Some varieties require pre-soaking in order to soften the tough outer coating and increase germination rate; other varieties tend to thrive more rapidly and uniformly without pre-soaking.
Sow the seeds thickly into plant punnets or old, clean berry punnets filled with seed-starting mix, keeping the container covered and misting lightly once or twice daily.
How to Grow Marigold Microgreens Indoors
Marigold microgreens are an easy and delicious way to add vibrant hues and healthy nutrients to your meals. These young edible sprouts boast zesty lemony, peppery, and slightly flowery flavors and require little maintenance for cultivation in your own home. Marigolds contain essential vitamins such as A, C and Zinc that promote eye health as well as boost immune systems – plus their natural pesticide tansy acts against mosquitoes and slugs!
Growing marigold microgreens in various containers is possible, though we recommend fast-draining potting soil with drainage holes for maximum effectiveness. This will prevent overwatering which can lead to root rot and reduce lifespan significantly. You should water marigolds daily using just enough to keep their soil moist.
On average, microgreens typically take two to three weeks to reach full maturity and begin producing seeds. Germination times may differ depending on your climate and seasonal conditions.
If you are growing varieties that produce flowers, sow seeds in early spring for blooming by late summer. Or you can sow outdoors late spring or summer if possible but first let the plant acclimate indoors before moving them outdoors.
When harvesting marigold microgreens, take care to cut them an eighth inch above the soil’s surface and ensure you remove any extra seeds which have fallen into your tray as these could quickly spoil.
Once harvested, store marigold microgreens in a dark place that’s both cool and dry. To extend their shelf life further, place them in a paper towel before placing them into their storage container or bag; the paper towel will absorb any extra moisture that might build up and extend their freshness for longer. Marigold microgreens make great additions to salads, sandwiches, soups and other dishes while they can also make great garnishes!
Sowing Seeds
Microgreen seeds typically come in small packets, while many dried vegetables and legumes also can be grown as shoots or microgreens – including peas, fava beans, coriander, dill and fennel. Most seeds germinate well provided conditions are not too damp; soil must also be well-drained with plenty of organic matter for germination to take place effectively and any disease concerns eliminated prior to planting.
As the first step of creating marigold microgreens, select an appropriate container. This could be anything from a tray or plastic tote to a berry bag or egg carton – as long as there are holes for drainage in its base. Once full of soil and seeds have been scattered evenly into their locations, use either a germination dome or paper towel as protection from direct light before lightly misting each day until your seeds germinate.
Once the seeds have sprouted, remove the germination dome or paper towel and place your tray under direct light to continue their development. When greens have two true leaves each they can be harvested by cutting just above soil level or pulling whole seedlings out and washing gently with filtered water before harvesting to protect their flavor from wilting or losing texture. Early harvesting helps avoid this fate.
Growing microgreens at home is an easy and fun way to add nutrition and color to your meals, whether salads, sandwiches and wraps, soups or stir fries! Microgreens add vibrant hues as well as flavor and texture – plus you’ll have fresh homegrown greens year round! Marigold microgreens provide essential sources of Vitamin A which aids vision health while fighting infections; Vitamin C which supports immunity; as well as B1, B6 and K vitamins which support organ health in the body.
Watering
Marigold microgreens should be kept moist but not saturated, and require adequate light – but not too much that it scorches or burns them. They can be grown indoors on window sills or outdoors in direct sunlight; indoor growing gives more control and predictability over their growing cycle; for optimal results they should be kept between 65-70 degrees.
Watering microgreens should preferably be performed using a mister, to avoid disturbing their delicate seeds, although spray bottles are also an option. Misting often enough will ensure even soil moisture distribution – too much moisture could lead to mold growth while too little can lead to seedling wilt or die off altogether.
Soil that is too moist can also pose problems, as microgreen roots require adequate air circulation to thrive. Too much moisture in the soil could also lead to root rot, killing off microgreens altogether. For optimal success with microgreens it is essential that good quality seed raising mixes be used that can retain moisture while providing nutrients as well as soak seeds for several hours or overnight before sowing in order for faster germination of seeds.
Once seeds have begun sprouting, it is vitally important that they receive regular misting to promote rapid and healthy development. Without misting they may become spindly and leggy without reaching as big an eventual harvest with as many leaves.
Seedlings should be treated with a mild herbicide if there are pest issues. Organic insecticides like Safer’s(r) Bait or diatomaceous earth may also help control soft-bodied insects like cabbage moths and carrot maggots.
Once microgreens have developed their initial set of true leaves, they should be transferred to a tray or container filled with potting soil and sifted before adding seeds; this ensures they won’t become packed too densely and their seedlings have room to develop. Once placed outdoors in direct sunlight, however, misting with water periodically to maintain soil moisture and encourage rapid growth is recommended for optimal success.
Harvesting
To harvest microgreens, carefully lift them out of their tray and trim their stems to an eighth inch above the dirt, using either a sharp knife or scissors. Avoid getting the microgreens wet after harvesting as this can shorten their lifespan significantly. For long-term storage purposes, place them gently onto a paper towel first before placing into storage containers – this will absorb any excess moisture and keep them looking their best longer!
Attain the Maximum Efficiency When Sowing Seeds
Planting seeds at the optimal time of month is key for fast germination and rapid growth of seeds. Certain varieties require warm temperatures while others thrive under cooler conditions. When seeded at this optimal moment in time of month, your seeds will swell and absorb more water efficiently, increasing growth rate and quality overall.
Light is key to the success of microgreens. Without enough sunlight, seedlings won’t be able to photosynthesize properly and may become leggy and spindly. Ideal lighting conditions for your jars is indirect sunlight without direct exposure; fluorescent lamps and incandescent bulbs may also work.
Keep Your Seed Variety in Mind
There are countless varieties of microgreen seeds, each growing differently. Some might produce short and straight plants like basil or rocket; others might produce tall or curly sprouts similar to pea shoots and buckwheat. When selecting which variety would work best in your region.
If you’re planting microgreens in a pot or garden bed, start them as seedlings by taking extra precaution to prevent transplant shock, which could otherwise result in weak, spindly seedlings which won’t reach their full potential. Once established, it should be straightforward to transfer them to larger containers for cultivation.
How to Grow & Use Edible Marigold Microgreens
