Do you love the spring and summer months when it seems you have an unlimited supply of crisp, fresh greens? Did you know you can have those greens all year long through microgreen gardening? Come with us as we explore the numerous benefits that chrysanthemum microgreens offer.
Many people are surprised to learn that they can eat chrysanthemum baby greens. However, these tasty greens have been enjoyed in China for centuries. Continue reading to learn why you should begin growing Chrysanthemum microgreens and the steps you will need to follow to successfully grow, harvest, and store these microgreens.
The following profile overview of Chrysanthemum microgreens provides you with a quick view of the information you need to know the growing requirements for Chrysanthemum microgreens. These delicious microgreens can be used in Asian-inspired dishes like stir-fries, stews, omelets, and casseroles.
| Attribute | Profile |
| Flavor | Chrysanthemum microgreens have a mild lettuce flavor along with a hint of bitterness. |
| Pre-Soak (Yes/No) | No presoaking is needed for Chrysanthemum microgreen seeds. |
| Color | Chrysanthemum microgreens have a pale light green color that almost looks yellow. |
| Germination Time | The germination time for Chrysanthemum microgreens is 3 to 5 days. |
| Harvest Time | You can harvest Chrysanthemum microgreens within 10 to 20 days. |
| Green Thumb Level (1-5) | 1 – Chrysanthemum microgreens are very easy to grow and will be ready for harvest in a little over a week or two. |
Chrysanthemum microgreens, also known as garland daisy microgreens, are popular greens grown in Asia. The high germination rate and fast harvest make these a great microgreen for beginner gardeners.
If you are new to Chrysanthemum microgreens, you may have some questions concerning growing these tasty microgreens. Here are the most frequently asked questions concerning Chrysanthemum microgreens.
No. Chrysanthemum microgreens do not regrow after harvesting. After you harvest your microgreens, place the soil and roots in your compost pile.
Chrysanthemum microgreens are fast growing. You can expect to harvest your microgreens within 10 to 20 days.
Chrysanthemum microgreens are often called Garland Daisies, Shungiku Broadleaf microgreens, Garland coronate, Chrysanthemum greens, Tong Hao, Tan O, edible Chrysanthemum, crown daisy, Japanese greens, or chop suey greens.
Chrysanthemums were first documented during the 15th century in East Asia. In the late 1600's they had spread to France and England. Finally, it was introduced to the United States in 1798.
Chrysanthemum microgreens are enjoyed in a variety of dishes; however, they are commonly included in hot dishes like stir-fries or vegetable side dishes. They can also be enjoyed raw in salads or sauteed, steamed, or boiled.
Chrysanthemum microgreens are an excellent source of antioxidants, calcium, fiber, and flavonoids. They also contain large amounts of potassium, Vitamin A, and vitamin C.
You will need several pieces of equipment to successfully grow Chrysanthemum microgreens, including grow trays, high-quality seeds, growing medium, and a misting bottle. In addition to this, there are a few optional pieces of equipment you can purchase including grow lights, a planter's rack, and circulation fans.
You can purchase individual pieces of equipment, or you can purchase a starter kit that will contain everything you need to grow Chrysanthemum other than the seeds and any optional equipment you wish to use.
If you prefer to purchase individual pieces of equipment you will need the following items. Also, several pieces of optional equipment that you can purchase to make growing Chrysanthemum microgreens easier.
Chrysanthemum microgreens can be grown in a soilless growing medium like coconut Coir or a seed starting potting soil.
Coconut Coir – This soilless growing medium is created from coconuts, making it a renewable soilless option for your microgreens. Coconut Coir is prized for its ability to hold moisture. Coconut core is our preferred growing medium simply because it holds moisture without the risk of mold and other soil-borne illnesses.
Seed Starting Potting Soil – Seed starting potting soil is specially formulated to provide your microgreens with the nutrients they need for optimal growth. Many microgreen gardeners prefer seed starting soil over other soilless mixtures.
Growing trays are used as an easy way to control growing conditions. These trays allow you to grow your favorite microgreens indoors. You will need 1 growing tray with holes and 2 growing trays without holes. Microgreen growing trays are available in a variety of sizes; however, we would prefer the 10 by 20 microgreen growing tray.
With Holes – The growing tray with holes will be used to hold your growing medium and microgreen seats.
Without Holes – You will need 2 growing trays without holes. One of these will be used for bottom watering while the other will be used as a blackout and humidity dome during the germination process.
A misting bottle allows you to carefully water your microgreens without disturbing the delicate roots.
Growing microgreens indoors requires bright light. A full spectrum LED grow light provides your microgreens with the light that they need for optimal growth. Additionally, using a grow light will prevent your microgreens from growing unevenly.
A heating mat is used to regulate soil temperature. The Chrysanthemum microgreens grow trays will be placed on top of a heating mat during the germination process. The matt will remain in the "On" position throughout germination.
A planter's rack for Chrysanthemum microgreens allows you to use the vertical area of your home so you can grow multiple trays of microgreens in a small area. In addition to this, a planting rack provides you with an area to connect your grow lights and circulation fans.
Circulation fans are used to increase the airflow across your Chrysanthemum microgreens. These fans should be placed so the air blows horizontally across the microgreens. Never point the fans downward as this will cause the soil to dry out, which can reduce your harvest.
