How To Grow Cabbage Microgreens

<a href='https://typesofmicrogreens.com/author/admin/'>Jon Smith</a>Jon Smith
June 1, 2021

Cabbage microgreens are perfect for new microgreen gardeners. Once you plant the microgreen seeds, you will be harvesting cabbage microgreens in as little as 10 days. That is much faster than the 180 days needed to grow mature cabbages!

Cabbage microgreens are cruciferous vegetables that offer some amazing health benefits. Cabbage microgreens are filled with vitamins and minerals, including potent antioxidants and amino acids.  Regular consumption of cabbage microgreens boosts the immune system, improves bone and skin health, provides cardioprotective properties, and reduces the risk of eye disease.

These amazing microgreens reduce inflammation, protect against damage to the DNA, and destroy damaged or unhealthy cells that can lead to cancer. Cabbage microgreens also help heal gastric ulcers and promote gastrointestinal health.

Finally, cabbage microgreens can lower oxidative stress in the body, help with weight loss, and prevent neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Cabbage Microgreen Profile

Check out the table below for a quick overview of cabbage microgreens.

AttributeProfile
FlavorCabbage microgreens have a mild cabbage/broccoli flavor.  
Pre-Soak (Yes/No)  No presoaking is necessary for cabbage microgreen seeds.
Color  Cabbage microgreens have green leaves on white, violet, or red stems.
Germination Time  The germination period for cabbage microgreens is approximately 2 to 3 days.
Harvest Time  You can harvest your cabbage microgreens within 6 to 14 days after planting.
Green Thumb Level (1-5)  1-2 Cabbage microgreens grow quickly and are the perfect choice for beginner microgreen gardeners.

Cabbage microgreens are packed with nutrients. These delicious microgreens are easy to grow and can be enjoyed in soups, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common frequently asked questions and answers concerning cabbage microgreens.

Should I Choose Red Cabbage Microgreens or Green Cabbage Microgreens?

First, the type of cabbage microgreens you choose to grow is strictly a matter of preference. However, if you are trying to determine which cabbage microgreens are healthier, red cabbage contains more nutrients due to the pigmentation of red cabbage microgreens.

How Fast Do Cabbage Microgreens Grow?

Cabbage microgreens are fast growing. You can be enjoying your cabbage microgreens in as little as 5 to 14 days after they have been planted.

What Do Cabbage Microgreens Taste Like?

Cabbage microgreens taste similar to mature cabbage; however, they are milder. Many people also report that cabbage microgreens have a crunchy, sweeter taste than mature cabbage has.

Equipment Needed to Grow Cabbage Microgreens

Cabbage microgreens are easy to grow. They require no presoaking. All you need to do is plant the seeds, keep an eye on the moisture level of your soil, and wait a few days for delicious cabbage microgreens. Many methods can be used when growing microgreens. Our tried and true method will ensure you will reap a large harvest of cabbage microgreens.

Starter Kits

Cabbage microgreen kits will contain everything you need to successfully grow microgreens. A starter kit will include growing trays, soil, seeds, and spray mister. True Leaf Market’s Deluxe Microgreens Kit allows you to begin enjoying delicious cabbage microgreens in as little as 5 days.

Specific Equipment Needed for Cabbage Microgreens

If you prefer purchasing individual pieces of microgreen gardening equipment, we have you covered. Here is a list of the pieces you will need when growing cabbage microgreens.

Growing Medium

Cabbage microgreens can be grown in any type of soil, including coconut coir and seed starting soil. We recommend using coconut coir because it keeps your cabbage microgreen roots moist and reduces the risk of mold, root rot, and other diseases by keep the delicate stems and leaves dry.

Coconut coir is the preferred growing medium for most microgreen gardeners.

