Beet, Yellow Microgreen Seed

Growing space

Grow under cover, in a greenhouse or on an indoor rack. Each crop has its own germination needs, but the method used for brassica microgreens works for most: fill shallow trays or open flats with potting mix or a soilless medium, scatter the seed densely and evenly (about 1/8–1/4" apart) and press it firmly onto the surface. Cover very lightly with mix or vermiculite, or just use a humidity dome. Seed can be germinated on heat mats, in germination chambers, or on greenhouse benches or floors.

Watering

Water from below or with a fine mist so the mix does not splash onto the seedlings. Keep the medium evenly damp and never let it dry out.

Temperature

Hold the medium at about 75°F (24°C) until the seeds sprout, then drop to around 60°F (16°C). Air temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) suit most crops; above 75°F, disease pressure rises and germination can suffer.

Light

Add grow lights wherever daylight is weak, for example in a greenhouse during the short days of winter.

Feeding

Potting mix with some built-in fertility usually needs only plain water. Use a dilute fertilizer for media with no nutrients of their own, or for slow crops that can use up the available fertility before harvest. Mix fertilizer into the medium before sowing, or feed liquid fertilizer from below so no residue lands on the leaves.

Days to maturity

Depends on the crop, the growing conditions and the size you want. Fast crops are usually ready in 10–15 days and slower ones in 16–25 days.

Disease

Because they are sown so thickly, microgreens are prone to damping-off and other problems linked to still air and waterlogged media. Keep air moving with horizontal fans, use clean media and water, and do not over-sow.

Harvest

Cut when the seed leaves are fully open, or as the first true leaves begin to show, depending on what your buyers want; most microgreens are cut at 1/2–2" tall. Use scissors or a sharp knife and handle the greens as little as possible.

Storage

Properly chilled, microgreens keep about 5–10 days. Wash before serving.

Seeds per lb.

About 25,800 on average.