Microgreens are usually the young vegetable greens that are harvested just after the development of cotyledon leaves. It is the question of many farmers that do the microgreens regrow after cutting? The answer to this is that in some cases microgreens regrow. But still there are some exceptions where the microgreens do not regrow.
In many plants the microgreens regrow even after cutting several times. However there are some factors that may affect the regrowth of microgreens. Sometimes it may be that the plant has the ability to regrow but the factors may not allow them to grow again.
Also Read: How to Grow Microgreens Indoors?
How Do Microgreens Grow After cutting?
Now, we know that there are very few microgreens in which regrowth occurs after cutting.
#1 Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the first factor that plays a key role in its regrowth. While cutting, if you leave the lowest leaf, then it can help in regrowth as the lower leaves will facilitate photosynthesis that will further help in regrowth.
Mainly the bottom leaves are more regenerative, and leaving them will increase the chances of survival of the plant. Therefore, one should always leave the lower part during the time of harvesting. Doing this will help the plant to continue photosynthesis and increase the chances of regrowth.
#2 Watering
The next factor that helps in regrowth of microgreens is watering them regularly.
You must take care of watering them from time to time. It is important to water the microgreens on a daily basis otherwise the growth will be hindered.
Also in case a mold is noticed on the soil or on the plant then the air circulation around your plant must be improved.
Even after this, if the mold does not stop growing then a new batch of microgreens has to be started.
To grow the new batch of microgreens don’t use the same container; or clean and disinfect the container properly if you are using the same.
Though we have to water them on a daily basis, we should make sure that we do not over water; else it can lead to problems like fungal diseases.
Also Read: Growing Strawberries in Hanging Baskets & Pots
#3 Right Density of Seeds
Along with these one should also take care that the seeds must not overlap with each other. So, it is important to use the right density of seeds to avoid any problem and to allow the proper growth of microgreens.
The seeds don’t ought to be removed or bear the germination method, the shoots you’ve got cut can merely grow back and be even as nutritious and attractive as the ones you’ve simply eaten.
#4 Soil
Nourishing your soil and keeping it rich can increase the chances of regrowth. If the soil is fertile, it not only increases the chances of regrowth but also the quality of the second and third cutting is good.
One can apply organic fertilizers to the seedlings or add it in the potting soil to increase the fertility of soil.
Also Read: Why Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow?
#5 Containers
Use the containers that are deep, and then filling them with a soil mix and using it for the microgreens helps to improve the chances of regrowth.
Next providing proper drainage as well as proper irrigation also helps in regrowth of microgreens. Lack of oxygen can be a problem and regrowing the plant, therefore providing proper relation would allow them to observe sufficient Oxygen and also prevent the development of moles.
#6 Cell Regeneration
Cell regeneration is the other factor that has the role in regrowth of the microgreens. The plants are made with the potential to restore or heal themselves.
Important Tips to Regrow Microgreens
- It is very easy to grow microgreens. One needs a location that is warm with partial or full sun and a clean disinfected big container or pot. Then next we need a packet of seeds.
- Before continuing further one must read if any special instructions are mentioned on the packet. Now the first step is to take the container and the layer of monsters and potting soil and fill it up to 2 inches. Now flatten the surface of soil gently without compressing it. One can do it by hand or with the help of cardboard.
- Spread these seeds on the top layer of soil and gently press it into the soil with your hand or a piece of cardboard. Now I again add a layer of soil and cover the seeds with it.
- Next, cover the container with a clear lid or plastic wrap. Keep it covered until it starts sprouting. Now when the seeds have sprouted the cover can be removed. 4 hours of direct sunlight is needed by the microgreens everyday.
- Depending upon the variety of seeds of the microgreens, it will be ready for harvesting within 2-3 weeks after plantation.
First of all a set of true leaves will arise on it indicating the time of first harvest. One can cut the greens with the help of scissors.
After the first harvest microgreens grow for one or two more Times however the quality will not be the same as the first harvest. There are very few varieties of microgreens that regrow.
Don’t forget the plants are terribly young after you take your initial harvest, thus they might not survive the shock of losing all their growth so quickly.
Now just wash the microgreens properly with water and then dry them with a paper towel and they are ready to serve in your own way.
Example of the top regrowing microgreen is pea. One can harvest the pea shoots at least three times and that too from the same seed.
However, this cannot be denied that with every single regrowth the nutrients will keep on decreasing and the quality and strength of the cutting also degrades.
If the soil is fertile enough then the quality of it will not be affected that much. Along with fertility of the soil there are some other factors that will affect the quality and quantity of your cutting.
Bottom line:
Personally, we tend to don’t realize it is well worth the effort of attempting to acquire microgreens. It will be a waste to throw out the remains of your plants solely once a few weeks of growing, however the possibilities of obtaining new microgreens square measure low. Rather than abandoning the medium and any leftover seeds, you’ll be able to place it during compost and use it for horticulture.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting