Cauliflower microgreens are a great choice for beginner gardeners. Cauliflower seeds do not need to be soaked and can be grown in a variety of methods. This hardy microgreen has fairly large seeds that can be easily managed. Cauliflower microgreens should be sown thickly and ate right after harvest.
Cauliflower is a part of the Brassicaceae family, which includes broccoli, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and collard greens. Cauliflower microgreens have green leaves on white stems with pink highlights. These delectable microgreens have a mild peppery flavor that goes perfectly with savory dishes, on sandwiches, or in salads.
Cauliflower microgreens are loaded with vitamins and minerals. These nutrient-dense microgreens have high concentrations of vitamins B6, C, and K. It also contains folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium. The antioxidants and fiber in cauliflower microgreens significantly strengthen the immune system, neutralize free radicals, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses.
Our easy to understand table provides you with all of the pertinent information about cauliflower microgreens.
| Attribute | Profile |
| Flavor | Cauliflower microgreens taste similar to mature cauliflowers with a fresh, crisp texture and mild pepper undertones. |
| Pre-Soak (Yes/No) | No – Presoaking is not necessary. |
| Color | Cauliflower microgreens have dark green leaves with pale green, white, purple, or pink stems. |
| Germination Time | The average germination time for cauliflower microgreens is 1 to 5 days. |
| Harvest Time | You can expect to harvest your cauliflower microgreens within 9 to 12 days of planting. |
| Green Thumb Level (1-5) | 1 – Cauliflower microgreens are perfect for beginner gardeners. |
Cauliflower microgreens are the perfect complement for soups, omelets, salads, or sandwiches. These microgreens can also be eaten as a nutritional snack.
Novice microgreen gardeners often have questions. The following FAQ will answer the most common questions asked about cauliflower microgreens.
No. Once you have harvested cauliflower microgreens, they will not regrow.
Cauliflower microgreens are very fast growing. Once you plant your microgreen seeds, you can expect to harvest your microgreen crop within 9 to 12 days.
Cauliflower microgreens taste like their mature counterparts with a peppery undertone.
Cauliflower microgreens are easy to grow and only require a few pieces of equipment. You should expect to spend around $100 to $200 on equipment and supplies. Once you purchase your equipment, the only expense that you will incur in the future is growing medium and seeds.
There are several starter kits on the market that provide you with most of the supplies that you need to grow microgreens, including the soil, seeds, misting bottle, and growing trays.
You can also purchase the individual equipment needed for microgreens. Here is the list of equipment you will need to successfully raise cauliflower microgreens.
Cauliflower is very easy to grow and can be grown in a variety of growing mediums. We recommend using coconut coir as your growing medium because it reduces the risk of disease and mold.
Coconut coir is a soilless growing medium that can absorb an exorbitant amount of water, making it a great growing medium for microgreens.
You can use almost any soil for growing cauliflower microgreens but it is best to use the recommended soils as these are organic and safe for consumption.
Another option for cauliflower microgreens is a seed starting soil like this one:
Growing trays allow you to control the amount of soil, seeds, and moisture when growing microgreens. Typically, microgreen growing trays come in 10 inch by 20 inch or 10 inch square sizes. We recommend purchasing three 10 inch by 20 inch trays. You will want two trays without drainage holes and one tray with drainage holes.
The tray with drainage holes allows your microgreen roots to draw water up into the soil without the risk of overwatering.
You will need two trays without drainage holes. One will be used for bottom watering and one will be used during the germination process.
A misting bottle like this one allows you to gently water your soil and seeds without disturbing the germination process.
A full spectrum grow light is used after your microgreen seeds germinate to activate photosynthesis and help your microgreens even grow.
A heating mat is used to help maintain soil temperature. This is especially beneficial in areas where temperatures do not remain steady such as an unheated garage, basement, or potting shed.
A heavy duty wire shelving unit can be used as a vertical storage place for your microgreen trays. We recommend this one as it will allow you to attach your grow lights easily.
A circulation fan helps keep the air stirred to help reduce the risk of mold and other moisture related diseases.
Violetta Italia – Violetta Italia is a delicious cauliflower microgreen with light green leaves on pale stems. Harvest time is between 8 and 12 days. Violetta Italia has a taste similar to broccoli.
All Year Round – All Year Round cauliflower microgreen seeds are ready for harvest in 8 to 12 days. This Non-GMO, heirloom cauliflower microgreen has a high germination rate and is a popular microgreen variety for novice microgreen growers.
