Growing Microgreens Starter Guide

Growing Green Basil Microgreens Seeds

Basil is a slow-growing microgreen. While it can be ready in as little as 12 days, some growers may prefer harvesting as late as 21 days. Because it grows slowly basil is a great microgreen to harvest as needed rather than all at once. To grow, start by preparing your growing medium. While a coconut coir or soil-based medium is the easiest to work with for any microgreen seed, basil also performs well hydroponically. Spread the basil seeds over the surface of your growing media. Do not soak basil seeds as the mucilaginous coat will cause them to stick together. It is best to plant basil seeds while dry. Once in place, mist the seeds.

While covering the seeds with a tray is optional, we find it helps keep the seeds and soil hydrated through germination and blackout period (4-7 days total). Then, lift the tray covering and expose them to light. Over the next several days, they will develop their signature green color and strengthen their upward growth. Water as needed based on your growing environment and the soil or hydroponic growing medium being used. Harvest around days 12-16.

Benefits of Basil Microgreens

Basil is full of nutrients, including Vitamins E, A, K, B6, and C, protein, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, phosphorous, and potassium.

Culinary Tips

Basil microgreens are best used fresh as a garnish or to make basil pesto. Harvest as needed or all at once. Basil microgreens can also be transplanted for growing to maturity.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"To help the seeds take root and maintain good seed-to-soil contact, I recommend nestling a tray on top of the planted seeds through the germination and blackout period once you give the initial watering. This gives them enough time to emerge and push away from the covering tray. Because the tray also helps maintain good moisture levels, additional watering is typically not necessary until the tray is removed. Remember, basil takes longer than other common microgreen seeds to emerge and develop cotyledons. Be patient."

- Ashleigh Smith, True Leaf Market Writer