Carrot microgreens taste just like mature carrots; however, they are packed with much more nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamin A and carotenes. The antioxidants in carrot microgreens help reduce free radical damage and protect against cancer and chronic illnesses. Vitamin A and the carotenes found in carrot microgreens enhance your natural immunity and protect against a plethora of diseases. Carrot microgreens also contain B vitamins, vitamins D and E, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.
Carrot microgreens have a slower germination rate than most other microgreens. In addition to this, the harvest time on carrot microgreens is longer than other types of microgreens. However, this should not dissuade you from growing delicious carrot microgreens. The texture of carrot microgreens is lacy, much like dill.
Carrot microgreens can be added to soups or salads, or you can create a delicious pesto from the microgreens.
If you are looking for a quick overview of carrot microgreens, we have you covered. Check out the chart below to find information about carrot microgreens.
| Attribute | Profile |
| Flavor | Carrot microgreens have a mild carrot flavor. |
| Pre-Soak (Yes/No) | No presoaking is necessary. |
| Color | Carrot microgreen leaves are light green on light green stems. |
| Germination Time | The germination time for carrot microgreens is around 4 to 7 days. |
| Harvest Time | Once planted, your carrot microgreens will be ready for harvest in 14 to 20 days. |
| Green Thumb Level (1-5) | 3 – Although easy to grow, carrot microgreens take patience. |
Carrot microgreens are easy to grow when our directions are followed; however, you must remain patient throughout the growing process.
Here are the answers to some of the most common frequently asked questions concerning carrot microgreens.
Carrot microgreens are like most microgreens and will not regrow once harvested.
Carrot microgreens are slow growing compared to most microgreens. Carrot microgreens take approximately 20 days from the day you plant the carrot microgreen seeds until the day of harvest.
Carrot microgreens are easy to grow; however, you will need some patience while waiting for the seeds to germinate and the microgreens to be ready to harvest. Carrot microgreen seeds do not need to be presoaked. If you are new to microgreen gardening, you will need several items. You can either purchase a starter kit, or you can purchase individual pieces of equipment.
Starter kits for carrot microgreens include the items that you will need to begin growing microgreens. A typical starter kit from True Leaf Market will include growing trays, growing medium, seeds, and a mister for watering your seeds and soil.
If you want to purchase individual equipment for growing carrot microgreens, you will need the following items:
These delicious microgreens can be grown in seed starting soil or a soilless mix. Because soil can increase the risk of mold and soilborne diseases, we recommend growing your carrot microgreens in a soilless mixture like coconut coir with perlite.
If you decide to use coconut coir, here is the soilless growing medium we recommend.
Some individuals prefer to use seed starting soil, this is the one we recommend:
Carrot microgreens require three growing trays. You will need two trays without drainage holes and one tray with drainage holes. Growing trays come in a variety of sizes. We recommend using 10 inch by 20 inch growing trays. This size tray ensures a substantial harvest.
In order to grow carrot microgreens, you will need one tray with drainage holes like this one:
You will also need two trays without holes like these:
A misting bottle or spray will help you gently water your growing medium without disturbing your carrot seeds for microgreens.
Full spectrum grow lights help your microgreens grow evenly and activate photosynthesis for optimal nutrient composition of the microgreens.
The ideal soil temperature for carrot microgreens during the germination process is 75°F. Once the carrot microgreens have germinated, the soil temperature should be reduced to 60°F. The ambient temperature should be between 65°F and 75°F. Temperatures higher than 75°F can increase the risk of disease and inhibit carrot microgreen germination. A heating mat can help regulate soil temperature for improved germination.
A planting rack allows you to store multiple trays of microgreens in a small area. Furthermore, the shelves of a planting rack like the one listed below allow you to attach grow lights and circulation fans to each level for optimum growing conditions.
Circulation fans are used to keep the stems and leaves of your microgreens dry, which reduces the risk of mold and other microgreen diseases.
Carrot Microgreen Seeds – Mountain Valley Seed Company’s carrot seeds for microgreens are easy to grow. Enjoying these microgreens increases immunity thanks to the vitamin and mineral composition in carrot microgreens.
Carrot microgreens are easy to grow; however, they take longer to grow than other microgreens. The following step-by-step instructions will help you grow carrot microgreens indoors all year long.
After you have gathered your growing supplies, it is time to prepare your microgreen growing trays. Begin by placing your growing tray with drainage holes inside a growing tray without drainage holes. This will allow you to water your carrot microgreens from the bottom, which can minimize the risk of mold.
