Types of Microgreens

Photos courtesy of True Leaf Market

https://www.trueleafmarket.com/

Types of Microgreens

Amaranth - 

• Pre-soak: N/A
• Suitable Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Germ time: 2-3 Days
• Harvest time: 8-12 Days
• Colour: The most vibrant red/pink of any microgreen
• Flavour: A mild, sweet flavour
• Texture: Crisp and fresh
• Nutrients: Vitamins K, E, and C, calcium, iron, and beta-carotenes

Amaranth is a delicate microgreen that prefers warmer growing conditions but prefers indirect light. These microgreens seed do equally well grow hydroponically or in soil. Red Amaranth can be a little more challenging to grow well.

The thin plants contain a strong flavour, like mustard but far less spicy. Its striking colours make at a great garnish or a great addition to any salad.

Arugula / Rocket –

• Pre-soak: N/A
• Suitable Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Germ time: 1-2 Days
• Harvest time: 6-8 Days
• Colour: A deep green stem and leaves
• Flavour: A strong peppery flavour, slightly buttery and cabbage-like
• Texture: Crisp and fresh
• Nutrients: Vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and phosphorus

Rocket is in the same family as broccoli and brussels sprouts known as Brassicaceae and is closely related to radish, kale and cauliflower. It has many names, but the main ones are rocket, rucola, roquette, and colewort. It grows 20-100cm and can be identified by its small white flowers. Arugula is a leafy green plant packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains high levels of folic acid and antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A, which makes it integral in the fight against free radicals. It is packed with carotenoids, as well as many other minerals like potassium, manganese, iron, and calcium, all of which are beneficial and necessary elements in a person’s diet.

Barley - 

 

• Best temperature: Best at 16 - 25 °C; avoid hot weather
• Soak: Wash seed then soak for 8-12 hours.
• Suitable Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Germ time: 2-3 Days
• Harvest time: 6 - 9 Days
• Colour: Bright green
• Flavour: Sweet
• Texture: Tender and fresh

Barley microgreens are fast and easy to grow, can be harvested multiple times. Spread seeds evenly across your chosen growth medium. Keep plants well watered but not flooded, high humidity will cause moulds to develop on the old seed hulls if overwatered.

Basil -

Seed Pre-soak: No
Growing Medium: hydroponic, soil
Preferred Medium: hydroponic for microgreens, soil for baby greens and adult stage
Germination Rate: high
Germination Time: 3 to 4 days
Microgreens Harvest time: 8 to 12 days
Microgreens Ideal Harvest: 10 days
Baby Salad / Adult Stage Harvest: 16+ days (grow in soil)
Micro Greens Colour: purple with some green/green
Micro Greens Flavour: intense basil

Purple basil is a more colourful variety of sweet basil. It has a mucilaginous seed, meaning that it develops a jelly-like coating when it gets wet. Sweet Basil can also be used and is a green coloured microgreen, use it whenever adult basil is needed.

Mist frequently to keep the coating moist. Grows best hydroponically and does better in well-lit conditions, but it is a slow grower.

Purple basil is a spectacular purple colour with green highlights that makes for a colourful garnish. Micro basil does not grow tall, so you will need to harvest close to the root line and rinse well.

Micro basil is a great replacement for traditional Italian dishes like caprese, pesto or any recipe that calls for fresh basil. The flavour of micro basil is a bit more intense than adult basil.

Beets –

• Latin Name: beta vulgaris var. Detroit Dark Red
• Seed Pre-soak: 4-10 hours in cold water
• Days to Maturity: 11-21 days
• Growth Medium: Soil
• Colour: Vibrant red stems with a neon green top
• Flavour: Sweet and earthy, similar flavour to swiss chard microgreens
• Nutrients: Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Iron, Zinc, and protein

Related to Chard, Beets take longer than other microgreens to germinate and are actually a seed capsule containing multiple seeds, making an even spread of seeds harder. When your plants have open leaves which are green, red, and green with red veins - they are ready for harvesting.

Broccoli -

• Latin Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
• Pre-soak: No 
• Suitable Growth Medium: Hydroponic and Soil
• Germ time: 2-3 Days
• Harvest time: 8-12 Days
• Colour: A thin white stem with shades of purple and a green top
• Flavour: a strong broccoli flavour
• Texture: Soft
• Nutrients: Vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and phosphorus

Broccoli grows very fast and is one of the easiest microgreens to grow. Sow the seeds more densely than other types of microgreens.

