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    Interested in growing microgreens? We have all of your questions covered with this how-to guide. Follow the sections below for everything you need to know about growing, caring for, and selling microgreens.

    What Are Microgreens?

    Microgreens are "baby plants," growing to only 1–3 inches tall when harvested. Reaching the harvest stage can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks, depending on the type.

    Similar to sprouts, they are a concentrated nutrient source packed with beneficial vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Sometimes, the terms sprouts and microgreens are used interchangeably but there are some important differences.

    Sprouts are germinated with water (no soil) and have a harvest window of 4-6 days. The sprout is harvested with the seed still attached; they often become a breeding ground for some nasty bacteria. Growers harvest microgreens by removing them from the root and seed, making them less susceptible to waterborne bacterial contamination.

    Diagram showing the growth stages from seed to mature microgreen plant

    Sprouts vs. Microgreens vs. Baby Greens

    Sprouts: sprouted hypocotyl, eaten with root (4-6 day window).
    Microgreens: harvested at cotyledon or first true leaf stage.
    Baby Greens: grown weeks past the microgreen stage until they resemble a small version of a full plant.

    Density Tip: Adjust your densities (lower density) when growing out varieties to the true leaf stage.

    Key: 🟢 Easy | 🟡 Medium | 🔴 Advanced | 🔥 Spicy | 🐢 Long Grow | 🐇 Short Grow | ❗ Mold Prone | 🔄 2nd Harvest | 💧 Humidity Dome Needed

    Variety Name Traits Grams (1020 Tray) Soak Time Germination Method Hours Germ. Days Harvest
    Amaranth 🔴 ❗ 🐢 15 g No Stack 3-4d | Blackout 1-2d 24 h 12-14 d
    Arugula 🟡 🔥 ❗ 🐇 12 g No Blackout 2-3 d 24-48 h 6-12 d
    Basil 🔴 ❗ 🐢 💧 10 g* No Blackout 4-7 d 72-96 h 20-25 d
    Beets/Swiss Chard 🔴 ❗ 🐢 💧 20-30 g Yes (4-8 h) Stack 4-5 d 36-48 h 10-14 d
    Borage 🟡 ❗ 🐢 10-15 g No Stack 2-3 d | Blackout 2-3 d 48-72 h 12-16 d
    Broccoli 🟢 🔥 🐇 15-20 g No Stack 2-3 d | No Blackout 24-48 h 7-10 d
    Brussel Sprouts 🟢 🔥 🐇 15-20 g No Stack 2-3 d | No Blackout 24-48 h 7-10 d
    Buckwheat 🟡 🐇 100 g Yes (4-8 h) Stack 4-5 d 24 h 8-12 d
    Cabbage 🟢 🐇 🔄 15-20 g No Stack 2-3 d 24-48 h 7-10 d
    Carrot 🔴 ❗ 🐢 💧 15-20 g No Stack 4-5 d | Blackout 2-3 d 168 h 14-20 d
    Cauliflower 🟢 🐇 15-20 g No Stack 2-3 d 24-48 h 7-10 d
    Celery 🔴 ❗ 🐢 💧 15-20 g No Blackout 4-5 d 48-72 h 14-20 d
    Chervil 🟡 🐢 💧 15 g No Blackout 4-5 d 48-72 h 16-20 d
    Chia 🟡 🐇 10-15 g No Blackout 2-3 d 24-48 h 10-12 d
    Chrysanthemum 🔴 ❗ 🐢 💧 15 g No Dome 2-3 d | Blackout 2-3 d 48-72 h 14-20 d
    Cilantro 🟡 ❗ 🐢 30-40 g whole Yes (2-4 h) Stack 7-9 d 36 h 15-20 d
    Clover 🟢 🐇 15-20 g No Stack 2-3 d 24-48 h 6-12 d
    Collards 🟢 🐇 15-20 g No Stack 2-3 d 24-48 h 6-10 d
    Corn 🟡 ❗ 🐇 225-275 g Yes (2-4 h) Stack 3-4 d | Full Blackout 24-48 h 6-10 d
    Cress 🟡 🔥 ❗ 🐇 20 g No Blackout 3-5 d 24-36 h 8-12 d
    Dill 🟡 🐢 30 g No Stack 7-9 d 48-60 h 15-25 d
    Endive 🔴 🐢 15-20 g No Blackout 3-5 d 24-36 h 8-12 d
    Fava-Bean 🔴 🐢 225-250 g Yes (4-6 h) Stack 4-5 d | Blackout 2-3 d 24-48 h 12-16 d
    Fennel 🔴 ❗ 🐢 20-30 g No Stack 3-4 d | Blackout 2-3 d 24-48 h 16-20 d
    Fenugreek 🔴 🔥 🐢 15 g No Stack 3-4 d 48-72 h 12-14 d
    Kale 🟢 🐇 15-20 g No Stack 2-4 d | No Blackout 48-72 h 8-12 d
    Lettuce 🟢 🐇 15-20 g No Stack 2-3 d | No Blackout 24-36 h 8-12 d
    Marigold 🔴 ❗ 🐢 15-20 g No Blackout 3-4 d 48-72 h 15-20 d
    Mustard 🟢 🔥 🐇 10-15 g No Stack 2-3 d | No Blackout 36-72 h 10-17 d
    Nasturtium 🟡 🔥 ❗ 🐢 🔄 90-220 g Yes (8-12 h) Stack 7-9 d 36-54 h 15-20 d
    Onion/Chives/Leeks 🟡 🔥 🐢 💧 🔄 40-50 g No Stack 3-4 d | Dome 2-3 d 24-36 h 15-20 d
    Orach 🔴 ❗ 🐢 💧 40-50 g Yes (6-8 h) Stack 3-5 d 36-48 h 12-16 d
    Oregano 🔴 ❗ 🐢 💧 15-20 g No Blackout 4-5 d 36-48 h 16-20 d
    Parsley 🔴 ❗ 🐢 💧 15-20 g No Blackout 4-5 d 48-72 h 16-22 d
    Peas 🟡 ❗ 🐇 🔄 200-275 g Yes (6-12 h) Stack 2-3 d | Blackout 1-3 d 8-36 h 8-12 d
    Purple Kohlrabi 🟢 🐇 15-20 g No Stack 2-3 d 36-48 h 8-12 d
    Radish 🟢 🔥 🐇 🔄 30-35 g No Stack 2-3 d | No Blackout 24-28 h 7-10 d
    Sage 🟡 🐢 💧 15-20 g No Stack 2-3 d | Blackout 1-2 d 48-72 h 16-24 d
    Shiso (Perilla) 🔴 ❗ 🐢 💧 12 g No Stack 2-3 d | Blackout 4-5 d 72-96 h 18-24 d
    Shungiku 🔴 🐢 💧 15-20 g No Stack 2-3 d | Blackout 2-3 d 24-36 h 12-20 d
    Sorrel 🔴 🐢 💧 3 g No Blackout 4-5 d | Dome 2-3 d 24-36 h 17-28 d
    Sunflower 🟡 ❗ 🐇 🔄 250 g Yes (6-12 h) Stack 2-3 d | Blackout 2-3 d 24-36 h 9-12 d
    Water Pepper 🔴 🔥 🐢 💧 15-20 g No Stack 4-5 d | Dome 2-3 d 24-36 h 10-20 d
    Wheatgrass 🔴 ❗ 🐇 🔄 450 g Yes (4-8 h) Blackout 2 d 36-48 h 8-10 d
    1020 Tray Full density (g)
    1010 Tray (g) / 2
    5x5 Tray (g) / 8

