Are you a microgreens grower and wondered what happen if you leave after cutting your micro plants roots in soil medium and keepunder sunlight? Will they start their life once again and give you next crop after another week? In this article we will go over below questions:
- Short reminder what are microgreens
- What is the lifespan of microgreens?
- Does microgreens regrow?
- Which exceptional microgreens can be regrown after cutting?
- What happens if you let microgreens keep growing?
- How to regrow pea microgreens after cutting?
- FAQ about microgreens regrowth
We know that it is intriguing topic, so will go straight to the point!
Short reminder what are microgreens
As you are here we assume that you already know what are microgreens and their specific structure. They consist of:
- roots,
- stem,
- cotyledons
- and true leaves.
They are young versions of grown-up vegetables or other plants intended for consumption as:
- garnish,
- toppings,
- ingredients,
- side dishes,
- or as separate dish.
What is the lifespan of microgreens?
To understand the topic of regrowing microgreens, you need to know a bit about how does they live looks like... Microgreens typically have a relatively short lifespan (especially comparing to grown plants) due to their rapid growth and harvesting process. The specific lifespan can vary depending on the type of microgreens, growing conditions, and how they are harvested. On average, microgreens are usually ready for harvest within 1 to 3 weeks after sowing the seeds.
Once harvested, microgreens can be stored for a short period, typically up to 5 to 7 days 9also depends on from variety and way of harvesting), under proper refrigeration. However, their freshness and nutritional value start to decline soon after harvesting. Therefore, it is generally recommended to consume microgreens as soon as possible after harvesting for the best taste and nutritional benefits.
To ensure the longest possible lifespan, it is advisable to grow microgreens at home and harvest them when needed another options are:
- to have a good, available, and elastic supplier,
- to buy microgreens still growing in trays.
This allows you to enjoy the freshest and most nutrient-rich microgreens.
Do microgreens grow back after you cut them? Does microgreens regrow?
The short answer is not clear, and sounds: it depends.
Many growers tried to regrow their microgreens... But all they got was not that they expected. Because of the structure of the microgreens, the type of cultivating and moment of the harvesting, it is impossible to regrow microgreens after cutting microgreens. I want to underline that we are talking only about microgreens- not about mature plant of these varieties. As to every rule, there is exception that exist.
Is that Radish, Red Rambo Microgreens?
Is thatCress Microgreens?
WillBroccolli, Calabrese Micro plants regrow?
Or maybe Sunflower Microgreens will grow one more time after cutting?There is only one answer to it! No! But everywhere where is the rule, there is also exception.So...
Which exceptional microgreens can be regrown after cutting?
Between many various crops you can grow as microgreens, there are few that can be regrown multiple times. Do not listen to the promisers which tells you that Basil, Kale, or Cress will regrow.
Actually, we can confirm only one varietyof microgreens that will regrow. It is pea microgreens.
Why?
Pea plants may be weak but they're determined climbers! They have the specific structure. With the help of tendrils, these resilient green stalks can bravely scale walls or clumsily clasp onto other nearby foliage - all in pursuit of reaching further heights. That is why if you will cut them in the right place they may regrow.
How to regrow pea microgreens after cutting?
Pea microgreensregrow but only under specific conditions, you have to give them best growing conditions and it's not so easy.Pea microgreens have really big seeds, they store so much energy inside, that they can regrow multiple times.
Big seeds =Energy = Substances needed for growth.
What you need to remember for regrowing is:
- When you are cutting the first crop of Pea shoots, you have to cut it in specific way.
- Plants to grow need a little leaf to absorb light and recycle it to energy used later for regrowing the next crop of microgreens.
- When you look at the micro plant of Peas, you can spot the first little leaf on the stem, just over the seed and coming out of it root. You have to cut above it, it allows your microgreens to regrow.
- Then you need to give them timeand humidity.
- A lot of airing will help and prevent mold.
- Even Pea microgreens usually do not need the fertilizer if you plan to regrow them-remember to add it in the beginning.
- Some research says that you need bigger tray for regrowing-we says that it is not influencing for regrowing.
What happens if you let microgreens keep growing?
If you let microgreens keep growing beyond their typical harvesting stage, they will continue to develop and mature into young plants. As they grow, they will produce true leaves, develop stronger stems, and eventually transition into the vegetative stage of growth.
How the flavour will change? The flavor, texture, and appearance of microgreens will change as they mature. They will become less tender and may develop a stronger taste. The vibrant colors that are characteristic of microgreens may also fade as the plants grow older.
Nutritional profile and usage. While some people may choose to let microgreens grow further to harvest them as baby greens or young plants, it's important to note that the longer you let them grow, the less they resemble the delicate and flavorful microgreens typically used in culinary applications. The nutritional profile may also change as the plants mature.
It's recommended to research the specific variety of microgreen you are growing to understand its optimal harvesting stage and flavor profile. Harvesting at the right time ensures the best taste, texture, and nutrient content that are associated with microgreens.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: As we sow them thickly one next to another andharvest microgreens in very young stage of growing, which is desired in micro greening for business, may be a problem with growing bigger plants. Normal plants need has bigger stems, roots, and everything else, what means they need more space.
Microgreens regrowing topic brigs a lot of questions, so let's co over some of them to bring some answers.
FAQ about microgreens regrowth
Can I regrow microgreens?
You can regrow microgreens, but only Pea microgreens. Other microgreens are not regrowers.
How many times I can regrow microgreens?
Microgreens are typically not regrown after the initial harvest. The only microgreens that you can regrow is Pea and You can regrow it only once.
Is regrowing vegetables the same as regrowing microgreens?
Regrowing vegetables, or even grown up plants, is more popular treatment. As may be not easy by itself, it is much easier than regrowing microgreens- because if you know how to do it it is possible.
Which microgreens regrow?
Only Pea Microgreens will regrow, after cutting.
Do you need to wash microgreens after harvesting?
Also, it depends. Microgreens are delicate, and improper handling during washing can damage them. It's important to strike a balance between cleanliness and preserving the integrity of the microgreens. Generally, you should wash everything you will serve to another people or eat by yourself. But.. While washing can be beneficial for some varieties, it may not be suitable or necessary for others.
If you have sourced microgreens from your own garden, or greenhouse or a reliable supplier who follows good agricultural practices, the need for extensive washing may be minimized. High-quality microgreens that are grown in a controlled and hygienic environment are less likely to require extensive washing.
In such cases, you can inspect the microgreens visually and gently remove any visible debris or particles without submerging them in water. In case of pea varieties, for example, you may use a soft brush or a damp cloth to carefully wipe away any dirt or debris.
It's important to consider the specific characteristics of the microgreens variety you are working with. Delicate varieties like amaranth may indeed be more prone to damage during washing. In such cases, it may be advisable to avoid washing altogether or use very gentle methods.
Ultimately, the decision to wash microgreens after harvesting should consider the specific circ*mstances, quality of the source, and the delicate nature of the microgreens themselves. If in doubt, it's always best to consult with the supplier or follow any specific instructions provided.
How long does it take microgreens to fully grow?
The time it takes for microgreens to fully grow depends on the specific variety of microgreens you are growing. Different types of microgreens have different growth rates and maturation times. However, as a general guideline, most microgreens are ready for harvest within 1 to 3 weeks after sowing the seeds. For example: Broccoli total growing time is 9, Sunflower 8 days, Pea need 16 days for total growth.
If you have another experience about regrowing microgreens, let me know in comments or via email: karolina@mpseeds.eu!
Keep growing and good luck,
Caroline
