by RightFit Gardens |
Last Updated: May 1, 2021 Despite the absence of the bulbous and sweet root, beet microgreens possess the same flavor that comes from growing leaves, but in a form that can be used to top off other dishes. Their versatility is incredible, as they’re perfect for salads, sandwiches, and much more!
These tiny rhubarb plants have the same deep, stunning color as most microgreens, but have the skins and sprout stems that turn a deep, hot pink. Even though the amount of pigment is smaller, it still can bleed and stain when cut.
They are a good source of Vitamin C, A, B, E, and K, iron, calcium, and protein, as well as magnesium, potassium, and even copper. A variety of beet microgreens contain a good amount of essential minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and copper.
Beet plants are simple to grow, but they take a little longer to mature than many other microgreens, so they yield a colorful harvest in just 2-3 weeks. Put them in all the dishes you can think of in a matter of weeks! However, due to the size of the humble beet seeds, and their thickness, don’t even think of eating the leftover seed husks on beet microgreens.
Things Needed For Growing Beet Microgreens
To grow our microgreens, here’s what you’ll need. Taking the humble beet microgreens seed and transforming it into a magnificent microgreen.
Materials:
- Seeds (can be any common beet variety)
- Containers: Microgreens are perfect for a 10×20 size tray with drainage holes (you need at least two).
- Growing medium: For microgreens, our favorite soil is seed starter mix, but coconut coir also works well.
- Grow light (artificial light) or natural sunlight
- Bottom-watering dish: the microgreen watering tray or another container the same size or larger tray without holes
- Scissors:kitchen shears are recommended.
- A misting water bottle: for misting!
Our favorite microgreen seeds come from reputable seed sellers. They have high-quality seeds per package and have a very high germination rate; they are well worth every penny.
Beet plants grow best in soils that retain some moisture but aren’t soggy — they need less water to grow well. Beets also prefer growing in seed-starting soil, which has ultra-fine grains so they won’t rot. We highly recommend using soil for beet microgreens, because they are especially hard to grow because of their shape, as well as being the only microgreen with unusually shaped seeds.
Whenever you grow microgreens, whether they’re beet or otherwise, use a grow light or any bright light rather than sunlight since you can direct the light directly over the plants, ensuring even and compact growth. You’ll also be able to control the duration of exposure each day.
Soaking
Seeds from beets may be soaked in cold water for a few hours before germination, but this is optional. Many microgreen gardeners stay away from soaking the seeds at all.
Planting
We will begin by lining the grow tray with only about half of the soil. After moistening the soil with a misting bottle and smoothing it out, we will try to move on to grow. Then spread out the humble beet seeds nicely and evenly across the surface (this is essential for growing microgreens). Spread them out about 10 seeds per square inch and keep them evenly separated. The root system needs a bit more space to spread out and take hold.
A final spritz of water and the second opaque tray of growing medium will activate the blackout phase, during which the seeds will continue their development and sprout. The weight on the top of the planting tray surface will keep the seeds secure while they grow.
It is best to leave the cover tray secure for at least 4-6 days. The darkness is what the beet seeds require for germination, which should take between 3 and 5 days. An extra day helps the seeds to sprout.
Growing
When you observe the seeds sprouting on day 6 of the blackout phase, lift the cover tray and switch on the grow light. The sprouts might look discolored or squished to one side at first, but they’ll resurface soon.
You must provide beet microgreens with at least 12 hours of light each day. To water them, forget the spray bottle and water them from the bottom instead. This method is one of the safest options against bacteria and damping-off disease.
The soil will soak up just enough water to supply it with moisture without getting the microgreens wet. Once this happens, remove the watering dish to allow the microgreens to absorb more moisture. Repeat this process whenever the bottom of the pot begins to use up too much water.
The beet microgreens may have stray seed hulls clinging to the cotyledons. You can remove the nasty seed hull by hand or by lightly brushing your palm across the microgreen plants.
Harvesting
Microgreens from beets may be ready to harvest after 10-20 days germination time in ideal conditions. The bright stems and open, green cotyledons will be about a few inches tall when ready to harvest.
If we grow microgreens, we usually pick them before the true leaves form. Because they are under heavier weight, they grow strong because of increased flexibility. The taste is said to be the same, but the texture is generally different plus the leaves will be tougher.
The beet microgreens can either be harvested all at once or as needed. If you choose to harvest your beet microgreens as needed, be sure to harvest them before the second set of true leaves emerges.
Then grab your pair of kitchen shears and the seed-starting tray. Trim the microgreens in clumps just above the soil surface. Wear your best clothes when picking microgreens; they may stain your favorite clothes.
Storing
Bull’s blood beet microgreens do not need to be cooked. Just refresh them with water, wash well, and use raw as a delicious garnish for mixed salads, sandwiches, and more.
Keep the beet microgreens dry when you need to store them. A paper towel may even do the trick. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for about a week when you use this method.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do beet microgreens taste like?
As fresh beet microgreens grow, they have a sweet, earthy beet taste and take on the bold flavor of beet leaves when they are grown.
How healthy is it to eat beet microgreens?
Microgreens are usually more nutritious than harvested plants. The variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in beet microgreens will be helpful to your body to get rid of dead skin cells and promote the growth of new ones. Beet microgreens have significantly more iron, calcium, fiber, and vitamins than mature beet leaves.