    *Adjust your densities (lower density) when growing out varieties to true leaf. Some seeds vary in weight and size depending on the species and seed lot. Adjust accordingly.

    What Equipment Do I Need to Grow Microgreens?

    Microgreens can be grown directly on a shelf under lights, in a windowsill in your kitchen, or in hoop houses and greenhouses. Start wherever your situation allows. Give your plants proper lighting, air circulation, and proper temperatures for the best results.

    Your new microgreens will require at least 6-8 hours of light daily. If you can achieve this outdoors or indoors near a window, start there. Supplement this lighting with artificial light as needed.

    Each 1020 tray will need a space that is around 1 ft wide and 2 ft deep. Keep this in mind when shopping for shelving or grow tables. You will want to keep your grow space at around 60º-75º F with humidity levels below 70%. If your space is cooler, it may affect your germination rates and time to harvest.

    Why Use Flood & Drain

    A flood and drain system is often constructed using a rack with basic plumbing and a reservoir. Trays can be planted with soil or soilless media for use in a flood and drain. We love this method because it is efficient and can water more trays at once. Tip: Ensure filters are used to protect the pump from particulates and clean filters weekly. Clean the system regularly with a diluted H2O2 solution.

    Professional Tray Selection Guide

    Microgreens can be grown in just about any container, but investing in trays with an even distribution of drainage holes and UV protection will ensure longevity and even watering.

