Radish microgreens happen to be one of the easiest and also, fastest to grow which require very little preparation. Radish microgreens can be harvested in less than 10 days.
They are ideal for new microgreens growers. Radish microgreens acquire 40 times more nutrients per serving compared to a grown radish; a fact which encourages growing them.
Asides from their health benefits, radish microgreens contain flavours equivalent to the grown food.
Red radishes for an example, have a lightly, spicy flavour. These red radishes are also crunchy. To grow radish microgreens:
Materials: Seeds, containers (1 shallow tray with drainage holes and 2 trays without holes), soil, spray bottle, and garden scissors.
Note that you do not have to purchase seeds specifically marked ‘radish microgreens’ as any radish seed can be used.
Also, the microgreens will need to be watered from the bottom of the soil and to do this, it will require a shallow tray having drainage holes for planting and another without holes for watering.
The third tray will serve as a cover. The steps involved in growing radish microgreens include the following:
1) Soaking
Radish microgreens are very easy to grow and so, do not need soaking. Rather than soaking them, you can add them directly to the soil.
Read also: Check Out The Best Radish Companion Plants
2) Planting
To plant your radish microgreens, moisten the soil and fill it to just below the brim of the growing tray.
You can make use of coconut coir in place of soil. Ensure that the soil surface is smooth.
Radish and Daikon radish seeds being somewhat small in size, allows you to fit about 10 seeds per square inch of soil. However, ensure to spread them evenly and afterwards, water them.
For germination, these seeds require complete darkness. Therefore, you need to place a second tray on top and put a small weight on top.
This weight also makes the plant root well in the soil.
Leave the seeds in the dark for about 2 – 3 days until there is a completion of germination.
When the radish microgreens begin to grow into sprouts, they will push up the tray thus, sending a signal that you need to carry out the next step.
Read also: Can You Put Radishes In Compost?
3) Growing
On the third day, remove the cover tray. If the majority of your seeds have grown into sprouts, keep the cover off and begin to use the grow light.
Ensure that your young radish microgreens receive at least 12 hours of light daily.
This will not only help with their growth but also give them a great, green colour.
Within a few days, the small sprouts will grow into spindly, white or red stems with a set of lover cotyledons found on top of them.
After your radish microgreens have sprouted, always water them with a soak from the bottom of the soil as this will help to keep the plants dry and also, prevent soil bacteria growth and damping off.
Proceed to fill your watering tray with few inches of water and then, set the seed tray in it. Allow the soil to soak in the water and afterwards, remove the tray once that is done.
Always check every few days and feel the weight of the tray to make a decision whether there is a need to water the microgreens again or not.
Read also: What time of Year do you Plant Radish?
4) Harvesting
The ideal time to harvest your radish greens is when they are 2 – 3 inches tall which should be seen in a few more days. This stage is the stage just before the true green leaves grow in.
Using your garden scissors, snip the radish microgreens just above the top of the soil. You can harvest your radish microgreens as needed but ensure to harvest all before too long.
You can also harvest all and store them in an airtight container which should then be placed in a fridge.
Conclusion
Radish microgreens are very quick to grow and can be ready for harvest within 7 – 10 days or lesser.
However, note that they do not regrow after cutting and so to get more radish microgreens, plant more seeds instead.
