Growing Microgreens Starter Guide

Radish - Hong Vit - Microgreens Seeds

Growing Hong Vit Radish Microgreen Seeds

Start with a clean 10x20 tray. If you're using soil, fill it nearly to the top with a pre-moistened potting mix. For hydroponic setups, ensure your growing mat fits snugly in the tray. Sprinkle 1 ounce of Hong Vit Radish seeds evenly across the surface. There's no need to cover them with soil; just press them gently into the medium to ensure contact. Cover your tray with another tray or a dark dome to create darkness. This encourages the seeds to sprout.

After 2 to 3 days of blackout, uncover your tray and expose the sprouts to light. A sunny windowsill works, but grow lights are ideal as they provide consistent intensity. Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. A spray bottle works great for this during the early stages. For hydroponics, sow onto a hydrated growing medium. These microgreens aren't too picky but prefer a cooler environment, ideally around 60-70 F (15-21 C). Follow the same instructions as growing on soil and check that your growing medium remains moist throughout the growing process.

The main problem that microgreen growers tend to run into is damping off, a soil-borne fungus that can mean the death of your seedlings. It thrives in wet and poorly ventilated areas, so not over watering and ensuring proper air circulation can be critical. Use a small fan positioned near the trays to keep the air flowing. Also, always use sterile growing mediums, trays, and seeds. Microgreens are growing for such a short amount of time that they do not need fertilizer to thrive.

Benefits of Hong Vit Radish Microgreens

Hong Vit Radish Microgreens are incredibly nutrient-dense. They contain high levels of vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. Vitamin C, for example, is not just an antioxidant; it's essential for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It's involved in many body functions, including the absorption of iron, immune system support, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.

These microgreens are also a good source of essential minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. These minerals play crucial roles in our body, from bone health (calcium, phosphorus) to maintaining a healthy blood pressure (potassium) and immune function (zinc).

Culinary Tips

Once your microgreens reach about 2-3 inches tall, use a sharp pair of scissors or a knife to cut them just above the soil line. Be sure to harvest right before you plan to use them, as they are most flavorful and nutritious when fresh.

Their peppery flavor makes them perfect for adding a zesty touch to salads, sandwiches, and tacos. You can also use them as a garnish on soups and other dishes for an extra bit of flavor and nutrition. To store, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and try to use them within a week for the best taste and texture.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Once the seedlings start to emerge from the soil, place a tray over them as a dome. This will help block light out and encourage longer stem growth for easy harvesting. When the cotyledons develop with a yellow color, remove the covering and expose to light until they green up and are ready for harvesting."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer