How To Grow Cauliflower Microgreens

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

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.

Cauliflower Microgreen Profile

Our easy to understand table provides you with all of the pertinent information about cauliflower microgreens.

AttributeProfile
FlavorCauliflower 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Novice microgreen gardeners often have questions. The following FAQ will answer the most common questions asked about cauliflower microgreens.

Do Cauliflower Microgreens Regrow After Harvesting?

No. Once you have harvested cauliflower microgreens, they will not regrow.

How Fast Do Cauliflower Microgreens Grow?

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.

What Do Cauliflower Microgreens Taste Like?

Cauliflower microgreens taste like their mature counterparts with a peppery undertone.

Equipment Needed to Grow Cauliflower Microgreens

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.

Starter Kits

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.

Specific Equipment Needed for Cauliflower Microgreens

You can also purchase the individual equipment needed for microgreens. Here is the list of equipment you will need to successfully raise cauliflower microgreens.

Growing Medium

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.

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)

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:

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 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.

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.

You will need two trays without drainage holes. One will be used for bottom watering and one will be used during the germination process.

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 like this one allows you to gently water your soil and seeds without disturbing the germination process.

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

A full spectrum grow light is used after your microgreen seeds germinate to activate photosynthesis and help your microgreens even grow.

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) Heating Mat

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.

HYDGOOHO Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat for Seed Starting Propagation and Increase Germination Success 10 Inch x 20.75 Inch MET Safety Standard Certified
  • Makes a differeance in germination time, leafy greens in about 2 days and tomatoes 3-4 days for sprouts.
  • Try to use the seedling heat mat and heat mat thermostat to heat water in the seed container to increase humidity in your grow tent.
  • Using to keep a batch of fermenting beer wort at 72F is also available
  • Great affordable heating solution to starting plants from seed.
  • If you’re doing home gardening for your seasonings, go find this seedling heat mat sets.

(Optional) Microgreen Planting Rack

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.

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

A circulation fan helps keep the air stirred to help reduce the risk of mold and other moisture related diseases.

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

Cauliflower Microgreen Seed Options

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.

Cauliflower Violetta Italia Microgreens

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.

Cauliflower All Year Microgreens

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.

Cauliflower Snowball Microgreens

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.

Cauliflower Igloo Microgreens

Step by Step Growing Guide for Cauliflower Microgreens

Step 1 Prepare Your Growing Trays

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.

Step 2 Plant Your Microgreen Seeds

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.

Step 3 Understand the Germination Process

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.

Step 4 Place Your Microgreens Under Grow Lights

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.

Step 5 Turn on Your Circulation Fans

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.

Step 6 Know When to Harvest

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

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.

Storing Cauliflower Microgreens

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.

How to Wash 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.

Final Thoughts

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.

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How To Grow Cauliflower Microgreens
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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
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