Next, you will want to place your growing medium inside the growing tray with drainage holes. Fill your growing tray to the top, ensuring the growing medium extends to every corner of your growing tray.
Take the third tray and press down on the soil gently to level the soil and remove any air pockets in the soil. Use your mister and wet down the soil three times, waiting five minutes between each watering cycle to allow the soil to absorb the moisture. Using your mister will prevent the soil from being disturbed while allowing you to soak the soil thoroughly.
It is now time to plant your carrot microgreen seeds. When you open the envelope, the seeds are in, you will find that the seeds are extremely tiny and hard to handle. You have a couple of options here. You can use a pair of tweezers and individually plant each seed. You can dump the seeds in your hand and try to carefully sprinkle the seeds evenly across your tray. You can place your microgreen carrot seeds in a spice jar so you can easily sprinkle the seeds across the soil. Your seeds should be densely spread across the tray; however, you need to ensure they are evenly spread and not overlapping. When done correctly, your carrot seeds for microgreens will resemble a layer of soil.
After you have sown your seeds, you will need to press the seeds gently into the wet soil. There is no need to cover the carrot microgreen seeds with a layer of soil. The easiest way to do this is to use your other grow tray. Turn it upside down and gently press it into your soil.
Keep your grow tray inverted and place a stone or brick on top of the tray to weigh it down. Your carrot microgreen seeds require complete darkness for germination, just like they would receive when the seeds are planted directly in the ground.
Carrot microgreens take between four and seven days for germination. You want to wait until 85 percent to 95 percent of your seeds have germinated before moving to the next step.
During the germination process, you will need to check the moisture of your soil daily. If your soil becomes dry, your seeds will be unable to germinate. Conversely, if your soil is soggy, the seeds will be unable to germinate. If your soil dries out, place one to two inches of water in your growing tray without holes and place your tray with your microgreens inside the tray. Allow the soil to soak up the water for five minutes, then remove the bottom tray and dump any water that has collected.
Once your microgreens have germinated, it is time to remove the tray covering your microgreens. When you first remove the tray, your microgreens will be pale green to white. Don’t worry this is normal. Once you place them under grow lights, photosynthesis will occur, and your microgreens will turn a beautiful green color.
Microgreens prefer grow lights rather than natural sunlight because sunlight can be too strong. Furthermore, sunlight can negatively affect the flavor of microgreens. Connect your grow lights to your planting rack and then place your carrot microgreens under the lights. Throughout the rest of the growth cycle, you will leave the grow lights on 24 hours a day.
You will also need to turn your circulation fans on. These fans help keep your microgreens aerated, which reduces the risk of mold development. One caveat to remember when it comes to circulation fans, the fans will quickly dry out your soil, so it is paramount that you check the moisture content of your soil twice daily. If your soil becomes dry, add water to the bottom tray, allow the soil to take up the moisture it needs, and then dump any remaining water.
Compared to other types of microgreens, carrot microgreens require a longer growth period. When your carrots reach 2 to 4 inches high and the leaves look lacy like dillweed, it is time to harvest your microgreens. The exact time it will take for your carrot microgreens to reach optimal flavor and texture will depend on each crop. Therefore, it may be necessary to snip a small amount of carrot microgreens and taste them daily until the desired sweetness is reached.
Now that your carrot microgreens are ready to be harvested, it is time to gather your supplies. You will need a couple of paper towels and a pair of sharp scissors or a sharp knife. You want to minimize how much you handle your microgreens, so have a gentle touch throughout the harvest process. Gently grasp the microgreens in one hand and clip your microgreens a quarter of an inch from the soil surface. Gently spread your microgreens out on your paper towel and allow them to dry slightly.
Carrot microgreens are best eaten immediately after harvest; however, you can store them in the refrigerator and enjoy them at a later time. When they are properly stored, they will remain tasty and crisp for five to ten days. Wrap your microgreens loosely in a paper towel and store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
If you will be shipping your carrot microgreens, you will need airtight storage containers or storage bags to protect your microgreens from damage during transport. Wrap your microgreens carefully in a paper towel and gently tuck them in your airtight container.
When it is time to eat your microgreens, you will want to gently rinse them in cool water. Once they are rinsed, lay them on a paper towel and allow them to dry. If you need to speed up the drying process, you can place your microgreens in front of your circulation fans for a few minutes.
Carrot microgreens are easy to grow; however, they can take twice as long as other types of microgreens. Our easy-to-follow step-by-step growing instructions will ensure you have a bountiful harvest of carrot microgreens that are tasty and nutritious. Carrot microgreens are sweet like mature carrots, making them the perfect complement to smoothies and salads.
