Broccoli Microgreen Seeds
Grow fresh broccoli microgreens at home in approximately 8–14 days. Broccoli microgreen seeds produce tender green seedlings with a mild brassica flavour and crisp texture. They are easy to grow in shallow trays using soil, coir, hemp growing mats or other suitable microgreen growing media.
Broccoli is one of the most popular microgreen varieties for home growers and commercial microgreen production. The seedlings grow quickly, require relatively little space and can be produced indoors throughout the year with adequate light and ventilation.
Seedmart broccoli microgreen seeds are supplied as untreated seed for growing purposes and are available in packet and bulk quantities for home and commercial growers.
Broccoli Microgreen Seed Details
| Botanical name | Brassica oleracea var. italica |
|---|---|
| Variety | Italian Sprouting Calabrese |
| Seed type | Heirloom and open-pollinated |
| Seed treatment | Untreated |
| Pre-soak | Not required |
| Approximate sowing rate | Approximately 25 g per 10 × 20 inch tray |
| Growing medium | Soil, coir or hemp growing mats |
| Germination | Approximately 3–5 days |
| Typical harvest | Approximately 8–14 days |
| Availability | Retail packets and bulk quantities |
Why Grow Broccoli Microgreens?
- Fast-growing microgreen variety with a relatively short crop cycle.
- Mild, fresh brassica flavour that is easy to use in everyday meals.
- Suitable for growing indoors throughout the year.
- Can be grown on soil, coir or hydroponic hemp growing mats.
- No seed pre-soaking required.
- Untreated heirloom and open-pollinated seed.
- Suitable for home and commercial microgreen production.
- Available in smaller packets and economical bulk quantities.
- Supplied by an Australian-owned seed company.
How to Grow Broccoli Microgreens
Broccoli microgreens are well suited to shallow growing trays and do not require pre-soaking. For a standard 10 × 20 inch microgreen tray, approximately 25 grams of seed provides a useful starting sowing rate. Adjust the quantity according to your tray dimensions and growing conditions.
- Prepare the growing tray.
Add approximately 3–4 cm of moist growing medium to a shallow tray and gently level the surface. Suitable media include quality soil, coir or a purpose-made hemp growing mat. - Sow the broccoli seeds.
Spread the seed as evenly as possible across the surface. Aim for good coverage without allowing the seeds to pile heavily on top of one another. - Mist thoroughly.
Use a spray mister to moisten the seeds and growing surface evenly. - Stack or cover the tray.
Cover with another tray and apply light, even weight during the initial germination period. Keep the trays in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. - Maintain moisture during germination.
Check the crop regularly and water as required to keep the growing medium evenly moist without waterlogging it. Germination commonly takes approximately 3–5 days. - Introduce the seedlings to light.
Once the seedlings are established and pushing upward, remove the covering tray and move them into a position with suitable natural or artificial growing light. - Harvest the microgreens.
Broccoli microgreens are commonly ready to harvest approximately 8–14 days after sowing. Cut the stems cleanly just above the growing medium when they have reached the size and stage you prefer.
What Do Broccoli Microgreens Taste Like?
Broccoli microgreens have a fresh, mild brassica flavour with a subtle peppery character. Their flavour is generally less intense than many mustard or radish microgreens, making broccoli a versatile choice for salads, sandwiches, wraps and garnishes.
Harvested microgreens can also be added to smoothies and other cold dishes. Their tender stems and green seed leaves provide colour, texture and fresh flavour without the stronger taste of mature broccoli.
Broccoli Microgreens and Sulforaphane
Young broccoli plants naturally contain glucosinolates, including glucoraphanin. When broccoli plant tissue is cut or chewed, naturally occurring enzymes can contribute to the formation of sulforaphane.
Broccoli sprouts, microgreens and mature broccoli have all been studied for their naturally occurring plant compounds. The concentrations present can vary considerably according to variety, growing conditions, harvest stage and preparation method.
Broccoli Microgreens vs Broccoli Sprouts
Broccoli microgreens and broccoli sprouts can be produced from broccoli seed, but they are harvested at different stages and are grown using different methods.
| Feature | Broccoli Microgreens | Broccoli Sprouts |
|---|---|---|
| Typical harvest | Approximately 8–14 days | Approximately 3–5 days |
| Growing method | Usually grown in a shallow tray | Usually grown in a jar or sprouter |
| Growing medium | Commonly soil, coir, hemp or another microgreen medium | No soil required |
| Harvested portion | Stems and seed leaves are cut above the growing medium | Young shoot, root and remaining seed are generally harvested together |
Looking for seeds for jar sprouting? View our broccoli sprouting seeds and growing instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do broccoli microgreens take to grow?
Broccoli microgreens are commonly ready for harvest approximately 8–14 days after sowing. Growth rate varies with temperature, light, moisture and other growing conditions.
Do broccoli microgreen seeds need to be soaked?
No. Broccoli microgreen seeds do not normally require pre-soaking before sowing.
How many broccoli seeds should I use in a 10 × 20 tray?
Approximately 25 grams of broccoli microgreen seed per 10 × 20 inch tray provides a useful starting rate. Growers can adjust the density according to their equipment and preferred crop.
Can broccoli microgreens be grown without soil?
Yes. Broccoli microgreens can be grown using suitable soilless media such as coir or purpose-made hemp growing mats. Whatever medium you choose should provide reliable moisture while allowing appropriate drainage and airflow.
Do broccoli microgreens need light?
The seeds do not need light during initial germination. After the covered or stacked germination stage, expose the developing seedlings to suitable natural or artificial growing light so they can develop their green seed leaves.
When should I uncover broccoli microgreens?
Broccoli microgreens are generally uncovered after the initial germination period once the seedlings are established and pushing upward. This commonly occurs within approximately 3–5 days, depending on growing conditions.
When should broccoli microgreens be harvested?
Harvest is commonly around 8–14 days after sowing. Cut the stems just above the growing medium using clean scissors or a suitable harvesting knife.
What do broccoli microgreens taste like?
Broccoli microgreens have a mild, fresh brassica flavour with a subtle peppery character. They are generally milder than strongly flavoured mustard and radish microgreens.
Can broccoli microgreen seeds also be used for sprouts?
Suitable untreated broccoli seed can be grown using different methods. Sprouts are normally produced without a growing medium and harvested much earlier, while microgreens are generally tray-grown and harvested after the stems and seed leaves have developed.
Where can I buy broccoli microgreen seeds in Australia?
Seedmart supplies untreated broccoli microgreen seeds in packet and bulk quantities for home growers, microgreen growers and businesses throughout Australia.
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