Microgreens are not only a fantastic addition to any healthy diet, but they are also one of the fastest crops you can grow. If you’re just getting started, you might be wondering, “How long does it take to grow microgreens?” The answer varies depending on the type of microgreen and the growing method, but I’ll break it all down for you in this guide.
As a successful microgreens farmer, I’ve learned that understanding growth times is key to planning your harvests and making your microgreens business thrive. In this article, I’ll share insights on the growth times of different microgreens and offer tips to speed up your growing process.
What Are Microgreens?
Microgreens are young vegetable greens that are typically harvested just after the first true leaves develop. These nutrient-packed mini plants are grown from a variety of seeds, including vegetables, herbs, and even some grains. Unlike sprouts, which are harvested as soon as they germinate, microgreens are grown a bit longer, allowing them to develop leaves.
General Growth Time for Microgreens
One of the best things about microgreens is that they grow fast. On average, most microgreens are ready to harvest within 7 to 14 days. This quick turnaround makes them ideal for anyone looking to grow a continuous supply of fresh greens, whether for personal use or for selling at markets.
Factors Influencing Microgreens Growth Time
Several factors can impact how long it takes for your microgreens to grow:
- Seed type: Different seeds have different growth rates (which I’ll cover in more detail below).
- Growing medium: Whether you grow in soil, hydroponics, or coconut coir can affect growth speed.
- Light and temperature: Providing the right amount of light and maintaining the correct temperature can either speed up or slow down growth.
How Long Do Specific Microgreens Take to Grow?
Now, let’s take a closer look at the growth times for some of the most popular microgreens. I’ll give you tips on how to speed up their growth and when to expect your harvest.
Here’s a table of over 50 microgreens and their approximate time to grow:
| Microgreen | Growth Time (Days) |
|---|---|
| Arugula | 5-7 |
| Basil | 12-16 |
| Beets | 10-14 |
| Bok Choy | 7-10 |
| Broccoli | 5-7 |
| Cabbage | 6-10 |
| Carrot | 12-18 |
| Cauliflower | 7-10 |
| Celery | 16-20 |
| Chia | 7-10 |
| Cilantro | 16-20 |
| Clover | 7-10 |
| Collard Greens | 6-10 |
| Corn | 8-10 |
| Cress | 5-7 |
| Dill | 10-14 |
| Endive | 10-14 |
| Fenugreek | 6-10 |
| Fennel | 12-16 |
| Garlic Chives | 12-15 |
| Kale | 5-8 |
| Kohlrabi | 6-10 |
| Leeks | 12-16 |
| Lentils | 6-10 |
| Lettuce | 7-10 |
| Mizuna | 7-10 |
| Mustard Greens | 6-10 |
| Nasturtium | 14-18 |
| Orach | 12-16 |
| Parsley | 14-20 |
| Peas | 10-14 |
| Radish | 5-7 |
| Red Amaranth | 8-10 |
| Red Cabbage | 6-10 |
| Rocket | 5-7 |
| Sorrel | 14-18 |
| Spinach | 10-14 |
| Sunflower | 10-12 |
| Swiss Chard | 10-12 |
| Tatsoi | 6-10 |
| Turnip Greens | 6-10 |
| Watercress | 8-12 |
| Wheatgrass | 8-12 |
| Alfalfa | 6-10 |
| Buckwheat | 10-12 |
| Chervil | 12-15 |
| Choy Sum | 6-10 |
| Purslane | 12-16 |
| Purple Basil | 12-16 |
| Scallions (Spring Onions) | 12-16 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | 14-20 |
| Sorrel (Red Veined) | 14-18 |
| Tarragon | 14-20 |
This list covers a variety of common and unique microgreens, offering a wide range of growth times depending on the seed type and growing conditions.
How Long Do Sunflower Microgreens Take to Grow?
Sunflower microgreens are a favorite in the microgreens world due to their nutty flavor and thick, crunchy texture.
- Growth Time: Sunflower microgreens typically take around 10 to 12 days to grow.
- Tips for Growing: To ensure quick and even germination, soak your sunflower seeds overnight before planting. Sunflower seeds have hard shells, and soaking helps soften them, which speeds up the germination process.
How Long Do Broccoli Microgreens Take to Grow?
Broccoli microgreens are one of the quickest growing varieties. They are rich in nutrients, especially sulforaphane, a compound known for its anti-cancer properties.
- Growth Time: Broccoli microgreens are usually ready for harvest in just 5 to 7 days.
- Tips for Growing: Broccoli microgreens grow well in both soil and hydroponic systems. Keep them under grow lights for at least 12 hours a day to ensure strong growth.
How Long Do Radish Microgreens Take to Grow?
Radish microgreens have a spicy flavor, adding a nice kick to salads and sandwiches. They are also one of the fastest-growing microgreens, making them a great option for beginners.
- Growth Time: Radish microgreens can be harvested in 5 to 7 days.
- Tips for Growing: Like broccoli, radish microgreens grow best with plenty of light. Keep the growing medium moist but not soaked, as too much water can lead to mold.