Broccoli colours up quickly and is greener than most other crops. It is a hardy and substantial microgreen that has a fresh, mild cabbage flavour. They are also favoured for their health benefits, being a great source of sulforaphane. It is an excellent choice as a base for any micro greens salad.

Brussel Sprouts - 

• Latin Name: Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
• Pre-soak: No Soak
• Other Names:
• Days to Maturity: 7-14 days
• Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Colour: From white/pink/purple stems
• Flavour: Tastes similarly to broccoli and cabbage but slightly more bitter
• Nutrients: Vitamins B, C, and K, folic acid, and fibre

Tolerates cool weather; may have trouble in overly warm areas. Long Island Brussels sprout grows very fast. Brussels sprout colour up quite quickly and is a dark green in colour. As to be expected they have a Brussel sprout flavour.

Buckwheat - 

• Pre-soak: 12 to 24 hours in cold water
• Days to Maturity: 7-14 days
• Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Colour: Hints of red and yellow in the stems along with leafy green tops
• Flavour: A citrus-like flavour with tarty and tangy undertones
• Nutrients: Vitamins B, C, and K, folic acid, and fibre

Buckwheat microgreens are very easy to grow but only in soil. Growing buckwheat microgreens is very difficult hydroponically and is not recommended. With whole buckwheat microgreen seeds, the germination rate is extremely high. Soak seeds in cold water for half a day to a day, rinse well, then spread over the soil. To prepare the soil, tamp it gently to flatten. Spread the buckwheat seeds evenly (they should be quite thick) and tamp very gently to insure contact with the soil. Mist thoroughly twice a day. Keep covered with the blackout / humidity dome for 3 to 4 more days before exposing light. Water once a day so the soil is damp but not soggy. Rinse thoroughly and take care to remove all the shells before drying and serving.

 

Cabbage –

• Pre-soak: N/A
• Suitable Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Germ time: 2-3 Days
• Harvest time: 6-14 Days
• Colour: Green leaves with violet to red highlight throughout
• Flavour: A strong broccoli (brassica) flavour
• Texture: Fresh and soft
• Nutrients: Vitamins C, K, and E, beta-carotenes, and iron

Another member of the brassica family, it comes in a variety of different cultivars and variations but the sweetest one is probably the red cabbage. Red cabbage has almost twice the amount of vitamin C as the green kind, but the green varieties have much more folate. Either one will be a healthy option and they can be very decorative on plates.

Cauliflower - 

• Pre-soak: N/A
• Suitable Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Germ time: 2-3 Days
• Harvest time: 8-14 Days
• Colour: Deep green tops with variegated pink and purple shaded stems
• Flavour: A strong broccoli (brassica) flavour
• Texture: Fresh and crisp and light
• Nutrients: Vitamins C, K, and E, beta-carotenes, and iron

Cauliflower grows very fast and is one of the easiest microgreens to grow. It can be sown a little more thickly that other seeds. Cauliflower is a nice green crop and is a hardy microgreen that has a fresh, mild cabbage flavour.

Celery - 

Celery Seeds: apium graveolens
Seed Pre-soak: No
Growing Medium: hydroponic
Germination Rate: high
Germination Time: up to 2 weeks
Microgreens Harvest time: 4 to 5 weeks
Microgreens Ideal Harvest: varies
Baby Salad Harvest: 5 weeks +
Micro Greens Colour: light green 
Micro Greens Flavour: sharp celery
 

Celery seed is a very slow germinating and growing seed. It is more difficult to grow and is not recommended for beginners. Use less water in the tray initially. You will need to mist the celery seeds as normal twice a day to keep them damp. Stay persistent as germination times are slow.

Celery greens have a sharp celery flavour, like leaves on an adult plant that is best used sparingly in a microgreens salad to add variety.

Chia -

Chia Seeds: salvia hispanica
Seed Pre-soak: No (mucilaginous)
Growing Medium: hydroponic or soil
Preferred Medium: hydroponic
Germination Rate: high
Germination Time: 2 to 3 days
Microgreens Harvest time: 8 to 12 days
Microgreens Ideal Harvest: 10 days
Baby Salad Harvest: not recommended
Micro Greens Colour: green leaves
Micro Greens Flavour: earthy
Chia is a mucilaginous seed, which means that when it gets wet, it develops a sticky, jelly like coating. It needs to be kept damp, so mist the seeds regularly every 12 hours. Chia microgreens are amazingly easy to grow and develop into a beautiful soft canopy with a pleasant smell. Chia is favoured for its health benefits, including high levels of omega oils, amino acids and proteins. Chia greens are very small so harvest close to the soil line for maximum yield.

