A small serving of broccoli microgreens is full of beneficial nutrients and vitamins, and they’re considered by many to be a superfood.
You can eat broccoli microgreens in the same way as full-grown broccoli but they’re not as bitter. Try using them to add visual appeal, flavor and a crunchy texture to any dish.
Broccoli is one of the best ways to grow microgreens. Not only are they easy to grow, but they are also jam-packed full of healthy nutrients.
Enjoy a burst of flavor and nutrition in just 1-2 weeks! Growing broccoli microgreens at home is surprisingly quick and easy. Unlike mature broccoli plants that take months, these tiny powerhouses are harvested just days after sprouting.
In this article, you’ll discover what broccoli microgreens are, the health benefits of growing broccoli microgreens. We will also look at the solutions to some of the common problems that beginners encounter.
Quick Information about Broccoli Microgreens
Flavor: | Earthy, mild broccoli taste |
Soak: | No |
Rinse/Drain: | No |
Germination: | 2 days – 3 days |
Ideal Harvest: | 1-2 weeks |
What you'll need to Grow Broccoli Microgreens:
Seeds: Any broccoli variety works for microgreens! Choose organic seeds from a reputable brand. We recommend Now Foods and Organo republic.
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Containers: Use shallow trays (at least 2) with drainage holes. These allow excess water to drain, preventing rot.
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Growing medium: Opt for a fine-grained, seed-starting mix or coconut coir. These provide good drainage and are easy for tiny roots to grow through.
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Light: Invest in a grow light, like the Agrobrite T5, to give your microgreens the light they need to thrive indoors.
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Watering: Use a misting bottle for gentle watering in the early stages. You'll also need a shallow dish or container larger than your growing tray for bottom watering.
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Heating mat (optional): This can help speed up germination, especially in cooler climates.
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Our Products:
If you're residing in Philippines, Singapore or Malaysia and are looking for a one-stop-shop for all your needs to grow microgreens, here's a link to our store.
Tips:
While not all broccoli seeds need to be labeled specifically for microgreens, using organic seeds is recommended.
The containers need drainage holes and should be shallow because microgreens have shallow root systems.
Seed starting mix or coconut coir are preferred due to their fine texture and good drainage.
Soaking
Broccoli seeds are small, so they don’t need much help breaking open. Soaking isn’t necessary to soften that outer seed hull. Instead, you can skip to the next step of growing broccoli microgreens at home.
Planting Broccoli Microgreens
Growing microgreens requires deviating from traditional gardening methods. Before you plant, fill your microgreen tray to just below the brim with soil or your preffered grow medium. Then, spread the seeds as evenly as possible across the entire surface.
Microgreens are pretty small, so you need a lot to get a decent-sized harvest. Don’t cover up the seeds – they’ll be just fine laying on top.
Give the seeds a good misting of water, being careful not to scatter them. Then, place the second tray on top of the first – essentially tucking them in. For the next couple of days, the seeds will use the water and darkness to germinate.
If you want to speed up the process, place a seed mat under the tray. This will raise the temperature and help the seeds grow faster. Without the mat, the temperature should be at least 70° F.
Growing
For the days after germination, we’re going to focus on giving the broccoli sprouts plenty of water to grow. Fill your watering dish and place the tray on top. After the soil has taken its fill of water, remove the tray so the broccoli sprouts don’t get waterlogged and allow excess moisture to drain out. Water this way as often as necessary to keep the soil consistently moist.
When growing broccoli microgreens, don’t mistake the root systems on the sprouts for mold, as they’re just extra fibrous root matter. In time, they’ll settle into the soil and grow your broccoli sprouts. As long as you keep watering from the bottom, you shouldn’t have any problems with bacteria growth.
As the broccoli sprouts grow into microgreens, they’ll push up the tray cover (usually within 7 days). This is your signal to remove the cover and give the broccoli sprouts some much-deserved light. Aim for 16-18 hours of light each day. The broccoli sprouts may be discolored at first but should produce more chlorophyll once they get some sun.
Fertilization
While microgreens can sprout without fertilizer, adding minerals boosts yields. A balanced water-soluble fertilizer with 120-200 ppm optimizes growth, but the ideal concentration depends on your setup.
Microgreens have a short growing cycle, typically 7-24 days. During this intense burst of growth, they rely heavily on readily available nutrients. High-quality growing media often contains some nutrients, but it may not be enough to sustain optimal growth throughout the cycle.
Supplementing with a balanced fertilizer ensures your microgreens have the essential minerals they need to develop strong roots, vibrant colors, and concentrated flavors. Remember, the "less is more" approach applies to microgreen fertilization. Excess nutrients can lead to leggy growth, bitterness, and even salt burn on the delicate leaves.
Recommended Plant Nutrients for Microgreens:
Harvesting
When each microgreen is 2-3 inches tall, they’re ready to harvest (this is anywhere from 7 days to 14 days). This should be before the true leaves grow in, which will drastically affect the flavor. Stop with the water about 12 hours before you plan to harvest (this will help with storage later). Then, grab some scissors and get to work!
Cut the microgreens in bunches just above the soil level. You can harvest them all at once or just take what you’ll use. However, plan to harvest the entire crop before it’s grown too old.
Storing
You’ll get the tastiest results and best nutrition if you eat your fresh harvest right away. Wash the microgreens in cold water, pat them dry, and get cooking! Use them in any food you like, though we don’t recommend microgreen ice cream…
If you harvested them all at once, you’ll have to store the microgreens correctly until you’re ready to eat. Broccoli microgreens store best when they’re dry, which is why we stopped watering before the harvest.
To absorb excess moisture, fold the broccoli microgreens in a paper towel. Then, seal them in a container or bag and keep it in the fridge. The home-grown microgreens stay fresh to eat about 3 days to 4 days.
