How Long Does It Take To Grow Microgreens? Your Comprehensive Guide

When you’re looking to add a burst of nutrition and flavor to your meals, microgreens are an absolute game-changer. But one of the most common questions I hear from aspiring home growers is: How long does it take to grow microgreens? It’s a fair question, and thankfully, the answer often delights people because these tiny powerhouses are much quicker to harvest than their mature counterparts.

Like many new growers, I remember checking my trays almost hourly, eagerly anticipating those first green shoots. The good news is, you won’t be waiting long! This guide will dive deep into microgreen growth timelines, what influences them, and how you can ensure a speedy, successful harvest every time.

Microgreens vs. Sprouts: Understanding the Key Differences

Before we get too deep, let’s clear up a common confusion. Many people mix up microgreens and sprouts, and while they’re both young, edible plants, they’re quite different:

• Sprouts: These are germinated seeds, typically grown in water (like a jar) and harvested whole, including the root, seed, and shoot. They’re usually ready within 2-7 days.
• Microgreens: These are young vegetable greens harvested just after their first true leaves have developed. Grown in soil or a growing medium, they require light for photosynthesis, and only the stem and leaves are consumed. Their growth cycle is longer than sprouts but still remarkably fast compared to full-grown vegetables.

What You’ll Need to Get Started (The Basics!)

Before you even sow a seed, here’s a quick checklist of the essentials to begin your microgreen journey:

• Microgreen Seeds: Make sure they’re specifically for microgreens, not regular garden seeds (which are often treated with chemicals).
• Growing Trays: You’ll need shallow trays with drainage holes (for the growing medium) and solid trays to catch any excess water. Standard 10×20 nursery flats work great.
• Growing Medium: A quality organic potting mix, coco coir, or a specialized microgreen mat will provide the perfect base for your seeds.
• Light Source: A sunny windowsill can work for starters, but for consistent, vigorous growth, an LED grow light is ideal.
• Mister/Spray Bottle: Essential for gentle watering without disturbing tiny seeds or young shoots.
• Sharp Scissors or Knife: For clean, efficient harvesting of your delicious greens.

How Long Does It Take To Grow Microgreens? The Quick Answer

Most microgreens are ready to harvest in about 7 to 21 days from the day you plant your seeds. Think of it, fresh, vibrant greens in less than three weeks!

For many popular varieties, you’ll find yourself harvesting in the sweet spot of 10 to 15 days. This quick turnaround makes microgreens an incredibly rewarding crop for busy individuals or anyone eager to enjoy homegrown produce without a long wait.

Typical Growth and Harvest Timelines

While the exact duration varies, here’s a general timeline you can expect:

• Seed Soaking (if applicable): Larger seeds (peas, sunflowers) often need a 6-12 hour soak before planting. This helps kickstart germination.
• Germination (Sprouting): After planting, seeds usually sprout in a dark, humid spot within 2-5 days. Look for tiny white roots!
• Growth to True Leaves: Once germinated, expose them to light. Over the next 5-18 days, your microgreens will develop their first true leaves and grow to harvest height.
• Total Average Time from Seed to Harvest: Combine these stages, and your greens are typically ready in 7-21 days.

Microgreen Growth Timeline by Type: A Detailed Breakdown

The beauty of microgreens is the sheer variety available, each with its own unique flavor, texture, and, yes, growth timeline. Knowing which types grow quickly can help you plan your harvests and keep a continuous supply going.

Fastest Growing Microgreens (5-10 Days)

These varieties are your go-to if you’re looking for almost instant gratification. Perfect for beginners eager to see results quickly!

Moderate Growing Microgreens (10-15 Days)

These offer a fantastic balance of flavor development and a still-reasonable growth time. They are excellent staples for any microgreen grower.

Slower Growing Microgreens (15-30 Days)

These might test your patience a little more, but their unique flavors or characteristics are often worth the wait.

Factors That Influence How Long It Takes To Grow Microgreens

While the tables above give you a solid roadmap, the exact time your microgreens take to grow isn’t set in stone. Several factors can either speed up or slow down their development. Understanding these will give you more control and lead to consistently better harvests.

Seed Type and Quality

It might seem obvious, but the very seeds you choose play a huge role. High-quality seeds with good germination rates from a reputable supplier will almost always grow faster and more uniformly than older, lower-quality seeds. Different species also have inherent growth rates – a radish seed will just naturally sprout and mature quicker than a basil seed, for instance.

Light: Intensity, Duration, and Spectrum (Including Sun Needed for Faster Growth)

Light is food for your microgreens. It’s crucial for photosynthesis, the process that fuels their growth.

