🍈 Grow Guide: Unique & Subtle Cantaloupe Microgreens

Cantaloupe microgreens are a surprising treat! Unlike the spicy brassicas, these offer a mild, subtle flavor reminiscent of cucumber or a light melon. They require a bit more heat and patience to germinate, but the unique result is well worth the effort.

Here is your step-by-step guide to growing a Farmer You Kitchen Kit of these specialty microgreens.

Step 1: Prep & Sow

Data Point	Cantaloupe
Seed Weight per Kitchen Kit	15 Grams
Needs Pre-Soak?	Yes (6–12 hours)
Optimal Germination Temp	75-90 degrees F

1. Soak the Seeds: Cantaloupe seeds have a hard shell and must be pre-soaked to encourage uniform germination. Place 15 grams of seeds in a jar of cool water and let them soak for 6–12 hours.

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

3. Sow the Seeds: Evenly broadcast the soaked seeds across the surface of the pad. Due to their size, you can spread them slightly less densely than smaller seeds.

4. Mist: Lightly mist the seeds to ensure good contact with the pad.

Step 2: Blackout & Weighting (Heat is Key!)

Data Point	Cantaloupe
Weighted Days	2–3
Blackout Days	3–5
Notes on Germination	Germination can be erratic; keep heat consistent.

1. Apply Heat: Place your tray on a seedling heat mat. Cantaloupe needs significant warmth to germinate quickly and consistently, ideally between 75 and 90 degrees F

2. 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.

3. Continue Blackout (Days 3–5): After removing the weight, keep the trays stacked or covered in the dark for another 1–2 days, keeping the heat mat on. The total blackout period is typically 3–5 days.

4. Be Patient: Germination can sometimes be erratic (not all seeds sprout at the same time). Maintaining consistent, warm temperature is the best way to encourage uniformity.

Step 3: Grow & Water

Data Point	Cantaloupe
Other Tips	Unique flavor, less common microgreen. Needs warmer temps.

1. Introduce Light: Once the seedlings are standing up and about 1-2 inches tall, move them under bright grow lights or into a sunny spot. Remove the heat mat at this stage unless your ambient temperature is very cool.

2. Watering: Switch to bottom watering. Pour water in along the sides of the tray and let the growing medium wick the moisture up.

3. Monitor: Because they are a warm-weather crop, ensure the growing environment is not excessively humid, as this can lead to mold issues. Good airflow is recommended.

Step 4: Harvest

Data Point	Cantaloupe
Days Until Harvest	10–16

1. Timing: Your Cantaloupe microgreens will be ready in 10–16 days.

2. Look for Cotyledons: Harvest when the cotyledons (the first pair of leaves) are fully open and vibrant green. The true leaves will start to emerge, but the best flavor comes from harvesting before the true leaves dominate.

3. Cut: Use a sharp knife or clean scissors to harvest the microgreens by cutting 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 refreshing, mild taste of your unique Cantaloupe microgreens!