Microgreens are the seedling stage of vegetables, herbs, and grains, harvested 7β21 days after germination when the first true leaves appear. They are grown in thin trays on soil, coco coir, or growing mats, and are valued for their intense flavour, concentrated nutrition, and fast turnaround compared to full-size crops.
Key Facts
- Harvested at the cotyledon or first true-leaf stage β typically 7β21 days from seed
- Nutrient density is 4β40Γ higher than the mature vegetable for many varieties
- Popular varieties: sunflower, pea shoots, radish, broccoli, basil, amaranth
- Can be grown without soil on coco coir, jute mats, or hemp growing pads
- Require minimal equipment: trays, a growing medium, and a light source
- Cut just above the growing medium at harvest β roots are discarded