Chervil / French Parsley
 

Chervil Seeds: Anthriscus cerefolium
Seed Pre-soak: No
Growing Medium: hydroponic, soil
Preferred Medium: soil
Germination Rate: high
Germination Time: 3 to 4 days
Microgreens Harvest time: 12+ days
Microgreens Ideal Harvest: 12+ days
Baby Salad / Adult Stage Harvest: not recommended
Micro Greens Colour: green 
Micro Greens Flavour: Mild, fresh, airy flavour with a hint of anise

Curled Chervil (French Parsley) is a common herb related to the parsley family, and has a nice fresh, airy flavour that will accent any salad or other mild dish. Micro chervil seeds for microgreens.

Chives -

• Seed Pre-soak: no
  Growing Medium: soil or hydroponic
  Preferred Medium: soil
  Germination Rate:  high
  Germination Time: 1 to 2 weeks
  Microgreens Harvest time: 3 weeks
  Microgreens Ideal Harvest: varies
  Baby Salad Harvest: 4 weeks +
  Micro Greens Colour: green
  Micro Greens Flavour: onion

Chives are a member of the Amaryllidaceae family along with garlic, onions and leeks. Classified as Alliums, Micro Chives are monocotyledons meaning that they only have one leaf when germinated. When harvested as a microgreen, this single leaf is usually between 2 to 3 weeks old. Chives are popular with growers because they can be grown year-round and are relatively easy to grow with a short harvest time. Micro Chives produce very slender needle-like leaves with their black seeds still attached. They are approximately 5 cm long and incredibly fragile. The flavour is robust and not as subtle as some microgreens, comparable to fully mature chives.

Cilantro/Coriander 

• Germ time: 2-3 Days
• Harvest time: 21-28 Days
• Color:A long green stem with a very leafy top
• Flavor: Full cilantro flavor
• Texture: Crisp and fresh
• Nutrients: Vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and phosphorus

Cilantro/Coriander can be very difficult to grow hydroponically. We recommend growing micro cilantro in soil. Germination of coriander microgreens is erratic with some emerging at about a week, and some seeds taking longer, patience is needed. Sow seeds thickly (on a bed of lightly compacted soil. Cover with a thin layer of soil 6mm and tamp very lightly. Coriander microgreens grow slowly. Better germination rates occur with seeds not soaked. Coriander seeds prefer cooler temperatures under 21^oC especially during germination. If your temperature gets above 21^oC, you will have poor germination. Experiment with placing your germinating trays in much cooler areas.

Clover - 

Clover Seeds: trifolium pratense
Seed Pre-soak: No
Growing Medium: hydroponic, soil
Preferred Medium: hydroponic
Germination Rate: high
Germination Time: 1 to 2 days
Microgreens Harvest time: 8 to 12 days
Microgreens Ideal Harvest: 10 days
Micro Greens Colour: green leaves
Micro Greens Flavour: mild, fresh
 

Clover is a fast, easy growing microgreen. On the 3rd or 4th day, flip the blackout lid upside down and mist the bottom end. Lay on top of the growing clover sprouts to force them to grow strong. Leave the lid flipped for one or two days before exposing fully to light.

Clover has a mild, fresh flavour. The flavour is sweeter the younger they are.

Collard Greens - 

Collard Greens Seeds: Brassica oleracea
Seeding: Use approx. 1 Oz. of Seed for a 10x20 Tray
Seed Pre-soak: no
Growing Medium: soil or hydroponic
Preferred Medium: hydroponic
Germination Rate: high
Germination Time: 1 to 2 days
Microgreens Harvest time: 10 to 12 days
Microgreens Ideal Harvest: 10 days
Micro Greens Colour: dark green
Micro Greens Flavour: fresh, intense collard green flavour
 

Collard Greens are a very easy to grow microgreens from the Brassica family. Micro Collard Greens have the same flavour as adult collard greens, but with more flavour intensity. Collards make a great base for a microgreen salad or a garnish. Very easy to grow hydroponically.

