🥦 Grow Guide: Classic & Quick Broccoli Microgreens

Broccoli microgreens are the undisputed workhorse of the microgreen world. They are reliable, extremely fast-growing, offer excellent uniformity, and are packed with nutritional value, making them a top choice for both beginners and commercial growers. They have a mild, fresh, and slightly bitter flavor.

Here is your straightforward guide to growing a full Farmer You Kitchen Kit of these essential greens.

Step 1: Prep & Sow

Data Point	Broccoli
Seed Weight per Kitchen Kit	10 Grams
Needs Pre-Soak?	No
Optimal Germination Temp	70 to 75 degrees F

1. Prepare the Tray: Place an 8x8 germination pad in the kitchen kit tray and fully saturate the pad, draining off excess water.

2. Skip the Soak: Broccoli seeds are from the Brassica family and do not require pre-soaking.

3. Sow the Seeds: Evenly broadcast 10 grams of dry seeds across the surface of the growing medium. The density should be medium-high.

4. Mist: Lightly mist the sown seeds to ensure good seed-to-pad contact.

Step 2: Blackout & Weighting

Blackout and weighting is not a necessary step with the Farmer You Kitchen Kit, but it can lead to increased productivity. If you wish to forgo the blackout and weighting, simply place the germination cover over your tray until the seeds have sprouted.

Data Point	Broccoli
Weighted Days	2–3
Blackout Days	2–4
Notes on Germination	Very fast and easy to germinate; excellent uniformity.

1. Apply Weight (Days 1–3): Place a second tray (or some other flat waterproof object) directly on top of the seeds. Place a weight (5 lbs) on the top tray for 2–3 days. This pressure forces the roots down and ensures the famously uniform canopy that broccoli is known for.

2. Continue Blackout (Days 2–4): After removing the weight, keep the trays stacked or covered in a dark spot for a total of 2–4 days until the seedlings are about 1 inch tall. Broccoli is very fast, so monitor closely.

Step 3: Grow & Water

Data Point	Broccoli
Other Tips	One of the fastest microgreens. High nutritional value.

1. Introduce Light: Once the seedlings are standing up and have reached about an inch in height, move them under a bright grow light or into a sunny spot. They will quickly turn a rich, vibrant green.

2. Watering: Switch entirely to bottom watering. Pour water in along the sides of the tray and let the growing medium wick the moisture up. This keeps the dense foliage dry, which is essential for preventing mold.

3. Airflow: Good airflow is always recommended to produce sturdy stems and avoid moisture buildup.

Step 4: Harvest

Data Point	Broccoli
Days Until Harvest	7–10

1. Timing: Broccoli is one of the fastest microgreens, ready for harvest in just 7–10 days!

2. Look for Cotyledons: Harvest when the cotyledons (the first pair of small, heart-shaped leaves) are fully developed and green. Harvest before the tiny true leaves begin to appear.

3. Cut: Use a sharp knife or clean scissors, cutting the shoots just above the root level.

4. With the MagniMoist pad, harvesting is a breeze! Simply hold the pad vertically above a bowl and allow the greens to fall into the bowl as you cut along the stems.

Enjoy the quick harvest and nutritional punch of your Broccoli microgreens!