    • Mesh Trays
      High drainage design; ideal for top-watering crops like peas and sunflowers that have strong enough stems to handle top watering.
    • 1020 Shallow w/Holes
      The commercial standard. This tray has 36 small holes allowing for drainage as well as bottom watering.
    • 1020 Shallow w/out Holes
      Often used to bottom-water greens or by growers using hydroponic pads.
    • Extra Strength 2.5" (No Holes)
      Perfect for use as a blackout dome and bottom-watering greens.
    • 1010 Microgreen Trays
      Half the size of the 1020 tray. Two of these fit nicely inside a 1020 tray.
    • 5x5 Growth Trays
      1/8th the size of a 1020; perfect for live product sales and subscriptions.

    Choosing Microgreen Seeds

    When purchasing seeds it is important to consider your market. It is best to start with salad mixes, peas, sunflower, broccoli, radishes, and mustards. Because they are all relatively quick to finish, the risk is lower.

    Before investing in expensive seed varieties (like Shiso, Red-veined Sorrel, Amaranth, or Water Pepper) ensure you have clients with flexibility in their food budget. Many growers will create a custom mix and feature a smaller amount of a high-end variety that alone would cost more than their client is willing to pay. When creating mixes, group seeds with similar harvest times.

    How to Store Microgreen Seeds

    Microgreen seeds need to be stored in a cool (40-50ºF), dry place, out of direct light, in a sealed container. Keep a record of all seed inventory. With the right conditions and high-quality seeds, growers can store microgreen seeds for up to a year before germination rates cut by at least 50%.

    Seed Density For Microgreens

    Seeds planted too densely are not able to breathe and drain. The roots will mat up, and the lack of circulation creates perfect mold growing conditions. Measuring seeds in weight (grams) gives a more precise measurement than volume.

    Visual chart displaying proper seed density measurements for 1020 microgreen trays

    pH Balancing and Disinfection

    Optimal germination occurs at pH slightly under 6.0. This acidity helps break down germination inhibitors (enzymes) in the seed coating and frees up nutrients.
    How to Balance: At pH 7.0, add 2 tsp/gal of lemon juice to lower it to the ideal range. Always test with litmus strips.

    Disinfecting "Dirty" Seeds

    Cilantro, Sunflower, and Peas are often "dirty." Soak these for 4-12 hours in pH-balanced water. Rinse, then soak in a 3% H2O2 solution for 5 minutes before a final rinse. Warning: Leaving them in H2O2 too long can create an air pocket that inhibits water penetration.

    Planting Microgreens

    Growing Mediums include Soil, Hemp, Coco Coir, and Compost Mixes. If you sell to a restaurant that wants live trays, you may want to use a soilless media. If you're going to build up vermicompost, soil or hemp is great.

    When planting, compact your media flat using another tray to provide a smooth planting surface. Plant seeds directly on top of your media, lightly water in with a misting attachment, and then stack or blackout your trays.

    Farmer bottom-watering microgreens in commercial 1020 trays under lights

    Watering and Stacking Methods

    Bottom-watering: protects delicate stems and prevents mold by avoiding oversaturation.
    Top-watering: Mist trays once or twice a day during the germination phase to keep them damp, not soaked.
    Stacking: Stack planted trays (up to 6 high) for 2-3 days to force root penetration and ensure even germination while saving space.

    Blackout & Humidity Domes

    Blackout Domes: Use when varieties (like cress, arugula, basil) are prone to sticking to stacked trays or for specialty products like golden pea shoots. A drawback is that roots might not penetrate as well without the geotropic weight response of stacking.

    Humidity Domes: Help protect seeds, maintain moisture, and increase germination rates. They are meant to stay on the tray until the first sign of germination. Once sprouted, remove the dome to provide light and airflow, as lingering humidity can cause mold.

    Root Hairs vs. Mold Identification

    Healthy Root Hairs: Odorless, fine white cilia strictly at the root base. Macro close-up of healthy white root hairs growing on a microgreen seed
    Active Mold: Offensive odor, slimy, web-like strands growing directly on greens or stems. Dangerous white mold growing in web-like strands over microgreen stems

    Damping-off In Microgreens

    When plants do not receive proper airflow, soil-based fungi can cause damping-off. The mold steals nutrients and attacks both root and stem, causing the microgreens to fall flat at the base.

    Top 10 Ways To Prevent Mold

    1. Plant in trays with drainage holes.
    2. Use clean, draining growing mediums.
    3. Control humidity (40-60%).
    4. Provide fans for air circulation.
    5. Proper lighting (6-10 hrs daily).
    6. Presoak and disinfect "dirty" seeds.
    7. Avoid seeding too densely.
    8. Disinfect trays between plantings.
    9. Disinfect flood trays regularly.
    10. Switch to bottom-watering.