Corn -

• Pre-soak: 12 to 16 hours (cold water)
• Suitable Growth Medium: Soil (preferred) or Hydroponic
• Germ time: 2-3 Days
• Harvest time: 12-16 Days
• Colour: A bright yellow that turns to a light green
• Flavour: A sugary sweet flavour
• Texture: Fresh and crunchy
• Nutrients: Vitamins A, B, C, and E, calcium, chlorophyll, and magnesium

Sweet corn microgreen shoots are easy to grow and will grow well on soil or a hydroponic grow mat, but we prefer soil for this amazing micro. There are a few key differences in growing technique on this micro from most other micros you have grown. With corn shoots you must harvest at around 6 days. If grown longer than that they begin to develop their leaves which are very fibrous and not good to eat.

It is critical to keep your shoots in the dark for the entire six days right up to harvest time. Exposure to light will cause them to develop leaves or fibres which you don't want.

Corn shoots are incredibly sweet and make a great garnish for salads or another dish where you want a sweet flavour. The flavour is so intensely sweet it has to be experienced to be understood.

Cress - 

• Pre-soak: No Soak
• Other Names:
• Days to Maturity: 7-14 days
• Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Colour: White stems and green leaves
• Flavour: intense peppery, hint of sweet
• Nutrients: Vitamins B, C, and K, folic acid, and fibre

Cress is a mucilaginous (gel coated) seed. It prefers considerably less water in the sprouting stage than most other microgreens seeds. If the seeds get too wet, you will end up with a very low germination rate.

Use the mist bottle to evenly dampen the top surface (seeds should stick and not bounce when sowing). Once you have spread the seed evenly over the dampened grow pad, mist all the seeds, but not as thoroughly as other seeds. Germinate in the blackout dome as normal, but mist more frequently (3 times a day), but with less mist in each application. The goal is to keep the seeds damp but not wet/soggy. The peppery flavour is intense, and you will not need much at all.

Dill -

Dill Seeds: Anethum graveolens
Seed Pre-soak: no
Growing Medium: soil or hydroponic
Germination Rate: high
Germination Time: 1 to 2 days
Microgreens Harvest time: 10 to 14 days
Micro Greens Colour: green
Micro Greens Flavour: fresh, with sweetness like adult Dill

Dill requires very little water, feel the tray weight and look at the seedlings. If it feels light or they are wilting, then water/mist the media. When the adult leaves open then they are ready to harvest.

Endive - 

Endive Seeds: cichorium endivia
Seed Pre-soak: No
Growing Medium: hydroponic, soil
Preferred Medium: hydroponic for microgreens, soil for baby salad greens
Germination Rate: high
Germination Time: 2 to 3 days
Microgreens Harvest time: 8 to 15 days
Microgreens Ideal Harvest: 10 days
Baby Salad / Adult Stage Harvest: 16+ days
Micro Greens Colour: green leaves
Micro Greens Flavour: mild, contrasting bitter
 

Endive is easy to grow. Expose to light on day four. It can be grown past the microgreens stage and can be harvested any time after 10 days. Endive microgreens are short, so harvest close to the root line and rinse well.

Endive is a pleasant light green colour and has a slight bitter taste that makes a nice contrast to strong flavours like sweet, salt and spice. It works well in place of lettuce on sandwiches and as a flavour contrast in microgreens salads.

Fennel - 

Fennel Seeds: Foeniculum vulgare
Seed Pre-soak: No
Growing Medium: hydroponic, soil
Preferred Medium: soil
Germination Rate: high
Germination Time: 3 to 4 days
Microgreens Harvest time: 12+ days
Microgreens Ideal Harvest: 12+ days
Micro Greens Colour: green
Micro Greens Flavour: Mild, anise flavour
 

Fennel is an herb in the celery family that is popular as a garnish. Because it's anise flavour is so mild, it makes a great choice as a garnish for a wide variety of dishes from sweet to savory. Sow seeds thinly and give your plants room to grow. Fennel seed husks can cling to leaves but some chefs preferred unhulled microgreens so enquire if looking to sell to restaraunts. 

Kale - 

• Latin Name: brassica oleracea
• Other Names:
• Days to Maturity: 8-12 days
• Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Colour: A very white stem and a pale green top
• Flavour: A strong broccoli flavour, nutty and rich
• Nutrients: antioxidants, fibre, Vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and copper

Depending on the variety of kale that you choose, the colour in the stems and leaves may vary. For example, Red Russian Kale is can range from red to purple.

