How To Grow Fava Microgreens

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

Fava beans have been used for thousands of years in Middle Eastern cuisine. Nowadays, chefs and home cooks are embracing the delicious and nutritious fava microgreens. Fava microgreens provide you with a delicious nutty flavor, along with an amazing crunch that is delicious in salads, sandwiches, soups, and more.

Fava bean microgreens are loaded with fiber, along with a plethora of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Incorporating fava microgreens in your diet will also provide you with the nutrients your body needs to improve health.

Fava Microgreen Profile

Our quick view table provides you with the pertinent information needed to grow fava microgreens. Fava greens are a simple microgreen crop that delivers you a fast, bountiful harvest.

AttributeProfile
Flavor Fava microgreens have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.  
Pre-Soak (Yes/No)   Fava bean microgreen seeds should be presoaked for a period of 12 to 24 hours.
Color  Fava microgreens have light green stems with bold green leaves.
Germination Time   Fava microgreen seeds take 3 to 4 days to germinate.
Harvest Time  The harvest time for fava microgreens ranges between 12 and 15 days.
Green Thumb Level (1-5)   4 – Fava microgreens are one of the most advanced microgreens to grow. Their slow germination and growth times can be frustrating for beginners.

Fava bean microgreens are delicious and offer a number of health benefits. Growers love these crunchy, nutty-flavored microgreens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Microgreen growers often have questions concerning particular microgreens. We have gathered the top questions commonly asked by microgreen gardeners.

Do Fava Microgreens Regrow After Harvesting?

No. Just like other types of microgreens, fava microgreens will not regrow after harvesting. Any regrowth that occurs will be stunted.

How Fast Do Fava Microgreens Grow?

Fava microgreens will be ready to harvest approximately 2 weeks after your microgreens have germinated.

How Do You Incorporate Fava Microgreens into Your Diet?

Fava microgreens have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor with a delicate crunch. Pair this delightful microgreen with microgreens with a slightly bitter flavor like kale, quinoa, or broccoli.

What Health Benefits Do Fava Microgreens Offer?

Fava microgreens offer numerous health benefits the high protein and dietary fiber in fava microgreens may help improve heart health, reduce the risk of cancer, improve digestion, and lower cholesterol levels.

How Many Seeds Do You Need for Each Grow Tray?

For each 10 inch by 20 inch growing tray, you will need approximately 9 ounces of fava microgreen seeds.

Equipment Needed to Grow Fava Microgreens

Growing fava microgreens requires several pieces of equipment. Although there are several different methods that can be used to grow fava bean microgreens, the method described below has been shown to consistently produce great results.  You can either choose a starter kit or purchase individual pieces of equipment.

Fava Microgreen Starter Kits

A microgreen starter kit contains the essential pieces of equipment that you need to grow fava microgreens. In this fava microgreen starter kit, you will receive microgreen growing trays, a microgreen growing medium, a misting bottle, an assortment of seeds, and more.

Specific Equipment Needed for Fava Microgreens

If you prefer, you can buy each piece of equipment individually. Most pieces are mandatory; however, there are a few optional pieces that can help you reap a healthier, bigger, and easier harvest.

Fava Microgreens Mason Jars

Fava microgreens should be soaked for 12 to 24 hours. Soaking microgreens helps to improve and speed up the germination rate of microgreen seeds. A pint mason jar with a screw-top lid allows you to easily soak and drain your microgreen seeds.

Sale
Ball Regular Mouth Mason Jars with Lids and Bands, 16-Ounces (4-Pack)
  • Made in America by the Ball Mason Jar Company Great for candles, lotions, jams and jellies, preserves, herbs etc. Lid and airtight band included Set of 4 jars No shipping outside of the continental U.S. The line on the jar says 12oz but you can fill in to 16 oz.

Fava Microgreen Growing Medium

There is a large variety of growing mediums that can be used for growing fava microgreens. The top two growing mediums are coconut coir and seed starting soil. Our personal favorite is coconut coir.

Coconut Coir

Coconut coir is a soilless growing medium. It is made using the husks of a coconut, making it an eco-friendly option. Coconut coir holds a lot of water; however, it will not cause root rot and other soilborne illness the way other growing mediums may.

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 Starting Soil

Seed starting soil is a type of fine-grained potting soil that has added nutrients to help with the growth and development of plants. Because microgreens are harvested so early, the added nutrients are not needed.

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FoxFarm Ocean Forest FX14000 -1.5 Cubic Foot Organic Potting Soil
  • 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

Fava Microgreen Growing Trays

You will need a total of three growing trays for fava bean microgreens. The most popular size tray for microgreens is the 10 inch by 20 inch tray. Purchase one tray with drainage holes and two trays without drainage holes.

Growing Tray with Drainage Holes

The growing tray with drainage holes allows the growing medium to draw water up so the roots can be watered without disturbing the microgreens or increasing the risk of mold and mildew.

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 Tray without Drainage Holes

The two trays without drainage holes serve two different purposes. One will be used as a blackout dome during the germination process. The other tray will hold the tray with drainage holes, allowing for bottom watering.

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.

Fava Microgreens Misting Bottle

You will also need a misting bottle or watering can for watering your microgreens after they have germinated. This misting bottle can be as simple or complex as you want.

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.

Fava Microgreen Grow Light

A grow light is used once your seeds have germinated. The grow light is placed directly over your microgreens to help ensure your microgreens grow straight and evenly.

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) Fava Microgreen Heating Mat

The ideal soil temperature for germination is 75° F. Most homes are not kept this warm. A heating mat helps to warm the soil to the perfect temperature for germination.

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) Fava Microgreen Planting Rack

If you are limited on space, a planting rack can help you utilize the vertical area of your home. When shopping for a planter's rack, look for multiple shelves that are adjustable. Wire racks will help make cleanup a breeze.

