Have you ever thought about growing basil microgreens? These microgreens are extremely easy to grow and filled with vitamins and minerals. Basil microgreens contain four times the amount of nutrients that a mature basil plant does including vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K and minerals calcium, copper, iron magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and zinc.
Basil microgreens provide several health benefits including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory protection. These microgreens also help strengthen your bones, regulate your hormones, and aid in blood clotting and red blood cell formation.
Basil microgreens are one of the slowest growing microgreens on the market; however, they will still be ready in just a few weeks. Furthermore, just like other microgreens, very little growing equipment is needed.
Growing microgreens from your home is super easy and you can get your first harvest within as little as 10 days depending on the type of microgreen you are growing.
| Flavor: | Basil is a delicious herb that contains hints of mint, pepper, and anise. |
| Presoak: (yes or no) | No |
| Color | Basil comes in a variety of colors. |
| Germination Time | Germination takes approximately 5 to 7 days. |
| Harvest Time | Ready for harvest in approximately 12 to 30 days. |
| Green Thumb Level: (how easy or hard to grow 1 to 5 scale) | 2-3 – Basil is easy to grow when you follow the growing instructions. |
Basil microgreens are easy to grow; however, it does take some patience as certain varieties can take up to 30 days to be ready for harvest. Basil microgreens come in a variety of colors and flavors. They can be added to soups, salads, and garnishes for your dishes.
Here are some of the most common questions concerning basil microgreens.
Basil microgreens cannot regrow after harvest. There are only a few microgreens that will grow after harvest if at least one healthy leaf remains. After you have harvested your basil microgreens, compost the remaining stems and roots and replant our basil microgreens.
It depends on the variety; however, you can expect a harvest between 12 and 30 days after planting.
Growing basil microgreens is simple when the proper materials and equipment are used. The most important pieces needed include the correct soil for microgreens, the proper growing trays, and a high-quality band of organic microgreen seeds.
Starter kits for herbs like this one can be used to grow microgreens, simply follow our directions and harvest before true leaves begin forming.
If you opt to purchase your items individually rather than buying a starter kit, you will need the following:
Growing Medium – Your basil microgreens need soil that is fine-grained and drains properly to ensure the roots grow evenly without intertangling.
Another growing option is coconut coir like this one:
Growing Trays – To properly grow microgreens, you will need microgreen trays. You want shallow trays with drainage holes. This type of trays will allow you to water your microgreens from the bottom. The holes allow water to be pulled up by the roots and reduce the risk of disease and mold. Our favorite trays are these:
Misting Spray Can – Misting is vital to proper germination. A simple mister like this one will work great:
Light Source – Microgreens require light. If you are growing your microgreens indoors, you will want to purchase a grow light to ensure your microgreens grow uniformly. A standard grow light like this one will work:
![[6-Pack] LED Grow Light Strips for Plants 2FT, 60W (6 x 10W) t5 High Output Integrated Fixture Extendable 24 Inches Grow Lights for Greenhouse, Plant Grow Shelf, Easy Installation](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Jyvf9sGbL._SL160_.jpg)
Planting Rack – If you will be growing multiple types of microgreens, you may want to use a rack to minimize the space required for microgreen gardening. You can retrofit your rack with grow lights to help maximize your harvest. Choose a rack like this one:
The most important thing needed to grow delicious and nutritious basil microgreens is high-quality seeds. There are numerous types of basil seeds that you can use. Choosing a Non-GMO, preferably organic, seed from True Leaf Market will give you excellent microgreens. Try one of these varieties:
Dark purple leaves and stems make this the perfect microgreen for salads. This beautiful basil boasts a delightful fragrance and a spicy kick to your dishes.
Can’t decide on which basil to purchase? Our colorful mix will allow you to easily grow several basil microgreens together, providing you with a variety of flavors, colors, and textures.
Colorful Basil Microgreen Seeds
Anise basil microgreens incorporate zesty, licorice flavors with bountiful nutrients. The delicate green is a great garnish for fish and chicken dishes.
Beautiful dark purple and vibrant green leaves on translucent stems make this variety a favorite. Dark Opal combines the delightful flavor of Thai basil and large leaf basil.
Dark Opal Basil Microgreen Seeds
Sweet basil is similar to the Genovese bail; however, it has notes of clove and anise. Sweet basil is light green on green stems.
Sweet Organic Basil Microgreen Seeds
Thai basil is known for its basil flavoring with a hint of licorice/anise. This tender basil is used in Asian and Thai dishes.
This beautiful basil features green leaves with faint hints of bronze on its stems. Cinnamon basil features the classic basil flavor with a touch of spicy licorice flavoring.
Cinnamon Basil Microgreen Seeds
Genovese basil features delicate green leaves on translucent green stems. The intense basil flavor allows you to quickly spice up your favorite dish.
Genovese Basil Microgreen Seeds
Heirloom lettuce leaf basil is sweet basil hailing from Japan. The bright green leaves are popular in both Asian dishes and salads.
Lettuce Leaf Basil Microgreen Seeds
Italian large leaf basil features a lemony-sweet flavor, making it a delightful heirloom choice. Italian large leaf basil is easy-to-grow basil that loves warmth and sunlight.
Italian Large Leaf Basil Microgreen Seeds
Below is the step-by-step process to follow to ensure you reap a large basil microgreens crop. Read the guide and then start growing basil microgreens.
Basil microgreen seeds do not need to be presoaked.
Prepare your growing tray with holes and place it in a growing tray with no holes. You will need approximately 2 tablespoons of basil seeds for each 10 inch by 20 inch tray.
Once you see germination signs, you should mist the seeds daily. Avoid watering from the body as this will cause your seeds to rise and clump together with other seeds due to the gel around the seeds. Gently misting your seeds will prevent your seeds from moving and the gel from being disturbed.
Continue misting daily until your microgreens grow 2 to 3 inches tall. It will take 15 to 30 days for your basil microgreens to be ready for harvest.
Basil microgreens should be harvested when they reach approximately 2 to 3 inches tall. Follow these tips to ensure you maximize your harvest.
The amount of harvest will be dependent on the germination rate of your seeds and how densely you sowed your seeds. Purchasing high-quality seeds from a provider like TrueLeafMarket.com will ensure a larger harvest.
Place your microgreens in an airtight container or bag and place them in the refrigerator. This will allow them to stay fresh for approximately one week. If you plan to sell your basil microgreens use lightweight plastic containers to package your greens.
Basil microgreens are delicious and nutritious. They are easy to grow and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. You do not need a lot of equipment. All you need are growing trays with and without holes, a misting bottle, soil, seed, and light to grow a bountiful harvest of basil microgreens.