Prepare your growth medium, whether it be soil or a hydroponic growth mat, by getting it sufficiently moist. Spread seeds evenly across the surface of the growth medium. The denser you sow the seeds, the thicker your crop will turn out. However, be wary of over-seeding, which can lead to the seeds becoming overcrowded, leading to crop failure. After seeds are sown, cover for one to two days to allow seeds to germinate, and then uncover seeds and place under a light source. Continue to water when needed for up to a week and half. After that, the kale should be ready for harvest.

Kohlrabi - 

• Latin Name: Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes
• Days to Maturity: 8-12 days
• Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Colour: A white stem with a vibrant green top
• Flavour: A strong broccoli and cabbage flavour
• Nutrients: antioxidants, fibre, Vitamins A, C, and B-complex, calcium, potassium and copper

Thoroughly moisten growing media and spread your seeds evenly across the surface. Give a quick spray and cover for 1 to 3 days. In this time, the seeds will germinate; once the sprouts have taken hold on the growth medium, remove cover and expose to sunlight or place beneath a grow light. Continue to water microgreens as need. Harvest when ready – taste test your microgreens to desired flavour levels.

Komatsuna - 

• Latin Name: brassica juncea
• Other Names:
• Days to Maturity: 8-12 days
• Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Colour: A white stem with a bright green top
• Flavour: A bold mustard flavour with spice
• Nutrients: antioxidants, fibre, Vitamins A, C, E, and K

Komatsuna need warm spot with good airflow and light. Spread your mustard seeds over the surface of your chosen medium whether that be soil or a hydroponic medium. Spread them across the surface; the denser the layer is, the thicker the greens will be.

Beware of too many seeds because that can lead to overcrowding and crop failure. After the seeds are sown, place something over the tray to block out any light for the first 2 days—the seeds will germinate in the dark. After those 2 days, remove the cover and place your tray in a sunny area or under light. We recommend using grow light as sunlight will cause stretching unless outdoors.

 

Leek - 

Leek Seeds: allium ampeloprasum
Seed Pre-soak: no
Growing Medium: soil or hydroponic
Preferred Medium: hydroponic
Germination Rate: high
Germination Time: 3-4 days
Microgreens Harvest time: 12 days
Microgreens Ideal Harvest: 12 days
Micro Greens Colour: green
Micro Greens Flavour: onion
 

Leek seeds will produce best if planted more thickly on your growth medium. A small crop goes a long way, as the onion flavour can over-power a dish if used too heavily.

The mild onion flavour is a great compliment to any micro greens salad, and the shape is a contrast to most other microgreens. Excellent substitute for onions anywhere.

Lettuce - 

• Pre-soak: N/A
• Days to Maturity: 14-16 days
• Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Colour: Pale white stems, sometimes light green. Deep green cotyledons
• Flavour: Lettuce flavoured
• Nutrients: Vitamins B, C, and K, folic acid, and fibre

Prepare your growth mediums by moistening it. Spread seeds evenly across the surface and moisten with a spray bottle.

Cover for 3 to 4 days until adequately germinated. Place under a grow light and watch grow. Water regularly. Avoid too much heat and humidity. It is recommended to taste test microgreens to see what flavour you would like.

Marigold - 

Edible marigold microgreens can be added to mixed drinks. With a frilly green flourish, it adds a citrus note and accents citrus-flavored vodka. Petals can also be eaten but remove the base to avoid bitterness. Marigold seeds will germinate even when scattered on the surface of the media.

 Mizuna -

• Latin Name: brassica rapa nipposinica
• Other Names:
• Days to Maturity: 8-12 days
• Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Colour: A bright yellow to white stem with a bright green top
• Flavour: A bold mustard flavour with mild spice
• Nutrients: antioxidants, fibre, Vitamins A, C, E, and K

Mizuna is in the brassica family and is a mainstay in Japanese cuisine. It is called many different names including spider mustard, Japanese mustard greens, water greens or kyona. It is a common ingredient in salads and is usually mixed with other greens, but its mild, peppery flavor also makes a great topping for pasta dishes, soups, stews and pizzas. Mizuna is full of flavour, it’s also high in many nutrients, including vitamins A, C and K. It is also rich in antioxidants.

Mustard - 

• Latin Name: brassica juncea
• Other Names:
• Days to Maturity: 8-12 days
• Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Colour: A green stem and leaves with intense red shades
• Flavour: A bold mustard flavour with spice
• Nutrients: antioxidants, fibre, Vitamins A, C, E, and K

Mustard Microgreens grow quickly like most brassicas in the right conditions. Pick a warm spot with good airflow and light. Spread seeds across the surface, not too thick as this will cause crop failure. After the seeds are sown, place something over the tray to block out any light for the first 2 days—the seeds will germinate in the dark. After those 2 days, remove the cover and place your tray in a sunny area or under light. A grow light is recommended to prevent stretching.

