Do you want to make your garden stand out? Why don’t you add a mustard microgreens plant to it? They are not just beautiful to the eye, but are also edible and contain a spicy flavour. Mustard Microgreens come in different varieties which include green wave mustard, red giant mustard, and Osama purple mustard to mention a few.
In this article, we are going to discuss how simple and easy
It is to grow mustard microgreens, materials needed to grow mustard microgreens, the benefits and value they provide, and how they can be used in our everyday lives.
Materials Needed To Grow Microgreens
- Seeds- different varieties of quality mustard microgreen seeds should be purchased, these varieties are golden frills, Amara, scarlet frills, red giant etc
- Fine soil- they require soil that is fertile, sandy, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0
- Containers should have drainage holes in them, and shallow trays, as a better option, we can use ceramic earthenware that can be reused and maintains a constant size.
Once these and any other necessary equipment are ready, planting mustard microgreens will be made it.
How To Grow Microgreens?
A step-by-step process has been listed below in how to grow microgreens.
1. Setting The Soil:
With the planting pot that has already been prepared with drainage holes, fill the pot with soil till it reaches the brim. After smoothing the soil with a hand or a flat tray, add little moisture to the soil by spraying it.
2. Planting The Seeds
Scatter the seeds in the pot and push the seeds 3 inches inside the pot. The seeds should be close together to cover when they grow but they still need to be spaced to allow for free airflow.
3. Cover The Seeds With A Tray
Using another tray, place it directly on top of the soil to press the seeds down. This allows the roots to germinate properly and in a short span of time too.
Make sure that the tray is used as a sunblock to prevent direct sunlight from getting to the seeds. Take caution so that the tray or any object used to cover the soil does not bear much weight and damage the seeds.
4. Keep The Seeds Out Of Sunlight For 3 Days
It takes about 2 -3 days for the seeds of mustard microgreens to germinate, during that period, the seeds in the pot must be kept out of sun and light to aid proper germination.
5. Add Moisture To The Sun
For 3 days, the soil has to be checked daily to ensure it has moisture, mist the soil If it feels dry. If you notice white substances on the topsoil, it is a sign that the roots are beginning to germinate.
6. Remove The Cover Tray
Once the seeds have started to germinate, remove the cover tray and add the grow light. Ensure that the grow light is turned in for 14-16 hours and should be at least 12 inches from the tray. After the plants have been in growing light for 15 hours, the light should be removed to allow the plants to rest for the rest of the day.
7. Let The Soil Soak Water From The Bottom Upwards
Once the microgreens commence growth, make sure that the sun is moist. If the water dries out, place water in another tray and put the soil that has drainage holes on top of the soil. The water should soak the soil from beneath till it gets to the top.
This process helps ensure that excess moisture does not rest on the soil surface which will in turn help prevent bacteria from growing.
If the routine is followed the microgreens should be ready for Harvest in 5 to 15 days.
How Long Does Mustard Microgreens Take To Grow?
It takes 5 to 15 days for mustard microgreens to reach full maturity. For other microgreens, they have a shorter Harvest period. After 14 to 15 days, the cotyledons will open and be ready to eat. This is the right time to Harvest the mustard microgreens.
How Do You Harvest Mustard Microgreens?
The mustard microgreens must be mature enough to be harvested. To Harvest the microgreens, the leaves should be cut from the medium stalk with either a knife or scissors. These mustard microgreens must be harvested on time because if it stays for a longer period, the taste of the mustard microgreens will change.
How Do You Grow Sprouts At Home?
- Place 1 teaspoon of sprout seeds in a jar and pour water to fill the jar. Keep the covered jar for about 10 to 12 hours.
- Once the seeds start germinating, it’s time to raise the seeds and replace the water. This raising process should be carried out 2-3 times daily
- Raise the Sprouts daily to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Make sure that the seeds are kept in a big or long jar to maintain airflow. If the seeds are too cramped, the Sprouts will be too wet and bacteria might creep in.
- After 4 days, Sprouts grown at home should be ready to eat.
Are Mustard Microgreens Edible?
Mustard microgreens are edible leaves that have a strong spicy taste. They can be boiled, cooked, or stir-fried, they can also be added to salads and burgers too. Most people use it in cooking spicy foods and sometimes can be a substitute for chilli powder.
Benefits Of Microgreens
- They are used as a spice flavour in different dishes and salads.
- They contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory constituents.
- It gives soothing relief from nasal congestion.
- It helps to manage diabetes and constantly fight against it.
- It contains vitamins k which help in the clotting of blood.
In conclusion, we can say that Mustard microgreens are a perfect choice of edible plants to grow. It take short time and is very easy to grow, so if you are looking for something spicy to add to your garden, the mustard microgreen is here for you.
