Do Microgreens Regrow After Cutting? All You Need to Know
Microgreens are a delicious and nutritious addition to any dish. They’re also popular with those wanting to grow their home greens.
However, one question often arises: Do microgreens regrow after cutting? Yes, microgreens can regrow after cutting. Depending on the variety, microgreens will usually take 2–3 weeks to regrow.
In this post, we will explore this topic in detail and answer all your questions. Whether you’re a seasoned microgreens grower or just starting, this post will provide you with valuable information about the regrowth process of microgreens.
What Does Microgreen Mean?
Microgreens are young, edible plants harvested at their earliest growth stage, usually within 1–3 weeks after germination. They are grown from seeds in soil or other growing mediums and require minimal space, water, and sunlight to thrive.
Typically, microgreens are packed with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and are considered a healthy addition to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
They come in various varieties, such as sunflower, pea, broccoli, and cabbage microgreens, and can be grown at home or commercially. Harvesting microgreens involves cutting the stems just above the soil line, leaving the roots and soil intact for a chance of regrowth.
Do Microgreens Regrow After Cutting?
Microgreens are young plants harvested when they are only a few weeks old, usually after the first true leaves have appeared. When harvested, microgreens are cut just above the soil line, leaving the roots intact.
Unlike mature plants that can regrow after being harvested, microgreens typically do not regrow after being cut. However, some varieties of microgreens, such as pea shoots, have a higher chance of regrowing after being cut.
To increase the chances of regrowth, some growers leave a small portion of the plant intact when harvesting or they may use a technique called “cut and come again,” which involves cutting only the top portion of the plant and leaving the lower leaves intact.
Proper care, including ample water, nutrients, and sunlight, can also help increase microgreens’ regrowth chances.
Which Microgreens Grow Back After Cutting?
Microgreens are becoming increasingly popular due to their high nutrient content, ease of growing, and versatility in adding flavor and color to meals. Some microgreens can regrow after being cut, providing multiple harvests from the same batch of seeds. Here are some of the microgreens that can regrow after being cut:
Pea Shoots
Pea shoots are one of the most common microgreens that can regrow after cutting. They are easy to grow and provide a sweet and crunchy addition to salads and sandwiches. After cutting the shoots, leave about an inch of the stem, and the leaves will regrow within a week.
Sunflower Microgreens
Sunflower microgreens are another popular option that can regrow after being cut. They have a nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making them a great addition to sandwiches or salad topping. To regrow, leave about an inch of the stem after cutting, and new leaves will grow within a week.
Broccoli Microgreens
Broccoli microgreens are known for their high nutrient content, including vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. They have a mild flavor and can be used in various dishes. After cutting, leave about an inch of the stem, and the leaves will regrow within 1–2 weeks.
Cabbage Microgreens
Cabbage microgreens have a slightly bitter taste and are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. They are commonly used in Asian dishes and can regrow after being cut. Leave about an inch off the stem, and new leaves will sprout within a week.
Basil Microgreens
Basil microgreens are strong and aromatic, making them a great addition to Italian dishes and salads. After cutting, leave about an inch of the stem, and new leaves will regrow within 1–2 weeks.
What Happens If You Don’t Cut Microgreens?
If you don’t cut microgreens, they will continue growing until maturity. This means they will eventually become full-sized plants, just like the ones you would see in a garden. However, allowing microgreens to grow too long can have a few negative outcomes.
Firstly, the microgreens will start competing for nutrients as they grow. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and affect the quality of the plants. Additionally, the plants’ chances of developing pathogens or other issues increase as they grow older.
Besides, if the microgreens are not cut, they will shoot upwards, taking up valuable space in the growing container. This can result in overcrowding and stunted growth, which will reduce the yield of the batch of microgreens.
However, if the microgreens are left to grow for too long, they may become too tough to eat. Microgreens are meant to be tender and delicate and lose their appeal if they become too woody.
Benefits of Cutting Microgreens
Microgreens are harvested just a few weeks after planting, making them a quick and easy way to add nutrients to meals. Here, we’ll explore the benefits of cutting microgreens, from their nutrient content to their space-saving properties.
Nutrient Content
Microgreens are packed with nutrients and are often more concentrated than their mature plant counterparts. Research has shown that microgreens contain higher levels of vitamins and minerals than their mature versions. For example, sunflower microgreens have been found to contain up to 100 times more vitamin E than mature sunflowers. Confused about whether pets can eat microgreens? Then check the content on: Can dogs eat microgreens?
Space-Saving Properties
One of the biggest advantages of growing microgreens is that they can be grown in small spaces. They can be grown indoors on a windowsill or under grow lights, making them a great option for apartment dwellers or those with limited outdoor space. A batch of microgreens can produce many greens in just a few weeks, making them an efficient use of space.
Short Growing Times
Microgreens have a short growing time, usually taking just a few weeks to reach maturity. This quick turnaround time means you can have a continuous supply of fresh greens without waiting for months like you would with a mature plant. This is especially useful for chefs who need a steady supply of fresh produce for their dishes.
How Many Times Can You Cut Microgreens?
Microgreens can be cut multiple times before they reach maturity. The number of times depends on the variety of microgreens, their growth rate, and the environment they are grown in.
Typically, microgreens can be cut two to three times, but some varieties, like sunflower microgreens, can be cut up to five times. To cut microgreens, use clean scissors and cut above the lowest leaf. This will allow the microgreens to regenerate and grow back.
Giving the microgreens enough time to recover before cutting them again is essential, usually two weeks. During this time, water and nutrients support cell regeneration and growth. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy multiple batches of fresh and healthy microgreens from just one batch of seeds.
Can You Overeat Microgreens?
Microgreens are young plants that are harvested after just a few weeks. While they are nutrient-dense and offer numerous health benefits, it is possible to overeat them.
Eating excessive amounts of microgreens can lead to consuming too many nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, which can be harmful in large quantities.
Additionally, overeating microgreens could lead to digestive discomfort or other negative side effects. It’s best to consume microgreens in moderation and incorporate them as part of a balanced diet, such as in salads or garnish.
Final Words
So, the answer to the question “Do microgreens regrow after cutting?” is yes. Microgreens can be harvested multiple times if the parent plants are healthy and well cared for. However, it is best to wait until the plants have reached their full size before cutting for the best yield.
Additionally, allowing the cut microgreens to rest for a few days before harvesting again can help them regrow faster. With proper care and maintenance, microgreens can be harvested multiple times and make a great addition to any garden.