Nasturtium - 

• Latin Name: Tropaeolum majus
• Presoak:2-4 hours
• Days to Maturity: 14-16 days
• Growth Medium: Soil
• Colour: Multiple coloured stems, ranging from light pink to yellow
• Flavour: Surprisingly Spicy, like mustard spice and wasabi
• Nutrients: antioxidants, fibre, Vitamins A, C, and B-complex, calcium, potassium and copper

Soak Nasturtium seeds in warm water for 2-4 hours. This allows the seed to draw water as much water as possible to begin the germinating process. Prepare soil bed by moistening it and tamping it. Spread seeds evenly across the surface and cover with a thin layer of soil—much like planting pea shoots.

Water regularly and place under a grow light when seedling is poking through the soil layer. Allow enough time for nasturtium micro seedlings to produce 2 to 4 leaves before harvest.

Dwarf varieties of Nasturtium are preferred for growing microgreens, such as the Jewel Mix.

Oat - 

 

Soak: Wash then soak 1-4 hours.

Days to Germinate: 2-3 days

Days to Maturity: 6-9 days approximately

Colour: Bright green.

Flavour:  Fresh and mild. A nice sweetness that is not too strong. Little to no bitterness. A perfect grass juice for beginners.

Fill tray about 25mm deep, sow seeds and moisten the media. Place tray in a warm spot with plenty of light, whether it is sunshine or a grow light.

Check whether the tray needs water daily, preferably in the morning to allow the roots to take up the water without sitting in it overnight.

Harvest when suitable size – can be harvested repeatedly.

Onion -

 

Leek Seeds: allium fistolosum
Seed Pre-soak: no
Growing Medium: soil or hydroponic
Preferred Medium: hydroponic
Germination Rate: high
Germination Time: 3-4 days
Microgreens Harvest time: 12 days
Microgreens Ideal Harvest: 12 days
Micro Greens Colour: green
Micro Greens Flavour: onion
 

Onion seeds will produce best if planted more thickly on your growth medium. A small crop goes a long way, as the onion flavour can over-power a dish if used too heavily.

The mild onion flavour is a great compliment to any micro greens salad, and the shape is a contrast to most other microgreens. Excellent substitute for onions anywhere.

Orach - 

• Latin Name: Atriplex hortensis
• Days to Germinate: 7-14 days
• Days to Maturity: 20 days approximately
• Colour: Multiple coloured stems, ranging from light pink to deep red.
• Flavour: Mild spinach
• Nutrients: antioxidants, fibre, Vitamins A, C, and B-complex, calcium, potassium and copper

Fill tray about 25mm deep, sow seeds and moisten the media. Place tray in a warm spot with plenty of light, whether it is sunshine or a grow light.

Check whether the tray needs water daily, preferably in the morning to allow the roots to take up the water without sitting in it overnight.

Harvest when suitable size.

Oregano -

 

• Latin Name: Origanum vulgare
• Days to Germinate: 7-14 days
• Days to Maturity: 20 days approximately
• Colour: Multiple coloured stems, ranging from light pink to deep red.
• Flavour: Oregano flavoured

Fill tray about 25mm deep, sow seeds and moisten the media. Place tray in a warm spot with plenty of light, whether it is sunshine or a grow light.

Check whether the tray needs water daily, preferably in the morning to allow the roots to take up the water without sitting in it overnight.

Harvest when suitable size.

Parsley - 

 

• Latin Name: Petroselinum crispum
• Days to Germinate: 4-7 days
• Days to Maturity: 20 days approximately
• Colour: Multiple coloured stems, ranging from light pink to deep red.
• Flavour: Oregano flavoured

Fill tray about 25mm deep, sow seeds and moisten the media. Place tray in a warm spot with plenty of light, whether it is sunshine or a grow light.

Check whether the tray needs water daily, preferably in the morning to allow the roots to take up the water without sitting in it overnight.

Harvest when suitable size.