MOTHER EARTH Coco Plus Perlite Mix - For Indoor and Outdoor Container Gardens, Provides Strong Aeration & Drainage, 70% Coconut Coir, Resists Compaction, 50 Liter
  • Mother Earth Coco + Perlite is a great alternative to potting soil as it enables gardeners to aggressively feed and not worry about over-watering
  • Use Mother Earth Coco + Perlite with indoor and outdoor container gardens
  • Achieve better aeration and drainage with a mix that incorporates 70% of the finest coconut coir and 30% perlite
  • Plant directly in Mother Earth Coco + Perlite
  • Coconut coir resists compaction and last longer in a container (vs traditional growing media)

Seed starter soil is another option that microgreen gardeners can choose.

FoxFarm Ocean Forest FX14000-1.5 Cubic Foot Organic Potting Soil (2 Pack)
  • SIZE: 38.6 quarts of FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil for your hungry plants
  • APPLICATION: Ultimate potting soil that has everything your plants need in one bag
  • CONTENTS: Blend of earthworm castings, bat guano, sea-going fish & crab meal, forest humus, moss & more
  • PH LEVELS: Ocean Forest is pH adjusted at 6.3 to 6.8 to allow for optimum fertilizer uptake
  • BENEFITS: Encourages strong branching and a sturdy, healthy growth habit and is ideal for containerized plantings

Growing Trays

Growing trays provide you with an easy way to effectively grow cabbage microgreens. These trays are available with and without drainage holes. You will need two trays without drainage holes and one tray with drainage holes when growing cabbage microgreens.

The trays come in two different sizes 10 inch by 10 square growing trays and 10 inch by 20 inch growing trays. We recommend using 10 inch by 20 inch growing trays.

Growing trays with drainage holes allow you to water from the bottom up.

Sale
10 Plant Growing Trays (with Drain Holes) - 20" x 10" - Perfect Garden Seed Starter Grow Trays: for Seedlings, Indoor Gardening, Growing Microgreens, Wheatgrass & More - Soil or Hydroponic
  • Quantity 10 - Durable Plastic - WITH Drain Holes
  • Perfect for hydroponic growing and seed starting
  • Approx: 21" by 11" (top measurement). 20" by 10" bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
  • Accomodates 20" x 10" Sure to Grow Hydroponic Grow Pads and Micro-Mats Perfectly
  • Reusable - Great for Greenhouse, Seedlings, wheatgrass, microgreens and more.

Growing trays without drainage holes are used during the germination process and hold water when employing bottom watering techniques.

Sale
10 Plant Growing Trays (No Drain Holes) - 20" x 10" - Perfect Garden Seed Starter Grow Trays: for Seedlings, Indoor Gardening, Growing Microgreens, Wheatgrass & More - Soil or Hydroponic
  • Quantity 10 - Durable Plastic - NO Drain Holes
  • Perfect for use as a drip tray, hydroponic growing and seed starting
  • Approx: 21" by 11" (top measurement). 20" by 10" bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
  • Accomodates 20" x 10" Sure to Grow Hydroponic Grow Pads and Micro-Mats Perfectly
  • Reusable - Great for Greenhouse, Seedlings, wheatgrass, microgreens and more.

Misting Bottle/Spray Can

A misting bottle allows you to gently water your growing medium without disturbing your cabbage seeds.

GETTON 2.0L Garden Sprayer, Hand-held Pressure Pump Sprayer Plant Mister Spray Bottle with Adjustable Nozzle and Detachable Wand for Indoor Outdoor Household Cleaning Garden Lawn Watering
  • 【Safe Pressure Valve】The garden spraying bottle equipped with a safety pressure release valve, which allows you to control the pressure of water and automatically releases the excess pressure. The pump holds a good amount of pressure while offers a place reducing fatigue while operating the equipment.
  • 【Adjustable Nozzle】The premium adjustable nozzle of this garden sprayer can be easily adjusted the intensity of the water from direct injection to fine mist spray as desired. Greater even coverage for a better performance.
  • 【Durable & Easy to Clean】The pump sprayer is manufactured from PP material for excellent durability. 2L Translucent water tank can clearly show the liquid level inside so you can add more in time. It is also convenient for cleaning.
  • 【Wide Application】This universal pressure sprayer can accommodate your daily cleaning and watering needs both indoors and outdoors . Ideal for household cleaning, watering plants and flowers, misting veggies, pet bathing, and moisturizing flowers.
  • 【Ergonomic Handle】The pump pressure sprayer comes with an ergonomic 4-finger handle that is non-slip for effortless use and convenient to be carried anywhere. A removable long wand is good to help spray more spaces or hard-to-reach places.