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) Fava Microgreen Circulation Fans

A circulation fan helps circulate the air around your fava microgreens, which helps to reduce the risk of mold and other soilborne diseases that can affect your microgreens. Place these clip-on fans so they blow horizontally across the tops of your 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

Fava Microgreen Seed Options

Organic Fava Microgreen Seeds – Mountain Valley Seed Company's organic sprouting seeds are heirloom seeds that are perfect for microgreens. The seeds are much smaller and easier to sprout than other fava bean seeds.

Step by Step Growing Guide for Fava Microgreens

If this is your first tray of microgreens or you have been growing microgreens for years, our step-by-step growing guide will help you successfully grow large crops of fava microgreens. Each step is detailed from planting all the way through harvesting and beyond.

Step 1 Prepare Your Growing Trays

The first thing you must do is prepare your fava microgreen growing trays for planting. Grab your growing medium and fill your growing tray with drainage holes right below the top lip, making sure the growing medium extends to the very edge. Then, press down lightly with your hands or a piece of cardboard to lightly compress the growing medium.

After you have filled your tray with growing medium, you will need to thoroughly saturate your growing medium. This can be done by filling your sink with about an inch of water and placing your growing tray into the water. Leave the tray in the water for at least 30 minutes so the growing medium can dray the water upward.

If you prefer to use a misting bottle, spray ten sprays evenly across the growing tray. Allow the water to soak in for 15 minutes and respray. Repeat the process three to four times to ensure the growing medium is thoroughly saturated.

Step 2 Plant Your Microgreen Seeds

Once you have filled your grow trays and saturated the growing medium, it is time to plant your fava microgreen seeds. For each microgreen tray, you will need approximately nine ounces of seeds.

Begin by placing the growing tray with drainage holes inside a growing tray with no holes. This setup will allow you to easily water your microgreens during the growing process.

Spread the seeds evenly across the prepared growing medium. and then cover lightly with a thin layer of growing medium. Then, with your misting bottle, spray the newly added soil until it is damp, approximately 5 to 7 sprays.

Step 3 Understand the Germination Process

Seeds germinate when they are sown deep in the earth. The seeds you plant in growing trays are no different. They must have darkness and pressure to germinate.

Once you have planted your seeds, you must create the darkness and pressure using an inverted growing tray with no holes and a weight. Take your third growing tray with no holes and invert it on top of your newly sown seeds. This inverted tray will block out light so your seeds can properly germinate.

Next, place a weight, a heavy book, or stone on top of the inverted tray. This weight will help the roots of your fava microgreens to grow downward and become strong.

Once you have weighed down the inverted tray, place your microgreen tray on top of your grow mat. Set the grow mat temperature to 75° F to encourage germination. Leave the microgreens alone for 3 to 4 days.

Check the soil moisture level daily during the germination period. If the soil begins to dry out, spray a few sprays across the entire surface of the tray. Then replace the inverted tray and weigh the tray back down.

Step 4 Place Your Fava Microgreens Under Grow Lights

Once at least 90 percent of your microgreens have germinated, it is time to remove the weight and inverted tray. Remove the tray, set it aside, and place your microgreens under your full spectrum LED grow lights.

The lights should be placed approximately 12 inches from the top of your grow tray. This distance will ensure that your microgreens receive an ample amount of light for photosynthesis and growth. You will keep

Step 5 Turn on Your Circulation Fans

Once you have turned on the grow lights, you should turn off the heating mats and turn on your circulation fans. Circulation fans are designed to increase airflow in and around your microgreen trays.

For best results, attach the fans to one end of the planter's rack so that it blows horizontally across the microgreens. You want the airflow to hit the top of the microgreens without blowing across the growing medium. If the fans blow across the growing medium, it will cause the medium to dry out quickly.

Step 6 Know When to Harvest

Typically, it takes about two weeks for fava microgreens to reach optimal harvest size. Beginning on day 10, snip a small amount of fava microgreens and taste them. Microgreen texture and flavor can change significantly in a short amount of time.

When the microgreens reach their optimal flavor, stop watering for at least 12 hours before harvesting. Withholding watering reduces the amount of water in the stems of the microgreen. Furthermore, withholding water increases the amount of time your microgreens will remain fresh after harvesting.

Harvesting Fava Microgreens

Once you determine it is time to harvest your fava microgreens, it is time to gather the supplies for harvesting. You will need a pair of sharp scissors or a sharp knife and a few paper towels.

Gather the microgreens loosely in one hand and cut the microgreens approximately a ¼ inch from the soil level. As you cut your microgreens, lay them on your paper towels.

If you are going to eat your microgreens immediately, plunge the microgreens in a bowl of cool, not cold water. Swirl the microgreens around to remove any dirt or sediment. Then, place the freshly washed microgreens on a few clean, dry paper towels and allow them to air dry.

Storing Fava Microgreens

If you will be storing your fava microgreens, it is imperative that you do not expose the microgreens to any moisture. Instead, once they are harvested, immediately loosely wrap them in a clean paper towel and place them in an airtight storage container or storage bag.

Place the freshly harvested and packaged microgreens in the vegetable bin of your refrigerator. Your fava microgreens will last approximately one week when properly stored and placed in a refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Fava microgreens are filled with essential nutrients that support immunity, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of cancer. The juicy, nutty flavor of these crisp microgreens pairs great with a variety of bitter microgreens like kale, broccoli, and endive.

Fava microgreens can be added at the end of the cooking cycles of soups and stews. The microgreens can stand up to heavy salad dressing, be added to your sandwiches, and can add a touch of umami to all of your dishes.

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How To Grow Fava 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
Copyright 2021 TypesOfMicrogreens.com All Rights Reserved!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.