• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Scientific Name: Amaranthus tricolour
• Seeds per Gram: ~1,500
• Pre-soak: Not required
• Germination Temperature: 20–25 °C
• Germination Time: 2–3 days
• Days to Harvest: 8–12 days (5–7 cm tall)
• Colour: Striking pink stems with silvery-red leaves
• Flavour: Mild, earthy, slightly nutty
• Nutrients: Vitamins A, C, K and antioxidants

• Tray & Medium: Use a shallow tray with drainage holes and fill with 3–4 cm of fine seed-raising mix or coir. Level and mist to moisten evenly.
• Sowing: Broadcast seeds in a dense, even layer (close but not overlapping). Lightly press into the medium. Cover with a very thin layer of soil or use a humidity dome.
• Germination: Keep covered and in low light for 2–3 days at 20–25 °C. Mist daily to prevent drying out.
• Light: After germination, uncover and place under strong indirect sunlight or LED grow lights. Good light ensures compact growth and vivid red colour.
• Moisture: Mist regularly to keep the medium moist but not waterlogged. Avoid stagnant conditions that encourage fungal issues.
• Harvest: Cut just above the soil line at 5–7 cm tall (around day 8–12). Rinse gently, pat dry, and use fresh.
• Storage: Best eaten immediately. Can be kept in a sealed container in the fridge for 1–2 days.

Growing Conditions & Troubleshooting

• Light & Colour: Provide strong indirect light or multi-spectrum LEDs for compact growth and intense, deep colours that can only really be achieved through supplemental lighting.
• Temperature: Excessive cold or excessive heat can make it difficult to reliably and consistently cultivate microgreens. Controlled environments work best.
• Moisture Balance: Keep media moist but never soggy. Overwatering reduces oxygen and weakens stems.
• Damping Off: A common problem with microgreens production that causes seedlings to rot-out and die, caused by water moulds that thrive in wet conditions. To prevent it, avoid overwatering. Once seeds have sprouted, stop misting from above and switch to bottom watering. Always use sterile trays, tools, and fresh growing media for each batch of microgreens. In some cases, mould may already be present in your water source making it difficult to eliminate. Solution: Ozone-treat your water which is considered an organic practice, or convert your system to reverse osmosis water. As a last resort (not recommended), a diluted cleaning agent such as chlorine or bleach can be used with caution.

Light & Colour

Provide strong indirect light or full-spectrum LEDs to encourage compact growth and rich, vibrant colours. The deepest hues are usually achieved only with supplemental lighting.

Temperature

Both excessive cold and excessive heat can affect reliability and consistency in microgreen production. Controlled environments deliver the best results.

Moisture Balance

Keep the growing medium consistently moist but never waterlogged. Overwatering reduces oxygen in the root zone and leads to weak, spindly stems.

Damping Off

A common microgreens issue where seedlings rot and collapse, caused by water moulds thriving in overly wet conditions. To prevent this, avoid overwatering. Once seeds have sprouted, stop misting from above and switch to bottom watering. Always use sterile trays, tools, and fresh growing media for each new crop. In some cases, mould spores may already be present in the water source. Solutions include ozone-treating your water (an organic practice) or using reverse osmosis water. As a last resort (not recommended), a diluted cleaning agent such as chlorine or bleach can be applied with extreme caution.

Reliable Quality Seeds

Strong, healthy microgreens start with top-quality seed. Always buy from trusted suppliers who use proper storage systems such as industrial dehumidifiers, air-conditioning, cold storage, and even carbon dioxide–controlled atmospheres to maintain seed integrity.

Poor handling at the supplier level can lead to seed degradation, lower germination rates, mould issues, or even contamination. In some cases, seeds may be sold as “microgreen” seed without testing or proven history—often substitutes chosen for profit rather than performance. These second-rate seeds can result in weak, inconsistent crops with undesirable traits.

Tip: Store your own seed in a cool, dry, airtight container to preserve reliability for future sowings. Fridge or Freezer: For long-term storage, refrigeration or freezing works well — just let seeds return to room temperature before planting.

Seeds don’t exactly “expire,” but their ability to sprout gradually declines over time. With the right storage, your microgreen seeds will stay viable for years, giving you strong germination and healthy trays every time.

Key Storage Tips

• ✅ Cool, Dry & Dark: Store seeds away from heat, light, and humidity for maximum lifespan.
• ✅ Airtight Containers: Use sealed jars or pouches; add a silica gel packet to guard against moisture.
• ✅ Fridge or Freezer: For long-term storage, refrigeration or freezing works well — just let seeds return to room temperature before planting.

Microgreen Seed Viability Guide

Here’s how long you can expect popular microgreen seed varieties to last under proper storage:

• 1–2 Years: Garlic Chives, Onion, Corn Salad
• 3–4 Years: Radish, Sorrel, Basil
• 4–5 Years: Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Mustard, Kale, Mizuna

Quick Germination Test

Not sure about older seeds? Test them first:

1. Place 10 seeds (e.g., broccoli, pea, or sunflower) on a damp paper towel inside a sealed bag.
2. Keep moist at room temperature.
3. Check after 5–10 days to see how many sprouted — that’s your approximate germination rate.