Light Source

Full-spectrum grow lights ensure your cabbage microgreens are receiving an ample amount of light to engage the photosynthesis your microgreens need. Your grow light can be placed directly above each growing tray for maximum effectiveness.

Sale
Barrina LED Grow Light, 144W( 6 x 24W, 800W Equivalent), 2ft T8, Full Spectrum, High Output, Linkable Design, T8 Integrated Bulb+Fixture, Plant Lights for Indoor Plants, 6-Pack
  • Full Spectrum - Barrina grow light is a great option for plants that in seedling, vegetative and flowering cycle. It provides light that plants need, especially blue and red light
  • Integrated Plant Light Chips- Compare with the lamp consisting of only "blue chips" + "red chips", integrated plant light chips have more efficiency and better color layout
  • Super Bright - Consume only 144W with 576 LEDS totally, replacing 800W general plant lights. These grow light provid a higher PPFD
  • Easy Installation - Plug and play. And could link up to 6 grow lights in a series by 48 inches connecting cords. Also, you could mount to ceiling or hang up for shelf. Saving your installation cost and time
  • Quality Assurance - 2-year unlimited warranty, easy and fast replacement is offered if any quality issue

(Optional) Microgreen Planting Rack:

A microgreen planting rack allows you to store your growing trays vertically and attach grow lights to each shelf. This is especially beneficial if you have only a small area to dedicate to microgreen gardening.

Storage Shelves 2100Lbs Capacity, 6-Shelf on Casters 48" L×18" W×82" H Wire Shelving Unit Adjustable Layer Metal Rack Strong Steel for Restaurant Garage Pantry Kitchen,Black
  • IMPRESSIVE STORAGE CAPACITY - With six tiers of shelving, this unit boasts an enormous amount of space and shelving. It’s able to provide a great deal of additional storage without taking up too much space itself.
  • STURDY AND DURABLE - Constructed from heavy-duty steel wire, this shelf is durable and resistant to dirt buildup and corrosion. Each shelf has a capacity of up to 220 lbs when properly assembled, with a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs total.
  • ADJUSTABILITY - You can adjust the height of the storage shelves in one-inch increments, creating a customized unit best suited for your specific storage needs.
  • MULTIFUNCTIONALITY - This metal shelving unit can be used virtually anywhere, in the kitchen, the bathroom, the garage, outdoor shed, and more. It’s perfect for storing tools, clothes, books, and whatever else is taking up space in your home or office. Equipped with wheels, you can transport this unit smoothly and efficiently room to room.
  • FAST, EASY ASSEMBLY: The shelving unit comes packaged ready to assemble, and doesn’t require any tools for installation. In just 15 minutes, your unit can be installed and ready to save space.

(Optional) Circulation Fans

Circulation fans are used once your cabbage microgreens have germinated. These fans stir the air, to keep the microgreens dry to reduce mold and other diseases that commonly plague microgreens.

Sale
Active Air HORF6 6-Inch Clip-On 360-Degree 5W Brushless Motor Hydroponic Grow Fan with Spring-Loaded Plastic Clip for Gardens, Black, 2 Pack
  • LONG LASTING: Fan features a 5W brushless motor that lasts longer and can be hooked up to fan speed controllers; Features a smooth and quiet operation (2 Pack)
  • CLIP-ON DESIGN: Clip-on portable fan is convenient and effective for small spaces; Can be used to help grow healthy plants or for cooling, in your garden, flood tables for airflow under foliage, small spaces, or on your office desk with a spring-loaded plastic clip that won't mar surfaces
  • AIR-FLOW: With the 6-inch adjustable-angle head that rotates 360 degrees you can direct airflow where you need it and it can also be wall-mounted to free up space
  • DURABLE: The cooling fan features 3 durable plastic blades and the easily-removable safety grills make cleaning a breeze; The motor outlasts traditional fans that use oil to lubricate rotation
  • SPECIFICATIONS: The product has a 6-foot power cord and is powered by DC 5V/5W making it energy efficient; Weight: 1 pound; Dimensions of (L x W x H): 6 x 8 x 8 inches; Quantity: 2

