Growing microgreens and sprouting are two of the easiest, fastest, most nutritious, and most rewarding things you could possibly grow at home. You may need a green thumb to grow fruits and vegetables but not for sprouts!
Beetroot Microgreens
- A mild flavoured microgreen.
- Exceptional red stem colour
- Popular choice with chefs.
- 25 x 50 cm tray yields approx. 220 grams.
How to Grow Beetroot Microgreens:
- Sow rate: 28 – 40 grams for a 25 x 50 cm growing tray.
- Pre-Soak seeds for 6 – 8 hrs
- Grow in soil, and not hydroponic method.
- Add 2 – 3 cm of soil to tray. Flatten soil to level. Moisten soil. Sprinkle seeds evenly over surface.
- Cover seeds with a light layer of soil. This step is important as it helps with dehulling and reduces beet microgreen growing issues.
- Lightly water. Cover seeds with a growing tray. Store in a well ventilated, dark spot to germinate.
- Water 1 – 2 times daily. Keep covered for 6 – 8 days. Remove top tray and expose it to light. Water twice daily.
- Harvest: 10 -14 days. Harvest 1 – 2 cm above the soil.
- (Level of difficulty: Medium).
Beetroot Seed Details:
- Botanical name: Beta vulgaris.
- Non-GMO.
- No chemical treatment.
- Open pollinated variety.
- Seeds per gram: 40 – 60.
Health Benefits of Microgreens and Sprouts
- Incredibly nutrient dense and low in calories. One study found that “some microgreens contain up to 40 times higher levels of vital nutrients than their mature counterparts” [1].
- Makes seeds easier to digest.
- Essential minerals and nutrients contained within the seeds/legumes become more bioavailable after sprouting (i.e. the nutrients become easier for your body to absorb and use).
- Delicious addition to a salad, sandwich, smoothie or other meal. Add a crunch or a peppery zing depending on the type you choose (see a list of different microgreens/sprouts and their tastes here).
What’s the Difference Between Microgreens and Sprouts?
Both microgreens and sprouts are the young shoots of germinated seeds – essentially baby plants. You can grow grains, legumes, nuts and seeds as sprouts or microgreens and people are now fully realising the benefits of eating these young plants.
Sprouts are not grown in soil or other growing medium but rather are germinated with only water, usually in a jar or on a paper towel. They do not need light but require rinsing/misting at least twice per day, are ready to eat in 3-5 days and both the seed and plant are consumed.
Microgreens are grown in soil, a hydroponic growing pad or another growing medium such as cocopeat. They require light, are usually ready to eat in 5-15 days depending on what you’re growing, and are generally cut off above the soil so only the stems and leaves are consumed.
For further information see our article – 5 Ways To Grow Microgreens and Sprouts
How to Store Microgreen and Sprouting Seeds
Store seeds in a cool, dry place (under 10°C) or in an airtight container in the fridge. Do not expose to moisture or direct sunlight, Grains, cereals & pulses should be refrigerated.
*** Due to quarantine restrictions we are unable to send seeds to Tasmania or South Australia***