    How to Harvest

    Person harvesting fresh microgreens from a tray using precision scissors

    Harvest when greens are 1–3 inches tall. Use kitchen scissors, precision clippers, or a sharp knife. Ensure your equipment is sanitized. For sales, package in sealed containers immediately and refrigerate to prevent drying out.

    Reusing Spent Trays (Root Mats)

    After your microgreens are cut, the leftover roots, stems, and growing media can be repurposed:

    1. Planting & Mulch:

    Nasturtiums, Borage, and Radish trays can be planted directly into garden beds. Thick root mats also act as excellent living mulch to retain moisture and suppress squash beetles.

    Planting thick microgreen root mats directly into a raised garden bed soil
    2. Compost & Livestock:

    Spent root mats are perfect for worm bins to generate high-quality castings. Poultry and ruminants also enjoy the fresh residual plant matter for food and scratching.

    Chickens eating leftover stems and seeds from a spent microgreen tray

    Seed Saving: Trays used as living mulch can be allowed to grow until they bolt and produce seeds, providing a fun project for home seed savers.

    How to Clean Trays

    Clean trays (including domes) after every use with hot soapy water and a basic detergent. Clear out all debris. After rinsing, spray with a diluted H2O2 solution and air dry. High-quality trays will last years with proper care.

    Rows of lush green microgreens growing vigorously under LED T5 grow lights

    What Lights Do I Need?

    Microgreens do well under a variety of light sources. Position LED lights 6-12 inches from the canopy. Provide 6-18 hours of light daily (a resting cycle of at least 6 hours off helps colors and flavors develop).

    • Sunlight: Free and complete spectrum, but inconsistent for vertical systems and heat can affect growth.
    • Fluorescent Shop Lights: Radiant heat can burn crops; contain mercury. Not recommended.
    • LED Bulbs: Great entry-point, inexpensive. But low spectrum can cause leggy plants in long-cycle crops.
    • LED Strip Grow Lights (T5): The commercial standard for vertical racks. Highly efficient, full spectrum (4500k+), low heat.
    • LED Panels: High intensity, full spectrum. Expensive and often too thick for vertical rack systems.

    Kelvin (K) Spectrum Guide

    • 2000K-3000K: "Warm white" (orange/yellow appearance).
    • 3100K-4500K: "Cool white" (neutral white light).
    • Above 4500K: Blue-white light mimicking daylight. Crucial for long-cycle crops (>20 days) to reach potential.

    How Do I Sell Microgreens?

    Before doing anything else, consult your USDA for licensing. Differentiate your microgreens from "sprouts" to your agent to avoid the more stringent sprout food-safety regulations.

    Pricing & Marketing Strategy

    Factor in the cost of lighting (~$1/day per 48” light), media, seed, and labor (hours x desired wage). Create a website, introduce yourself at farmers' markets, and give out samples.

    Approaching a Restaurant

    Do your research on a restaurant's menu before pitching. Identify ingredients coming off a distribution truck that your fresh product can replace. Bring samples and a printed pricing sheet to make the ordering process simple and reliable.

    The Subscription & Live Exchange Model

    Selling live product in 5x5 trays with reusable containers brings benefits that far outweigh single-use plastics. Customers purchase live trays via a subscription and pay a small deposit. You provide contact-free delivery, and swap empty containers for fresh ones weekly (offering a discount for returns). This builds customer loyalty, ensures maximum freshness for chefs, and eliminates plastic waste.

    Note: If selling live trays to commercial kitchens, chefs often prefer a dirt-free substrate like coco-coir or hemp mats.

    What to Do with Extra Microgreens?

    Create value-added products from unsold trays! Dehydrate them to make spices, teas, or encapsulation supplements. Process them into soaps, bath bombs, or blend them into pestos and frozen smoothie packs.

    Microgreen Resources

    Official USDA Office Locator
    Professional Grower Facebook Group
    Microgreens Recipes Facebook Group

    Peer-Reviewed Research

    • NCBI Broccoli Study: Mineral concentration diversifies food systems (View Study). Evaluates mineral concentration in hydroponic vs. compost-based systems.
    • Brassica Nutritional Value: Vitamins A, E, Calcium, and Manganese (View Study). Highlights that all Brassica microgreens are excellent sources of Vitamin A and E.
    • Bioavailability: Broccoli micros require 200x less water than mature plants (View Study). Also notes superior levels of Mg, Mn, Cu and Zn.
    • Cornell Dissertation: Growth optimization and development weight study (View Study). A 78-page study comparing plant height and harvest weights.