How Long Do Chia Microgreens Take to Grow?
Chia seeds are famous for their nutritional benefits, and chia microgreens are just as healthy. However, they require a bit more care compared to other varieties.
- Growth Time: Chia microgreens take about 7 to 10 days to grow.
- Tips for Growing: Chia seeds form a gel-like coating when wet, so be careful not to overwater. Chia microgreens thrive in a warm environment with consistent light.
How Long Do Pea Microgreens Take to Grow?
Pea microgreens have a sweet flavor and are often a favorite among kids and adults alike. They can be grown year-round and are quite resilient.
- Growth Time: Pea microgreens are ready to harvest in about 10 to 14 days.
- Tips for Growing: Like sunflower microgreens, soak pea seeds overnight before planting to help speed up the germination process. Peas love cooler temperatures, so if you’re growing them in a warm climate, provide some shade or ensure indoor temperatures stay below 75°F.
How Long Does It Take to Grow Microgreens in Different Mediums?
The growing medium you choose can impact the speed at which your microgreens develop. Let’s explore how the different growing mediums—soil, hydroponics, and coconut coir—can affect growth times.
Growing Microgreens in Soil
Soil is one of the most common and beginner-friendly mediums for growing microgreens. It provides natural nutrients, and plants tend to grow more robustly in soil.
- Growth Time: In soil, microgreens typically take about 7 to 14 days to grow, depending on the type.
- Tips for Growing in Soil: Ensure good drainage to prevent mold growth, and water lightly from the bottom if possible. Soil tends to retain moisture well, so be careful not to overwater.
Growing Microgreens in Hydroponics
Hydroponic systems are a soilless growing method where plants get their nutrients from a water-based solution. This method is often cleaner and can speed up growth.
- Growth Time: Hydroponic-grown microgreens often grow faster, usually taking 5 to 10 days.
- Tips for Hydroponic Growing: Ensure that your water is properly balanced with nutrients, and keep an eye on the water level to avoid drying out or oversaturating your plants.
Growing Microgreens in Coconut Coir
Coconut coir, made from coconut husks, is a popular growing medium due to its sustainability and water retention properties. It’s a great alternative to soil.
- Growth Time: Microgreens grown in coconut coir typically take around 7 to 10 days.
- Tips for Growing in Coconut Coir: Coconut coir needs to be kept moist, but make sure not to let it get too waterlogged. It doesn’t provide any nutrients, so if you’re growing microgreens for longer than a couple of weeks, consider adding some nutrients to your watering routine.
Maximizing Microgreens Growth for Your Business
If you’re growing microgreens to sell, it’s important to get your timing right. Faster growth means more harvests, and more harvests mean more sales. Here are some tips for speeding up the growth of your microgreens while maintaining quality:
1. Optimize Light and Temperature
- Keep your microgreens under grow lights for 12 to 16 hours a day.
- Maintain a temperature of 60-70°F for most microgreens. For cooler varieties like peas, aim for 50-65°F.
2. Use a Fan for Air Circulation
Good airflow reduces the risk of mold and encourages strong growth. Place a fan near your growing area, especially if you’re growing indoors.
3. Harvest at the Right Time
Timing your harvest is essential. If you wait too long, the flavor can change, or the plants may become leggy. Keep a close eye on your microgreens and harvest as soon as they reach the ideal size (usually around 1 to 3 inches tall, depending on the variety).
4. Experiment with Growing Mediums
Try different growing mediums to see which works best for your setup and microgreens variety. Some microgreens grow faster in hydroponics, while others may thrive in soil or coconut coir.
5. Soak Seeds Before Planting
As mentioned earlier, soaking seeds like sunflower and pea before planting speeds up germination and ensures more even growth.
Common Questions About Microgreens Growth Times
Here are some frequently asked questions that might come up as you plan your microgreens journey.
Q: Can I speed up the growth of all microgreens?
A: While you can optimize growing conditions to encourage faster growth, each type of microgreen has its natural growth cycle. Be patient and don’t rush the process too much, or you might compromise on quality.
Q: Can I grow microgreens year-round?
A: Yes! Microgreens can be grown indoors year-round as long as you provide the right light, temperature, and moisture conditions.
Q: What’s the easiest microgreen to start with?
A: Radish and broccoli microgreens are some of the easiest and fastest to grow, making them perfect for beginners.
Q: Do I need special equipment to grow microgreens?
A: While grow lights, trays, and hydroponic systems can help, you can get started with just a shallow container, soil, and seeds. As you grow, investing in equipment like fans and grow lights will improve your yields.
Conclusion
Growing microgreens is a rewarding and relatively easy way to produce fresh, nutritious greens in a short amount of time. Understanding the growth times of different microgreens and optimizing your growing conditions can help you harvest more often, whether you’re growing for personal use or running a microgreens business.
As you continue to grow, keep experimenting with different varieties, mediums, and methods to find what works best for you. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be able to maximize your yields and enjoy a successful microgreens business.