• Importance of sufficient light: Aim for at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight or bright artificial light daily. If they don’t get enough light, your microgreens will stretch, becoming “leggy” and pale as they desperately reach for a light source. This weakens them and doesn’t make for good eating.
• For faster growth, aim for 12-16 hours of bright, indirect sunlight or artificial grow light exposure daily. Consistency here is key.
• Recommended light duration: Most microgreens thrive with 12-16 hours of light per day, followed by a period of darkness.
• Light spectrum: While natural sunlight is ideal, if you’re using grow lights, a balance of blue light (promotes leafy growth and deep color) and red light (encourages stem elongation) is best.

Temperature and Humidity: Finding the “Sweet Spot”

Microgreens are a bit like Goldilocks – they want things “just right.”

• Optimal temperature ranges: Most varieties prefer a consistent temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Too cold, and growth will slow to a crawl; too hot, and they might stress, bolt, or become susceptible to disease.
• Humidity levels: During the initial germination phase, high humidity (around 80-90%) is beneficial. However, once sprouts emerge, you want to bring the humidity down to 50-65% to prevent fungal issues like mold.

Growing Medium and Nutrients

While microgreens don’t require much fertilization because they’re harvested so young, a good quality growing medium makes a difference. Whether you choose organic potting soil, coco coir, or a specialized microgreen growing mat, ensure it’s sterile, drains well, and provides a stable base for root development. A rich, well-aerated medium encourages faster, healthier root establishment.

While soil and coco coir are fantastic for beginners, some experienced growers also use hydroponic methods with specialized pads. For now, mastering your chosen medium is key!

Air Circulation

This is often overlooked but incredibly important for preventing problems that can slow down or even ruin your crop. A gentle fan blowing across your trays for a few hours a day can make a huge difference in how quickly and healthily your microgreens develop strong stems.

Pro Tip: I even aim a small USB desk fan at my trays for 2-3 hours daily, it’s simple but effective for stronger stems!

Seed Soaking: Does it Speed Up Growth?

For certain seeds, absolutely! Larger or harder seeds (like peas, sunflowers, or beets) have tougher outer shells that can delay water absorption and germination. A pre-soak of 6-12 hours can significantly soften these shells, allowing them to absorb water faster and germinate more quickly, thus shortening the overall time it takes to grow microgreens. Always follow specific seed packet instructions for soaking.

When Are Your Microgreens Ready to Harvest? Key Indicators

Knowing exactly when to harvest your microgreens is crucial for optimal flavor and nutrition. Harvest too early, and you miss out on peak development; too late, and they can lose their tenderness or develop true leaves that alter their flavor profile.

Identifying True Leaves

This is the most reliable indicator. When a seed first sprouts, it produces “cotyledons”, which are the seed leaves, often uniform in shape regardless of the plant. After these, the plant will develop its “true leaves,” which are miniature versions of the leaves of the mature plant. For example, a radish microgreen’s true leaves will look like tiny radish leaves. Once you see these first true leaves emerging and expanding, your microgreens are generally ready.

Optimal Height for Harvesting

Most microgreens are ready when they reach a height of 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) from the soil line. This can vary a bit depending on the variety. For instance, some pea shoots might be harvested taller, while a tiny basil microgreen could be perfect at a slightly shorter height. You’ll develop an eye for it over time!

Harvesting Techniques: Maximizing Your Yield

• Tools: Use a sharp pair of scissors or a clean, sharp knife.
• Cutting: Use your sharp scissors or knife to snip the microgreens just above the soil line. Aim to leave about a quarter-inch of stem for cleanliness, ensuring you don’t pick up any growing medium or soil particles.
• Can you get a second harvest? Generally, no. Most microgreens are harvested once, as cutting above the cotyledons doesn’t leave enough energy for a vigorous second flush. However, some varieties, like peas, can offer a very small second harvest if you cut higher up the stem.

Troubleshooting Common Growth Issues: Why Are My Microgreens Taking So Long?

It happens to the best of us! Even with the right knowledge, sometimes your microgreens just don’t seem to be growing as fast as you’d hoped. Here are some common culprits and how to fix them.

Leggy or Pale Greens: Insufficient Light

This is probably the most common issue. If your microgreens are tall, thin, and yellowish, they’re “legging out” because they’re desperately trying to find more light.

• Symptoms: Long, weak stems; pale, yellowish leaves.
• Solutions: Move them closer to a light source, increase the duration of light (up to 16 hours), or invest in a dedicated grow light. Sometimes, simply rotating your tray can help.