Cabbage Microgreen Seed Options

When it comes to cabbage microgreen seeds, there are several options available. True Leaf Market has high-quality seeds you can depend on. With its high germination rates, you can expect a bountiful harvest every time you plant a crop of cabbage microgreens.

Green Cabbage Microgreen Seeds – Mountain Valley Seed Company’s green cabbage seeds are easy to grow with a high germination rate. These cabbage microgreens feature green leaves on whitish stems with a mild cabbage family.

Red Cabbage Microgreen Seeds – Mountain Valley Seed Company’s red cabbage seeds for microgreens are fast-growing. These delicious seeds produce dark green leaves on pale purplish-white stems that are ready to harvest 8 to 12 days after planting.

Red Acre Cabbage Microgreens – Mountain Valley Seed Co. Red Acre microgreen cabbage produce leaves with variegated shades of green on petite violet and red stems with a strong cabbage flavor.

Golden Acre Cabbage Microgreens – Mountain Valley Seed Company Golden Acre microgreen cabbage seeds are flavorful, easy to grow, and provide a strong cabbage flavor, perfect for any salad or garnish. Golden Acre has dark green tops on pale green stems.

Mammoth Red Rock Microgreens – Mountain Valley Seed Co. Red Rock Cabbage microgreens feature dark green leaves on vibrant red and purple stems. The strong cabbage flavor and crisp light texture make these microgreens perfect for sandwiches and salads.

Pak Choi White Stem Cabbage Microgreens – Mountain Valley’s Pak Choi cabbage microgreens are mild, slightly sweet, earthy flavored microgreens that are delicious in salads and on sandwiches. This crisp microgreen is chockful of nutrients.

Napa Michihili Heading Cabbage Microgreen Seeds – Mountain Valley’s Napa Michihili microgreen seeds are super easy to grow and produce a mild cabbage flavor. The green leaves on whitish stems will be ready for harvest between 8 and 12 days after planting.

Step by Step Growing Guide for Cabbage Microgreens

Cabbage microgreens are easy to grow, especially when you follow our step-by-step growing instructions. We will guide you through the process one step at a time and explain everything you need to know to successfully grow cabbage microgreens.

Step 1: Prepare Your Growing Trays

Begin by placing a microgreen growing tray with drainage holes inside a growing tray with no holes. This setup allows for bottom watering which reduces the risk of mold and other microgreen diseases.

Next, you will want to add soil to your growing tray with holes. Fill the tray up to the brim and then use your other growing tray with no holes to gently tamp down your soil and ensure that it is level. If necessary, add more soil until your growing trays are three-fourths full and your growing medium is level across the entire growing tray.

Once your growing tray is filled with soil, use your misting bottle and thoroughly soak the growing medium. Spray the entire tray and allow the moisture to soak in for a couple of minutes before spraying again. Moisten the soil using this method three times before continuing to the next step.

Step 2: Plant Your Seeds

For each 10 inch by 20 inch growing tray, you will need approximately 10 grams of cabbage microgreen seeds. Cabbage microgreen seeds do not need to be presoaked. Sow your cabbage seeds densely ensuring they are close together, but not overlapping. Gently press the seeds into the soil to help them stay where you planted them.

Unlike other microgreens, cabbage microgreen seeds do not need to be covered with soil. All you need to do is gently press the seeds into the soil using your hand or other flat object. As long as your seeds come in contact with the soil, your cabbage microgreens will properly germinate.

You will want to water your cabbage microgreens one more time before beginning the germination process. Your misting bottle allows you to gently water your seeds without disturbing them. The fine spray of water will help set the seeds and ensure they receive a good start.