Snowball Y Improved – Snowball Y cauliflower microgreens are fast-growing microgreens that are easy to grow. You can expect a full harvest within 8 to 12 days. Snowball Y features dark green leaves on beautiful white stems.
Igloo – Igloo cauliflower microgreens are a great choice for areas with cooler temperatures. These premium seeds taste mature cauliflowers and feature dark green cotyledons on purplish-red sturdy stems.
The first thing you need to do is prepare your trays for planting. Take a microgreen growing tray with drainage holes and place it inside a tray with no holes. Then, fill the tray with drainage holes up with the growing medium of your choice (coconut coir or seed-starting potting soil), making sure the soil is level across the entire tray.
Gently water your soil with your misting bottle, allowing the soil to absorb the moisture. You will want to water your soil three times to ensure it is thoroughly moistened. Lift the bottom tray to ensure there is no water in the tray. If there is, pour it out before continuing to the next step.
For each 10 inch by 20 inch tray, you will need approximately 42.5 grams of cauliflower microgreen seeds. Sprinkle the seeds evenly across your growing medium. Once you have sown your entire tray of cauliflower microgreens, you will want to press the seeds into your growing medium. Then, cover with a thin layer of growing medium.
Take your third tray and place it against the freshly sprinkled soil and press down gently to level the soil. Then, using your misting bottle spray the seeds and soil one more time.
After you have sown your cauliflower seeds for microgreens, place your third tray on top of your seeds upside down and place a weight like a brick or rock on top of the tray to ensure no light reaches your seeds. This method also ensures that the roots of your microgreens grow down and your microgreen stems become sturdy and strong. Place your growing tray in a dark location for approximately 3 to 4 days until your seeds sprout.
While waiting for your seeds to germinate, check the moisture level of your soil daily. The soil should be moist, but not sopping wet. If the soil dries out, it can halt the germination process. Additionally, if the soil is too moist, the germination process can be affected.
Once 90 percent or more of your microgreens have germinated, it is time to remove the top tray and place your cauliflower microgreens under your grow lights. Within a day or two of being under grow lights, your cauliflower microgreens will be transformed from pale microgreens into beautiful dark green microgreens.
You should leave your grow lights on 24 hours a day until you are ready to harvest your microgreens. It will typically take 7 to 12 days from the time of planting for your cauliflower microgreens to be ready to harvest. Once the cotyledons have opened and have grown 2 to 3 inches tall, it is time to harvest your microgreens.
Cauliflower microgreens can mold if the soil is allowed to be too moist. A circulation fan helps to move air across the soil surface, thus reducing the risk of mold. Unfortunately, this airflow can cause the soil level to dry out too quickly; therefore, you should check the moisture level of the soil at least twice a day and water if needed.
Water the microgreens by adding an inch or two of water to your bottom tray and placing the growing tray with drainage holes back into the tray with no holes. Allow the roots to draw up moisture for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, remove the bottom tray and pour out any excess water before replacing the tray.
Knowing when to harvest your microgreens is just as important as knowing how to plant and care for your cauliflower microgreens. Learning when to harvest may take some trial and error. The easiest way to determine when your cauliflower microgreens are ready to harvest is to taste your microgreens when they reach 2 inches tall. Continue tasting your microgreens until they are at their peak as far as flavor and texture.
Harvesting cauliflower microgreens is as simple as 1-2-3. First, gather your supplies, which include a sharp knife or a pair of scissors, and a paper towel. Next, gently grasp the microgreens in one hand as you cut the microgreens an eighth of an inch from the soil level. As you cut your microgreens spread them out on a paper towel.
After you have harvested your cauliflower microgreens, you will need to either eat them immediately or prepare them for refrigeration. Wrap your microgreens in a clean paper towel and place them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Your microgreens will last between 5 and 10 days in the refrigerator.
If you plan on shipping your cauliflower microgreens, you will want to wrap your microgreens in a clean paper towel and then place them in an airtight storage container or storage bag. Include instructions on how to wash and use your cauliflower microgreens.
Place your microgreens in cool, not cold water and gently swirl around to remove any remaining traces of dirt. Remove your microgreens from the water and place them in a single layer on a clean paper towel and allow them to air dry before using.
Cauliflower microgreens are the perfect choice for novice microgreen growers. These microgreens can quickly be grown at home. Within days of planting, you will be enjoying fresh, healthy cauliflower microgreens. These microgreens can be added to soups or can be eaten raw in salads and on sandwiches.
