Microgreens are young vegetable greens harvested just after the cotyledon leaves have developed, offering concentrated flavor and nutrition in a small package. A common question for cultivators is whether these greens can be harvested more than once, yielding a second crop from the same initial planting. The possibility of regrowth depends entirely on the plant’s fundamental anatomy and the specific harvesting technique used.
The Biology of Regrowth
The potential for a second harvest hinges on the location of the plant’s primary growth point, known as the apical meristem. This tissue, located at the tip of the stem, is responsible for all upward growth. If the harvest cut is made below the meristem, the plant loses its ability to generate new leaves and will not regrow. Traditional harvesting involves cutting the stem right at the soil line, which removes the apical meristem, making most varieties single-use crops. However, species with larger seeds may store enough energy to activate dormant lateral buds lower on the stem if the main growth tip is preserved.
Harvesting for Multiple Yields
To encourage regrowth, the cutting technique must be modified from the standard practice. Instead of cutting at the soil line, make a clean cut significantly higher up the stem. The goal is to leave a stump one-half to one inch above the growing medium, ensuring the apical meristem or a lateral bud remains intact. Use a sharp, clean knife or scissors to avoid crushing the remaining stem tissue, which could hinder regeneration. Immediately following the harvest, return the remaining stem and root system to a bright light source and keep it well-watered, as the plant relies on its established root system to push out new growth.
Variety Specific Success Rates
The likelihood of a successful second harvest depends highly on the type of microgreen being grown. Species with large seeds, such as peas, are the most reliable candidates for regrowth because the seed contains substantial energy reserves to fuel a second burst of growth. Pea shoots, wheatgrass, and sunflowers are known to exhibit limited but viable regrowth if harvested correctly. In contrast, most microgreens belonging to the brassica family are generally considered single-harvest crops. This group includes popular varieties like broccoli, radish, and kohlrabi. Their anatomy makes it difficult or impractical to harvest without removing the entire growing point, making a second harvest highly unlikely.
Practical Reality of Second Crops
While the capacity for regrowth is biologically possible for select microgreen varieties, the practical benefits of a second harvest are often limited. The subsequent crop typically takes longer to mature than the initial planting, sometimes requiring an additional week or more of growing time. Furthermore, the yield of the second cut is almost always lower, often producing only half the biomass of the first harvest. The quality of the secondary shoots can also be diminished, potentially resulting in thinner stems and a less robust flavor compared to the first, prime harvest. For most commercial growers and serious home enthusiasts, the standard practice remains to reseed immediately after the first cut. This approach ensures a consistent supply of high-quality, high-yield microgreens, which is generally more efficient than waiting for a diminished second crop.