The Ultimate Microgreens Growing Guide for Beginners: Master the Basics
- Nathanael Hostetter
- Dec 28, 2025
- 3 min read
A microgreens growing guide for beginners should focus on three critical factors: germination temperature, weighted days, and the blackout period. Most microgreens thrive between 65°F and 75°F. Using "weighted days" (placing weight on the seeds) ensures strong root development, while a "blackout period" (complete darkness) encourages stems to stretch for a uniform harvest.
Why You Need a Microgreens Growing Guide for Beginners
So, you're curious about microgreens? These tiny powerhouses are packed with flavor, but terms like "1020 tray" or "pre-soak" can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the essential categories found in any professional microgreen spreadsheet, turning you into a confident grower.
Key Growing Terms Explained
1. Germination Temperature
The Germination Temperature is the specific warmth seeds need to wake up.
The Sweet Spot: 65°F to 75°F for most greens.
The Heat Lovers: Amaranth and Cantaloupe prefer up to 86°F.
Pro Tip: Use a seedling heat mat to guarantee fast, mold-free sprouting.
2. Weighted Days vs. Blackout Days
This is where most beginners get confused.
Weighted Days: You place a weight (like a brick or another tray) directly on the seeds. This "workout" forces roots deep into the soil and creates thick, strong stems.
Blackout Days: Total darkness mimics being underground. It makes the plants stretch upward.
The Rule: Weighted days are part of your blackout days. If a plant requires 4 blackout days and 2 weighted days, it spends 2 days weighted and 2 days just covered.
3. Seed Weight (The 1020 Standard)
A "1020 tray" is the industry standard (10" x 20"). Our guide provides the exact gram weight for these trays to ensure a lush carpet without overcrowding, which leads to mold.
Below, you will find a helpful cheatsheet to spur you along in your Microgreen growing journey.
Plant | Flavor | Optimal Germination Temperature Range | Days Until Harvest (Approx.) | Seed Weight per Kitchen Grow Kit (Grams) | Seed Weight per 1020 Tray (Grams) | Needs Pre-Soak? | Weighted Days | Blackout Days |
Arugula | Peppery, pungent, spicy | 70F to 75F (21C to 24C) | 10–14 | 10 | 30 | No | 2–3 | 3–5 |
Cabbage | Mild, fresh, slightly peppery/ sweet | 60F to 75F (16C to 24C) | 8–12 | 10 | 30 | No | 2–3 | 3–4 |
Broccoli | Mild, slightly bitter, fresh | 70F to 75F (21C to 24C) | 7–10 | 10 | 30 | No | 2–3 | 2–4 |
Sunflower | Nutty, crunchy, slightly sweet | 72F to 75F (22C to 24C) | 7–12 | 15 | 50 | Yes (4–8 hours) | 1–2 | 2–3 |
Peas (Shoots) | Sweet, fresh, crunchy, "pea" flavor | 60F to 77F (15C to 25C) | 10–20 | 60 | 175 | Yes (8–12 hours) | 2–3 | 3–5 |
Cantaloupe | Mild, subtle melon/ cucumber flavor | 75F to 95F (24C to 35C) - Requires Heat | 10–16 | 15 | 50 | Yes (6–12 hours) | 2–3 | 3–5 |
Radish | Spicy, hot, peppery bite | 70F to 80F (21C to 27C) | 5–8 | 10 | 30 | No | 1 | 1–2 |
Mustard | Pungent, spicy, horseradish-like | 65F to 75F (18C to 24C) | 8–12 | 10 | 30 | No | 2–3 | 3–4 |
Amaranth | Earthy, mild, very visually striking | 70F to 86F (21C to 30C) - Prefers Heat | 14–21 | 7 | 21 | No | 0 | 0 |
Kale | Mild, fresh, slightly cabbage-like | 70F to 75F (21C to 24C) | 8–14 | 10 | 30 | No | 2–3 | 3–4 |
Plant | Notes on Germination | Other Tips |
Arugula | Can be slow to germinate; ensure consistent moisture. | Harvest before true leaves emerge for best flavor. Prone to damping off if overwatered. |
Cabbage | Generally quick and uniform; keep warm and moist. | Great beginner microgreen. High yield potential. |
Broccoli | Very fast and easy to germinate; excellent uniformity. | One of the fastest microgreens. High nutritional value. |
Sunflower | Requires significant soaking; check for and remove hulls at harvest. | Needs good airflow to prevent mold/fungal issues. |
Peas (Shoots) | Soak helps quicken germination; lay thick layer of seeds. | Harvest when 4-6 inches tall. Can often be re-harvested once. |
Cantaloupe | Germination can be erratic; keep heat consistent. | Unique flavor, less common microgreen. Needs warmer temps. |
Radish | Extremely fast; can germinate in less than 24 hours. | Fastest microgreen. Monitor closely to avoid leggy growth. |
Mustard | Similar to Cabbage/Broccoli, quick and easy. | Can be mixed with milder greens for a flavor kick. |
Amaranth | Needs light for germination, but blackout helps uniformity. Very tiny seeds. | Needs to be harvested before it gets too tall/lanky. Can have vibrant red/green colors. |
Kale | Good germination rate; keep consistently moist but not saturated. | Excellent nutritional profile. Good beginner crop. |
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