Step 3: Understand the Germination Process

Next, you will want to place the other tray without drainage holes on top of your seeds. Doing so blocks out light, tricking the seeds into thinking they are buried deep within the ground. The tray will need to remain in place for the next several days. Place a small weight on top of the tray to weigh the tray down and press the seeds into the growing medium.

Cabbage microgreens do best in cooler temperatures. You want to ensure that the ambient temperature is between 60°F and 70°F. Place your growing tray in a cool, dark location. Check the moisture level of the soil each day during the germination process. You want your growing medium to remain damp; however, you do not want to overwater your seeds.

It typically takes 2 to 3 days for your cabbage microgreen seeds to fully germinate. When your growing tray is filled with small plants, it is time to remove the tray and prepare your plants for photosynthesis and growth.

Step 4: Place Under Grow Lights

When you remove the germination tray/lid, your cabbage microgreens will be pale. Placing your microgreens under a full spectrum grow light will produce the best harvest. Grow lights will ensure all of your microgreens receive an ample amount of light. Furthermore, when the lights are placed directly above your growing trays, your microgreens will grow straight up rather than growing to one side or the other if they were placed in a window.

Step 5: Turn on Circulation Fan

It is important to keep the stems and leaves of your microgreens dry to reduce the risk of mold and disease. A circulation fan is a great way to improve air circulation. Point your circulation fan so that it gently blows on your microgreens. Continue watering throughout the growth cycle whenever the soil dries out.

Step 6: Know When to Harvest

When your cabbage microgreens get a few inches tall and the cotyledons (seed leaves) open up, they are ready for harvest. You want to harvest your cabbage microgreens before their true leaves emerge. True leaves are typically the third leaf that forms on your cabbage microgreens.

When true leaves begin to arrive, the taste of the cabbage microgreens begins to change and become bitter. This is why you want to harvest your microgreens before the true leaves fully form on your seedlings.

Harvesting Cabbage Microgreens

Your cabbage microgreens will be ready between days 5 and 14, depending on the variety of microgreen cabbage seeds you purchased. The flavor of your microgreens will change daily; therefore, it may take a little trial and error to determine the best day for harvest.

When the first set of leaves begin opening, your microgreens will be ready for harvest. Stop watering your plants for approximately 12 hours to reduce the amount of moisture in your microgreens. This will ensure your microgreens are crisp, tender rather than mushy tasting.

When it is time to harvest your microgreens, grab a sharp knife or pair of scissors and cut your microgreens slightly above soil level. Cabbage microgreens are best enjoyed when they are first harvested.

When ready to enjoy your harvested microgreens, dunk them in fresh clean water to remove any leftover dirt. Then place them on a paper towel to dry. Once your microgreens have dried, enjoy eating your cabbage microgreens in a salad, on a sandwich, or as a tasty, edible garnish.

Storing Cabbage Microgreens

If you need to store your microgreens, wrap them loosely in a paper towel and store them in your crisper. The paper towel will absorb any excess moisture and keep your microgreens crisp and fresh for several days.

If you will be shipping your cabbage microgreens, you will need to purchase airtight containers. These containers help keep air out and protect your microgreens from damage during transport. Wrap your microgreens between two paper towels and place them in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Cabbage microgreens are extremely easy to grow when you follow our step-by-step instructions. The microgreens are very tasty and full of nutrients that promote optimal health and well-being. These beautiful microgreens are a wonderful addition to your favorite savory dishes.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Assume all links are paid links.
How To Grow Cabbage Microgreens
Primary Item (H2)Sub Item 1 (H3)Sub Item 2 (H4)
Sub Item 3 (H5)
Sub Item 4 (H6)
About The Author
I have been growing microgreens for myself and others for quite some time now and I absolutely love the process.

Even more I love spreading awareness of an amazing crop that has so many nutritional benefits for our bodies which improve our overall health and wellbeing.

Jon Smith

Founder/Writer
Copyright 2021 TypesOfMicrogreens.com All Rights Reserved!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.