📍 Quick Answer
From seed to harvest takes 8-15 days for most microgreen varieties, depending on the plant. Day 1: seed soak (some varieties) or direct sow. Days 2-4: germination in dark/blackout phase. Days 5-7: light exposure begins, cotyledons (first leaves) develop. Days 8-12: full light, true microgreen growth. Days 10-15: harvest at peak nutritional density. Then to your fridge same day. Total elapsed time from "this seed is in our hand" to "this microgreen is in your fridge" is 8-15 days.
Customers ask all the time: how long does it take to grow microgreens? Most online answers are vague generalizations. Here is the actual day-by-day timeline at our farm. 📅
The exact timing depends on the variety. Sunflower microgreens take ~10 days. Pea shoots ~12. Broccoli ~10-12. Cilantro ~14-21 (slowest among standard varieties). Cantaloupe microgreens are 8-15 (one of our specialty varieties). The pattern across all of them is similar, here is the framework.
Day 1: Seed Prep + Sowing 🌱
Some varieties get an 8-12 hour seed soak in cool purified water before planting. Sunflower and pea shoots in particular benefit from soaking, it speeds germination and improves yield consistency. Broccoli, radish, mustard, and most others go directly into the soil.
Soil is our peat-free MicroThrive Soil, scooped into 10x20" trays at a uniform depth. Seeds are sown at species-specific density, too dense and you get mold, too sparse and you get poor yield.
Light water spray to settle the seeds. Then into the germination chamber.
Days 2-4: Germination (Blackout Phase) 🌑
Germination happens in the dark, either in a dedicated chamber or with trays stacked under a weighted dark lid. Darkness during germination encourages the seedling to push hard for "the surface" with strong stem growth.
Temperature target: 70-75°F. Humidity: high but not waterlogged. We mist twice a day, no more.
By day 3-4, you can see white root mat at the base and seed coats lifting as the cotyledons push up. This is when we transition to light.
Days 5-7: First Light, Cotyledons Open 🌅
Trays move to grow racks under full-spectrum LED light. We use both natural sunlight when possible and supplemental LED to maintain consistent photoperiod (typically 16 hours on, 8 hours off).
The cotyledons (first set of leaves) open and turn green within 24-48 hours of light exposure. The plants stretch toward the light source in the first days, then settle into more compact growth as they sense the consistent light.
Watering moves to bottom-feed or careful top-watering. The microgreens at this stage need consistent moisture but no standing water.
Days 8-12: True Microgreen Growth 🌿
This is the main growth phase. Cotyledons are fully developed, true leaves may start appearing on faster varieties. Color deepens. Plants reach harvest height (typically 1-3 inches depending on variety).
This is when peak nutritional density develops. Sulforaphane (in broccoli), nitrates (in beet, swiss chard), and other bioactive compounds accumulate during this phase.
Daily watering, light monitoring, and any pest checks. We have not had pest issues because the indoor controlled environment plus our peat-free soil avoid most common pest entry points.
Days 10-15: Harvest Day 🌾
Harvest happens at the peak of bioactive compound concentration. Most varieties hit this window between 10 and 15 days after planting. Some specialty varieties take longer (cilantro, cantaloupe).
Harvest is by hand with food-safe scissors. Cuts are above the soil line. The harvested greens go directly to washing and packaging.
Same-day delivery means the cut-to-customer-fridge time is often under 4 hours.
Order Same-Day-Harvest Microgreens 🌿
From cut to your door in under 4 hours, free across SE Pennsylvania. PA Preferred certified family farm.