically 7-14 days after sowing. Cut just above the soil/medium line using clean scissors; do not pull up roots. Harvest in the morning after misting for best freshness and flavor. Use immediately or store in refrigerator at 40°F for up to 10 days in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Each tray typically yields multiple cuttings; some varieties regrow for a second or third harvest.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 A single tray of microgreens can produce harvestable greens in just 7-14 days, making them one of the fastest-growing food crops available.
  • 🌱 Microgreens contain up to 40 times the nutrient density of their mature plant counterparts, with broccoli microgreens containing concentrated sulforaphane, a compound with potent anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • 🌱 Popular microgreens varieties include radish (peppery), broccoli (mild, slightly sweet), sunflower (nutty), pea shoots (sweet), mustard (tangy), and arugula (peppery), allowing gardeners to grow a diverse flavor palette year-round indoors.

Gardening Terms

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

Damping Off Germination True Leaves
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