Master the Art of Growing Radish Microgreens: A Comprehensive Guide

How to grow radish microgreens

Welcome, aspiring microgreen gardener! You're here because you want to learn how to grow radish microgreens, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Brief overview of radish microgreens and their cultivation

Radish microgreens are a nutrient-packed, versatile addition to your meals. They're easy to grow and add a delightful peppery flavor to your dishes. Let's dive into the world of growing radish microgreens!

Getting Started with Radish Microgreens

Choosing the right radish seeds for microgreens

To start, you'll need high-quality radish seeds. Look for seeds specifically labeled for microgreen cultivation or opt for untreated, organic seeds to ensure a healthy, chemical-free harvest.

There are a lot of different types of radishes out there. When we were formulating our radish mix for our microgreen supplements, we tried out over 20 different varieties! While our mix is a closely held secret, I can give you a hint, try daikon. It has great flavor, a beautiful color, and is very resistant to mold and plant diseases.

How many radish seeds for microgreens?

When it comes to planting radish seeds, you'll want a dense, even coverage. Aim for about 1 ounce of seeds per 10x20-inch tray. This will provide enough room for the microgreens to grow without overcrowding.

Can you use regular potting soil for microgreens?

Yes, you can use regular potting soil for microgreens, but it's best to choose a soil mix designed for seed starting or microgreens. These mixes are typically lighter and allow for better drainage and air circulation, which promotes healthy root growth. At Revogreen we use the best soil we can get our hands on. We make sure it has living probiotic cultures and living mycelial networks. These make all the difference in flavor, nutrient density, and nutraceutical properties. 

Check Out our  "Are Radish Microgreens Healthy" Article

Curious about the health benefits of radish microgreens? Check out our in-depth article on why these tiny greens pack a nutritional punch.

How to Grow Microgreens

Planting radish microgreens

To plant radish microgreens, evenly spread your seeds over the prepared soil or growing medium in your tray. Gently press the seeds into the soil, ensuring good contact. You don't need to cover them with soil, but you can sprinkle a very thin layer on top if you prefer. Lightly mist the seeds with water and cover the tray with a humidity dome or another tray to retain moisture during germination.

Growing radish microgreens

Keep your seeds in a warm, dark place for 3-4 days as they germinate. Once sprouted, remove the cover and place the tray in a well-lit area, either under grow lights or near a sunny window. Make sure to water your microgreens daily and rotate the tray as needed to ensure even growth.

How to grow daikon radish microgreens

Growing daikon radish microgreens is similar to other radish microgreens. Follow the same planting and growing steps, ensuring that you use daikon radish seeds specifically. Daikon radish microgreens have a slightly milder taste than other radish varieties, making them a great addition to salads and other dishes.

How do you grow radish microgreens without soil?

Growing radish microgreens without soil is entirely possible! You can use alternative mediums like coconut coir, vermiculite, or even hydroponic systems. The process is similar to growing in soil: spread seeds evenly, provide moisture and light, and maintain proper air circulation. Note that some growers find that soilless mediums produce slightly milder-tasting microgreens, but we think mild-tasting microgreens suck! Intense flavor is one of the indicators of high nutrient density, and medicinal properties. 

At Revogreen, we tried all the methods above, but we found that using high-quality soil with living probiotic cultures and living mycelial networks gives you the best quality microgreen.

Check Out our  "Benefits of Radish Microgreens" Article

Discover the amazing health benefits and uses of radish microgreens in our comprehensive guide. We delve into their nutritional content, medicinal properties, and more!

Radish Microgreens Harvest Time

How long does it take to grow radish microgreens?

Radish microgreens typically take between 7-10 days to grow from seed to harvest. The exact time depends on the variety, growing conditions, and your personal taste preferences. Keep an eye on your microgreens' growth and taste test them to determine the optimal harvest time.

How do you know when radish microgreens are ready?

Radish microgreens are ready to harvest when they reach about 2-3 inches tall. The microgreens should look vibrant, and the stems should be sturdy.

A good indicator of when to harvest is when the true leaf just starts to sprout. What is the true leaf? When your microgreen starts to grow, you see 2 rounded leaves called cotyledon leaves. They’re like baby leaves. The 3rd leaf that sprouts is the true leaf, and it will sprout from between the 2 cotyledons. Right when you see it start to sprout, harvest your microgreens! If your micros have a bitter flavor, then you know you harvested too late.