Mold and Fuzz: Understanding the Difference

New growers often panic when they see white fuzz on their microgreens. It could be mold, but it’s often something perfectly normal: root hairs.

• Root Hairs: These are tiny, fuzzy white strands that grow directly from the roots of your microgreens, often appearing in the first few days of germination. They’re a sign of healthy root development. They usually disappear or become less noticeable as the plants grow.
• Mold: Mold will typically appear as a more consistent, often grayish or bluish, fuzzy patch on the soil surface or even on the leaves. It usually has an unpleasant, musty smell.
• Causes of Mold: Poor air circulation, overwatering, and excessively high humidity are the main culprits.
• Prevention: Ensure good air flow, avoid overwatering (the soil should be moist, not soggy), and maintain appropriate humidity levels after germination.

Slow Germination

If your seeds aren’t sprouting within the expected 2-5 days, something’s off.

• Common causes: Old or non-viable seeds, incorrect temperature (too cold), or insufficient humidity during the initial dark period.
• Solutions: Use fresh, high-quality seeds. Ensure your growing environment is within the optimal temperature range (around 70-75°F / 21-24°C) during germination. Make sure the seeds are consistently moist and covered to create a humid microclimate.

Common Microgreen Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to fall into common pitfalls that can hinder your microgreen growth. Keep these “don’ts” in mind for a smoother experience:

• Don’t Overwater: Soggy soil leads to mold and root rot. Always aim for moist, not soaked, growing medium.
• Don’t Over-Seed: Too many seeds crammed together limit airflow and encourage disease. Follow recommended densities for healthy growth.
• Don’t Harvest Too Late: Microgreens lose tenderness and can change flavor once true leaves are fully developed. Harvest promptly for the best taste and nutrition.
• Don’t Skip Airflow: Stagnant air is mold’s best friend. Proper ventilation is critical for preventing fungal issues.

Tips for Accelerating How Long It Takes To Grow Microgreens

Want to shave a few days off your harvest time? Here are my top tips, gleaned from my trials and errors, to help your microgreens reach maturity faster and healthier.

Choosing the Right Varieties for Speed

As we saw in the charts above, some microgreens are simply designed for speed. If rapid harvests are your priority, stick with fast growers like radish, arugula, mustard, and kale. They’re not only quick but also incredibly forgiving for beginners.

Optimizing Your Growing Environment

This is where you become a microgreen maestro! Consistent optimal conditions are paramount:

• Temperature: Maintain that 65-75°F (18-24°C) range. If your space is cooler, a seedling heat mat can provide the gentle warmth needed for faster germination and growth.
• Light: Provide consistent, bright light for 12-16 hours daily. If natural light is insufficient, invest in an LED grow light. Position it about 6-12 inches above your trays for best results. My Secret Tip: I learned this the hard way after a batch of broccoli microgreens stretched so much they looked like tiny, pale spaghetti. A cheap LED grow light transformed my next crop!
• Air Circulation: Use a small oscillating fan set on a low setting to create a gentle breeze across your trays. This strengthens stems and, crucially, prevents the damp, still air that encourages mold.

Proper Seed Sowing and Care

Even seemingly small details in your planting technique can impact growth speed.

• Even Seed Distribution: Scatter seeds as evenly as possible. Overcrowding can lead to competition for resources and slower, weaker growth. My Secret Tip: For very tiny seeds, I sometimes mix them with a pinch of sand to help spread them more evenly across the tray.
• Appropriate Seed Density: While you want good coverage, don’t just dump seeds. Follow recommended densities for each variety to allow for adequate air flow and individual plant development.
• Maintaining Consistent Moisture: Microgreens need constant moisture, especially during germination and early growth. Use a mister to dampen the surface daily, ensuring the growing medium stays moist but never waterlogged.

Beyond Harvest: Storing and Using Your Fresh Microgreens

Once your microgreens are ready, you’ll want to enjoy them at their peak! After harvesting, gently wash them (if necessary) and pat them dry. Store them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel in the refrigerator. They typically stay fresh for 5-7 days.

These tiny greens are incredibly versatile! Toss them into salads, pile them onto sandwiches or wraps, blend them into smoothies, or sprinkle them over soups, omelets, and roasted vegetables for an instant flavor and nutrient boost.

Want Greens All the Time? Try Succession Planting!

The beauty of microgreens’ fast growth means you don’t have to wait to start your next batch. To enjoy a continuous supply, simply plant a new tray of seeds every 3-7 days. By the time you harvest one tray, another will be just days away from being ready! This simple technique ensures you’ll always have fresh microgreens on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Microgreen Growth Duration