Micro Farm LabMicrogreens
Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica
Broccoli is the most scientifically studied microgreen: it contains sulforaphane, a compound backed by dozens of studies, at a concentration 10 to 100 times higher than in mature broccoli (Fahey et al., 1997).
- Harvest
- Harvest: 7–10 days
- Temperature
- Temperature: 64–73 °F (18–23 °C)
- Seed per tray
- Seed per tray: 15–20 g (0.5–0.7 oz) / tray
- Difficulty
- Difficulty: Easy
Quick step-by-step
Prepare the tray
Use a 20×40 cm (8×16 in) tray with 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) of growing medium.
Sow without soaking
No presoak needed. Spread 15–20 g (about 0.5–0.7 oz) of seed per tray.
Mist until germination
Mist lightly 1 to 2 times a day until it germinates.
Give it indirect light
Then give it 12 hours of indirect light or a grow light, at 18–23 °C (64–73 °F). Direct light can scorch it.
Switch to bottom watering
Once germinated, water moderately from the base.
Harvest before the true leaf
Cut once the cotyledons are fully open, between day 7 and 9. Don't wait for the true leaf: sulforaphane content drops.
Common mistakes
Overdoing the moisture
It's very prone to mold with excess moisture and poor airflow.
Cooking it
Heat destroys sulforaphane (the myrosinase enzyme). Always eat it raw.
Freezing it raw
Don't freeze it before eating.
Videos
Guide in progress
We're working on the full guide for this crop. Leave your email and we'll let you know when it's ready.