Edible Broad Leaf Chrysanthemum Microgreens Seeds are non-GMO, open-pollinated Chrysanthemum microgreens seeds with a high germination rate. These high-quality seeds reach maturity in 10 to 20 days. The light yellowish-green leaves and stems provide you with a crisp textured bite that tastes similar to mild lettuce with just a hint of bitterness.
Growing Chrysanthemum microgreens is easy when you follow our step-by-step growing instructions. You will learn how to prepare your microgreen trays, plant your Chrysanthemum microgreens seeds,
Once you have gathered your supplies, it is time to prepare your growing trays. Begin by placing the tray with holes inside one of the trays without holes. Then, fill the tray with holes with your growing medium. Your growing medium should be level and slightly below the top of the tray.
Use the remaining tray to gently tamp down the soil to level it. If necessary, add more soil to the growing tray until it reaches slightly under the top of your tray.
Once your trays are filled with your growing medium, you must moisten the soil. Grab your misting bottle and spray the soil until it is wet. Allow the water to soak into the soil and then repeat until the soil is thoroughly damp (approximately 4 to 5 times).
Once your microgreen trays have been prepared and your soil has been wetted, it is time to plant your Chrysanthemum microgreen seeds. Scatter the seeds evenly across your growing tray and gently pat them down. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of growing medium.
Spray your planted Chrysanthemum microgreen seeds with a small amount of water and then place the remaining tray without holes inverted on top of your seeds. Place a brick on top of the inverted tray to weigh the lid down. This will ensure your seeds are in total darkness and the roots grow downward during the germination process.
Place your grow tray atop your heating mat and set the temperature of the mat to 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Your heat mat will keep your seeds at the optimal temperature for germination. The germination process will take between 3 and 5 days.
The soil should remain moist through the germination process. When you check your seeds on day 3, check the moisture of your soil. If necessary, use your misting bottle to dampen the soil. If your seeds have not fully germinated, replace the lid and leave for another day or two, or until most of the seeds have germinated. Chrysanthemum microgreen seeds have a high germination rate so you should expect at least 90 percent of your seeds to germinate.
Once your Chrysanthemum microgreens have sprouted, it is time to remove the cover, water the microgreens thoroughly, and place them under your grow lights. Your grow lights should be adjusted until they are approximately 12 inches away from your microgreen tray.
Turn the lights on and allow them to work their magic – photosynthesis. When you first remove the germination lid from your microgreen trays, your microgreens will be almost white. However, once you stick them under the full-spectrum LED grow lights, they will turn a beautiful yellowish-green within a couple of days.
Once you have placed your microgreens under your grow lights, it is time to turn on the circulation fans. These fans blow a gentle breeze across the microgreens much like what you see in large greenhouses. The circulation fans help stir the air and reduce the risk of mold and other soilborne diseases.
When setting up your circulation fans, it is important to remember you do not want the fans blowing down onto your microgreens as this can cause the soil to dry out very quickly. Instead, you want to place the fans at the end of a microgreen tray, slightly above soil level. This will allow the air to blow horizontally across the microgreen tops.
Your Chrysanthemum microgreens will be ready to harvest in approximately a week or two after you have removed the germination dome. Knowing when your Chrysanthemum microgreens are ready is based on visual cues as well as taste.
The first thing to look for is the two cotyledons opening up completely and the first set of true leaves to begin opening. At this time, you will need to start snipping a sample of microgreens each day until they reach the flavor and texture you prefer.
Once your microgreens are ready to harvest, withhold watering them for 8 to 12 hours. Then, using a pair of sharp scissors or a sharp paring knife, cut the stems close to the soil level. Place your cut microgreens on a clean paper towel. The next step will depend on whether you plan on eating immediately, or you plan on storing your Chrysanthemum microgreens for later use.
If you plan on eating immediately, place your Chrysanthemum microgreens in a bowl of cool water and swirl to remove any seed hulls or soil from the microgreens. Then, place your microgreens on a clean paper towel and allow them to air dry. You can also place your microgreens in a salad spinner to remove the moisture quickly.
If you plan to store your Chrysanthemum microgreens, you should not expose them to water. Instead, once you harvest the microgreens, wrap a clean paper towel around them loosely and place them in a Ziploc bag or storage container. The paper towel will absorb any excess moisture and help keep your Chrysanthemum microgreens crisp.
If you plan on shipping your microgreens, you will need to place your Chrysanthemum microgreens in a storage container with slotted sides for ventilation. These containers will protect your microgreens while preventing moisture from developing, which can cause your microgreens to wilt. Once you have packaged your Chrysanthemum microgreens, they are ready to ship.
Whether you are storing your Chrysanthemum microgreens for your personal consumption or you are shipping your Chrysanthemum microgreens, they must be kept refrigerated. The recommended temperature for storing microgreens is a cool, 36 degrees Fahrenheit.
Chrysanthemum microgreens offer a unique taste and texture and pair beautifully in a variety of Asian dishes. It can also be used in salads, soups, casseroles, omelets, and stir-fries. The yellowish-green stems and leaves add color and dimension to your dishes.
Chrysanthemum microgreens are super easy to grow. Simply place them in your desired growing medium and follow the step-by-step directions we have provided. Within a couple of weeks, you will be enjoying delicious Chrysanthemum microgreens.