Check Out our  "When to Harvest Radish Microgreens" Article

Learn more about the best time to harvest radish microgreens, how to identify the signs of readiness, and tips for a successful harvest in our in-depth guide.

Caring for Radish Microgreens

Do radishes make good microgreens?

Absolutely! Radish microgreens are not only easy to grow, but they also pack a flavorful, peppery punch that adds a delicious kick to salads, sandwiches, and more. They're rich in nutrients and offer numerous health benefits, making them an excellent choice for your microgreens garden.

Are radish microgreens easy to grow?

Yes, radish microgreens are relatively easy to grow. They're a great choice for beginners due to their quick germination and growth, as well as their adaptability to various growing mediums and conditions. With proper care, you'll enjoy a successful harvest.

Why are my radish microgreens falling over?

Radish microgreens might fall over due to a few reasons, such as insufficient light, overcrowding, or overwatering. Make sure your microgreens receive enough light by placing them near a sunny window or under grow lights. Prevent overcrowding by evenly spacing seeds during planting, and avoid overwatering by using a spray bottle to mist them daily rather than drenching the soil. If you don’t mind spending some extra money check out using flood trays.

Check Out our  "Daikon Radish Microgreens Nutrition" Article

Explore the nutritional content of daikon radish microgreens and discover how they differ from other radish varieties in our detailed guide.

Regrowing and Continual Harvesting

Do radish microgreens regrow after cutting?

Radish microgreens generally do not regrow after cutting. They’ll have used up all their nutrients when they first sprouted. Once you harvest the microgreens by snipping them above the soil line, they usually won't produce new leaves. It's best to plant a new batch of seeds for a continuous supply of fresh radish microgreens.

How many times do microgreens regrow?

Most microgreens, including radish, don't regrow after the initial harvest. However, some varieties like pea shoots and wheatgrass can regrow multiple times if you leave some of the plant intact when harvesting. For most microgreens, it's a one-time harvest.

What happens if you let microgreens keep growing?

If you let microgreens continue growing past their optimal harvest time, they'll start to lose some of their nutrient density and vibrant flavors. The plants will eventually grow into their mature form, with larger leaves and a more developed root system. While you can still eat them at this stage, they won't have the same concentrated nutrients and taste that make microgreens so appealing. It's best to harvest microgreens at their peak and plant new seeds for a continuous supply. One way to know if you waited too long is that they will have a bitter flavor.

Radish Microgreens Seeds

Sourcing and storing radish microgreens seeds

When sourcing radish microgreens seeds, look for a reputable supplier that offers untreated, non-GMO seeds specifically intended for microgreens cultivation. This ensures a higher germination rate and better growth. Store your seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place, like a pantry or airtight container, to maintain their viability and quality over time.

Check Out our "How to Use Radish Microgreens" Article

For inspiration on how to incorporate radish microgreens into your meals, check out our How to Use Radish Microgreens page. You'll find creative ideas and delicious recipes to make the most of your homegrown harvest.

Some Final Thoughts

Recap of the process of growing radish microgreens

In this guide, we've covered everything you need to know to successfully grow radish microgreens at home. From choosing the right seeds and planting medium to proper care and harvesting techniques, you're now equipped with the knowledge to cultivate these nutrient-dense greens for yourself and your loved ones.

For more information on radish microgreens, their benefits, and how to grow and use them, explore our other radish-related articles:

1. "Are Radish Microgreens Healthy"
2. "Benefits of Radish Microgreens"
3. "Daikon Radish Microgreens Nutrition"
4. "How to Use Radish Microgreens"
5. “When to Harvest Radish Microgreens”
6. “Relieve Allergies with Radish Microgreens”

Dive deeper into the world of radish microgreens and enhance your culinary skills and health with these versatile, nutrient-packed greens.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Coauthors

Beata Lerman PhD: I am a biochemist and an Immunologist with a passion for improving health in the most effective ways possible. I have been in many roles over my 23-year biomedical research career from academic Research and Drug Development to industry consulting and Medical affairs. I strive to bring you the most evidence-based and reliable educational content to put you back in charge of your health. Find me on LinkedIn, and try some of my gourmet, sugar-free chocolates at Sinless Treats.

Droo Higgins: I’m an educational writer and strategist. I worked in the fields of public and corporate education as a content developer, trainer, and consultant for the past 12 years. I’m also an advocate for the health benefits of microgreens, as I’ve seen them work firsthand. Find me on LinkedIn.