Pea - 

 

• Latin Name: Pisum sativum.
• Presoak:4-12 hours

• Suitable Growth Medium: Hydroponic & Soil (preferred)
• Seeds Per 10"x20" Tray: Amount of seeds may vary, but we recommend 5-8 oz per tray
• Germ time: 2-3 Days
• Harvest time:12-16 Days
• Colour: A crunchy stem with a leafy top
• Flavour: crunchy, mild and less sweet, fresh (tastes just like peas)
• Texture: Crunchy, succulent
• Nutrients: Vitamins A and C, folic acid, and fibre

Pea shoots, also known as pea microgreens, usually have very prominent root systems so have plenty of media.

Soak seeds in cold water for half a day to a day. Make sure you use plenty of water and a large bowl, as the peas soak up large amounts of water.

Spread evenly in a thick layer and tamp very gently to ensure contact with the soil. Mist thoroughly twice a day. Keep covered with the blackout / humidity dome for 3 to 4 more days before exposing light. Check water levels and the tray weight. If it is extremely light then water.

Radish -

 

• Pre-soak: 4-6 hours
• Suitable Growth Medium: Hydroponic & Soil
• Germ time: 1-2 Days
• Harvest time: 6-12 Days
• Colour: A vibrant red stem with a deep green top
• Flavour: Spicy & slightly floral
• Shape: Leafy
• Texture: Crunchy, succulent
• Nutrients: Vitamins A, B, C, E, & K, folic acid, niacin, potassium, iron, phosphorus, pantothenic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc, carotenes.

Radish is an ideal microgreen, often chosen for its stellar colour and uniform germination and growth. It is on the spicy side of flavour but is not too spicy to enjoy.

Grows well on either hydroponic or soil—hydroponic mediums may require more frequent watering.

Mist for the first few days after sowing. Once the radish sprouts take root and begin standing erect or push through the soil, begin bottom watering.

Rutabaga/Swede/Neep -

 

Rutabaga Seeds: brassica napobrassica
Seeding: Approx. 1 Oz of seed for a 10"x20" tray
Seed Pre-soak: No
Growing Medium: hydroponic, soil
Preferred Medium: hydroponic
Germination Rate: high
Germination Time: 2 to 3 days
Microgreens Harvest time: 8 to 12 days
Microgreens Ideal Harvest: 10 days
Baby Salad / Adult Stage Harvest: not recommended
Micro Greens Colour: green
Micro Greens Flavour: mild peppery mustard

Rutabaga/Swede/Neep microgreens are fast and easy to grow.

Rutabaga/Swede/Neep is a nice green colour and has a mildly peppery mustard flavour.

Rye - 

• Soak: 8 Hours
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Days to Maturity: 5-9 Days
• Suitable Sprout Method: Tray, Sack, or Jar
• Flavour: Muted slightly bitter taste, like barley.
• Popular Uses: Soups, Sandwiches, and Salads
• Nutrients: Vitamins B, C, and K, folic acid, and fibre

Fill tray about 25mm deep, sow seeds and moisten the media. Place tray in a warm spot with plenty of light, whether it is sunshine or a grow light.

Check whether the tray needs water daily, preferably in the morning to allow the roots to take up the water without sitting in it overnight.

Harvest when suitable size – can be harvested repeatedly.

Sorrel - 

 

•        Seed Pre-soak: no
• Growing Medium: soil
• Preferred Medium: soil
• Germination Rate: high
• Germination Time: 1 to 2 days
• Microgreens Harvest time:10 to 12 days
• Microgreens Ideal Harvest: 10 days
• Baby Salad / Adult Stage Harvest: not recommended
• Micro Greens Colour: bright green
• Micro Greens Flavour: bright, lemony flavour

 

Fill tray about 25mm deep, sow seeds and moisten the media. Place tray in a warm spot with plenty of light, whether it is sunshine or a grow light.

Check whether the tray needs water daily, preferably in the morning to allow the roots to take up the water without sitting in it overnight.

Harvest when suitable size.

Sunflower - 

 

• Latin Name: helianthus annuus
• Seed Pre-soak: 8-12 hours in cold water
• Days to Maturity: 8-12 days
• Growth Medium: Soil
• Colour: green
• Flavour: crunchy, nutty, fresh
• Nutrients: Vitamins A, B complex, D, and E, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus

Sunflower microgreens are very easy to grow but only in soil.

You can also grow sunflower greens from hulled raw seeds, but the germination rate is very low. When using whole sunflower microgreen seeds, the germination rate is extremely high.

Spread evenly in a thick layer and tamp very gently to ensure contact with the soil. Mist thoroughly twice a day.

