Broccoli Microgreens
Brassica oleracea
Mildly spicy broccoli flavor. One tablespoon of seed yields approx. 1-1 1/2 cups of sprouts. All of Johnny's high-germination sprouting seeds have tested negative for the presence of E. coli 0157 and Salmonella.
Harvest
7-10d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
6–9
USDA hardiness
Height
10-24 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Broccoli Microgreens in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 microgreen →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Broccoli Microgreens · Zones 6–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 4 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 5 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 6 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 7 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 8 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 9 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 10 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 10 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruits dry and split when ripe.
Color: Brown/Copper, Green. Type: Siliqua. Length: > 3 inches.
Garden value: Edible
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
Edibility: The foliage is edible raw or cooked but when cooked can emit an unpleasant odor.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh broccoli microgreens store best when completely dry after washing. Wrap them loosely in paper towels, then place in a breathable container or perforated plastic bag in your refrigerator's crisper drawer. Properly stored, they maintain peak quality for 5-7 days at 32-38°F.
Unlike mature vegetables, microgreens don't preserve well through traditional methods like freezing or canning, which destroy their delicate texture. However, you can dehydrate them at 95°F for 4-6 hours to create a nutritious powder for smoothies—though you'll lose that fresh, crisp appeal.
For maximum nutrition, use microgreens fresh within 2-3 days of harvest. Their vitamin C content degrades rapidly after cutting. If you notice any yellowing leaves or slimy texture, discard the entire batch as microgreens spoil quickly once deterioration begins.
History & Origin
Broccoli microgreens emerged from the broader microgreen movement that began in the 1980s in upscale California restaurants, where chefs sought intensely flavored garnishes. The concept wasn't entirely new—sprouting has ancient roots—but growing greens specifically for their cotyledon stage was revolutionary.
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) itself originated in the Mediterranean, cultivated from wild cabbage by Italian farmers around 2,000 years ago. However, growing broccoli as microgreens only gained traction in the 1990s when researchers at the University of Maryland discovered that many microgreens contained dramatically higher concentrations of vitamins and antioxidants than their mature counterparts.
The real breakthrough came in 2012 when Dr. Gene Lester's team published research showing broccoli microgreens contained up to 40 times more vitamin E and other nutrients than mature broccoli heads. This scientific validation transformed broccoli microgreens from a chef's novelty into a mainstream superfood, making them one of the most popular varieties for home cultivation today.
Advantages
- +Attracts: The foliage is edible raw or cooked but when cooked can emit an unpleasant odor.
- +Wildlife value: It serves as a host plant for butterflies, moths, flies, sawflies and beetles.
- +Edible: The foliage is edible raw or cooked but when cooked can emit an unpleasant odor.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lettuce
Similar growing conditions and harvest timing, doesn't compete for space
Radish Microgreens
Natural pest deterrent properties help protect brassica family plants
Chives
Repels aphids and other pests that commonly attack brassicas
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects and may improve growth of brassica plants
Spinach
Compatible growing requirements and doesn't compete for nutrients
Arugula Microgreens
Fellow brassica with similar needs, can be grown together efficiently
Mint
Deters flea beetles and ants that can damage young brassica shoots
Pea Shoots
Nitrogen-fixing properties benefit brassica growth
Oregano
Provides natural fungicidal properties and pest deterrence
Keep Apart
Strawberry Plants
Can harbor pests and diseases that transfer to brassica microgreens
Tomato
Allelopathic effects can inhibit brassica germination and growth
Fennel
Strong allelopathic compounds inhibit growth of most brassica family plants
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #747447)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease-free when grown with proper ventilation and moisture control
Common Pests
Aphids, fungus gnats (indoor growing)
Diseases
Damping off, mold from overwatering or poor ventilation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do broccoli microgreens take to grow?▼
Can you grow broccoli microgreens without soil?▼
Do broccoli microgreens taste like regular broccoli?▼
Why are my broccoli microgreens turning yellow?▼
Are broccoli microgreens good for beginners?▼
How much should I water broccoli microgreens?▼
Get Fresh Microgreens Delivered
Skip the growing and let us do the work. Fresh, nutrient-dense microgreens delivered weekly in North Metro Atlanta.