How soon can you harvest microgreens?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Timing your microgreen harvest varies widely by seed type but on average generally, harvest approximately 5-14 days after planting. For fast-growing varieties such as radish, they are ready to harvest in roughly 5-7 days. For slower varieties, like arugula, are ready in roughly 12-14 days. I use two things to time my harvest: true leaves visible and stem height at 2-4 inches. When they reach this point the microgreens will have the best flavor and nutrition, and cutting them at this stage will maximize flavor and nutrition.
Fast-Growing Varieties
- Radish: 5-7 days with bright green cotyledons
- Broccoli: 6-8 days when first true leaves emerge
- Kale: 7-9 days at 2-3 inch height
Moderate-Growth Varieties
- Sunflower: 8-10 days with split seed hulls
- Pea shoots: 10-12 days showing tendrils
- Beet: 11-13 days with red-veined leaves
Slow-Growing Varieties
- Arugula: 12-14 days with serrated true leaves
- Basil: 14-16 days developing aroma
- Chard: 15-18 days for full color development
Environmental conditions have a profound effect on growth rates. The most important environmental condition to consider is temperature, as most varieties perform best around 70°F. Growers should also consider that cooler environments, around 60°F, will add 2-4 days to their harvest. The number of hours of lighting also plays a role, as plants that receive less than 16 hours of light will mature faster than those receiving 12 hours of light. My winter harvests always take longer than summer batches.
The harvesting process starts with cutting in the morning when the plants are more hydrated, so it's best to use sterilized scissors to make clean cuts as close to soil level as possible. Depending on the regrowing variety, such as pea shoots, I cut back to half an inch of stem. I prefer to harvest when the plants are before watering, to avoid soil getting splattered on greens. This keeps the greens clean and extends their shelf life for storage.
Monitor the daily growth using simple measuring materials. I take photos of trays next to a measuring stick to ensure accurate height tracking. I create harvest calendars listing when varieties are ready to harvest. Consistent timing ensures peak nutritional density and prevents greens from becoming bitter due to overgrowth.
Read the full article: How to Grow Microgreens Indoors at Home