Swiss Chard / Silverbeet –

• Latin Name: Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
• Seed Pre-soak: 4-10 hours in cold water
• Days to Maturity: 11-21 days
• Growth Medium: Soil
• Colour: A deep dark red
• Flavour: Sweet and earthy, similar flavour to swiss chard microgreens
• Nutrients: Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Iron, Zinc, and protein

Silverbeet/Swiss Chard is part of the beet family and the greens look very similar to beet greens. Cut close to the growing media to show off the brightly coloured stem, and rinse well.  Germination occurs in approximately 2-5 days.  The estimated time to harvest is 8-12 days, and your microgreens will be a dark shade of green when they are ready to be harvested.

Tatsoi - 

• Latin Name: brassica juncea
• Other Names:
• Days to Maturity: 8-12 days
• Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Colour: A white stem with a bright green top
• Flavour: A bold mustard flavour with spice
• Nutrients: antioxidants, fibre, Vitamins A, C, E, and K

Tatsoi needs a warm spot with good airflow and light. Spread your Tatsoi mustard seeds over the surface of your chosen medium - the denser, the thicker the greens will be.

Beware of too many seeds because that can lead to overcrowding and crop failure. After the seeds are sown, place something over the tray to block out any light for the first 2 days—the seeds will germinate in the dark.

After those 2 days, remove the cover and place your tray in a sunny area or under light. We recommend using grow light to prevent stretching.

Triticale - 

 

• Soak: 8 Hours
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Days to Maturity: 5-9 Days
• Suitable Sprout Method: Tray, Sack, or Jar
• Flavour: Fresh and sweet
• Popular Uses: Soups, Sandwiches, and Salads
• Nutrients: Vitamins B, C, and K, folic acid, and fibre

Fill tray about 25mm deep, sow seeds and moisten the media. Place tray in a warm spot with plenty of light, whether it is sunshine or a grow light.

Check whether the tray needs water daily, preferably in the morning to allow the roots to take up the water without sitting in it overnight.

Harvest when suitable size – can be harvested repeatedly.

Turnip - 

 

• Pre-soak: N/A
• Suitable Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Germ time: 2-3 Days
• Harvest time: 8-12 Days
• Colour: Deep green tops with variegated pink and purple shaded stems
• Flavour: Fresh turnip flavour, radish-like without spice
• Texture: Tender and fresh
• Nutrients: Vitamins C, K, and E, beta-carotenes, and iron

Turnip microgreens are fast and easy to grow. Spread seeds evenly across your chosen growth medium. Turnip microgreens are a nice green colour with a mild turnip flavour.

Wasabi -

 

• Latin Name: brassica rapa
• Days to Maturity: 8-12 days
• Growth Medium: Soil or Hydroponic
• Colour: A white stem with a bright green top
• Flavour: A bold mustard flavour with spice
• Nutrients: antioxidants, fibre, Vitamins A, C, E, and K

Wasabi needs a warm spot with good airflow and light. Spread your Wasabi mustard seeds over the surface of your chosen medium - the denser, the thicker the greens will be.

Beware of too many seeds because that can lead to overcrowding and crop failure. After the seeds are sown, place something over the tray to block out any light for the first 2 days—the seeds will germinate in the dark.

After those 2 days, remove the cover and place your tray in a sunny area or under light. We recommend using grow light to prevent stretching.

Wheat - 

 

Soak: Wash then soak 6-12 hours.

Temperature: Best at 20 - 25 °C; avoid cold winter winds.

Days to Germinate: 2-3 days

Days to Maturity: 6-9 days approximately

Colour: Bright green.

Flavour:  Fresh and mild. A nice sweetness that is not too strong. Little to no bitterness. A perfect grass juice for beginners.

The wheat has the hull intact and as such aren't a great choice for food purposes but are a great choice as sprouting seed.

Fill tray about 25mm deep, sow seeds and moisten the media. Place tray in a warm spot with plenty of light, whether it is sunshine or a grow light.

Check whether the tray needs water daily, preferably in the morning to allow the roots to take up the water without sitting in it overnight.

Harvest when suitable size – can be harvested repeatedly.

Thank you for reading, we stock eden seeds and can order some in if we do not have a certain plant or cultivar. Eden seeds are non genetically modified and are open pollinated heritage varieties. We find the best results happen with seeds that have been stored in the fridge in a dry container. This will trick the seeds into thinking it is spring and will germinate much faster. I have had corn and sugarsnap peas germinate in a matter of hours.