Harvesting Microgreens (Part 4 of 4)

Updated

Harvest your Flex Micro microgreens once the true leaves appear, typically within 7 to 14 days from seed. This final part of the series shows you how to cut, store, and compost.

Previous: Uncovering Germinated Microgreens (Part 3 of 4)

Materials Needed (Included in the Microgreen Starter Supply Box)

  • Clean Container or Bowl (for storing microgreens)
  • Scissors or Knife (for harvesting microgreens)

We highly recommend virtually planning and tracking your microgreens in the Flex Micro with the Flex Micro Virtual Manager Tool!

Harvesting the Microgreens

With your microgreens now growing in the Flex Micro, follow the grow guide’s best practices to maintain optimal water, nutrient, and pH levels. Careful monitoring and adjusting will support a faster, healthier harvest. 

Once the true leaf appears, it is time to harvest. This typically happens within 7 to 14 days from seed for most microgreens. The true leaves are mini versions of the plant's mature leaves and they look distinctly different from the simple, smooth leaves (cotyledons) that first emerge from the seed. 

  • Gently lift the microgreen tray out of the Flex Micro tray slot and bring it to your harvest area.
  • Fill the open tray slot with a germinated microgreen tray or a non-perforated microgreen tray.
  • Prepare a clean container or bowl to store your harvested microgreens. 
  • Hold a small bunch of microgreens with one hand. Using a sharp, clean pair of scissors or a knife in your other hand, trim the microgreens at the surface of the microgreen tray.
  • Work your way across the tray, harvesting in sections as needed.
  • Place the cut microgreens directly into your clean bowl or container.

For peak freshness, flavor, and nutrient density use immediately. If not using immediately, store unwashed microgreens in a sealed container in the fridge for best shelf life. When harvesting, keep your container and the microgreens dry to prevent spoilage during storage. 

  • Compost the used grow mat and roots after harvesting.

The grow mats are made from 100% sustainable bamboo fiber and are naturally biodegradable. 

  • Wash and sanitize your tray and tools before the next use.

Your microgreens grow cycle is now complete. Well done! Continue to Post-Harvest Cleaning your Flex Micro for next steps and then begin seeding your next tray.