Most people have enjoyed leeks; however, many have never had the privilege of eating leek microgreens. Leek microgreens offer the delicious flavor of the leeks you've come to love, only a little bit sweeter.
Leek microgreens are members of the allium family and provide more than 80 nutrients, including vitamins A, B6, C, E, K, folate, magnesium, iron, and potassium. The omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, and flavonoids in leek microgreens along with the numerous vitamins and minerals offer a host of health benefits.
Leek microgreens will be ready for you to enjoy in about a week and a half. Leek microgreens can be used in salads, sandwiches, spring rolls, soups, and pastas. It also makes a great garnish and can be used to ramp up flavor and nutrition in smoothies, eggs, and curries.
Leek microgreens are an excellent choice for both beginner and advanced microgreen growers. Check out our leek microgreen profile table for more information on growing leek microgreens. Within approximately two weeks, you will be enjoying homegrown leek microgreens.
| Attribute | Profile |
| Flavor | Mild onion flavor with hints of freshness. |
| Pre-Soak (Yes/No) | No presoaking is necessary. |
| Color | Leek microgreens are bright green. |
| Germination Time | Leek microgreens require a blackout period of 4 to 6 days. Germination should occur within 3 to 4 days. |
| Harvest Time | Leek microgreens will be ready for harvest in approximately 10 to 12 days. |
| Green Thumb Level (1-5) | 2 – Leek microgreens are easy to grow using our detailed growing guide. |
Leek microgreens are tasty, nutritious, and easy to grow. They can be grown indoors year round for fresh flavor in all of your favorite dishes.
Whether you are a novice microgreen gardener or have been growing microgreens for years, these frequently asked questions will provide you with the answers you may experience during planting, growing, and harvesting your leek microgreens.
Yes! Unlike most other microgreens, leeks will regrow after harvesting. You can expect to get two to three cuttings of leek microgreens before replanting.
Leek microgreens are fast growing. You can expect a substantial harvest in about two weeks.
Leek microgreens have a mild onion flavor with sweet undertones.
Leek microgreens are packed with a host of nutrients and offer a number of health benefits, including:
Leek microgreens can be grown hydroponically or in a growing medium. Our preferred method is to grow leek microgreens in the method described below. When our easy to understand and easy to follow instructions are used, you will be rewarded with a large harvest of leek microgreens. The following equipment will help ensure your success.
One of the easiest ways to get started growing microgreens is to purchase a microgreen starter kit. The Deluxe Starter Kit at True Leaf Market comes with a selection of seeds, soil, a misting bottle, and microgreen grow trays.
If you would rather purchase each piece of equipment individually, you will need:
The two types of growing mediums used for leek microgreens are seed starting soil and coconut coir. Both of these growing mediums have a number of advantages and disadvantages. We recommend using coconut coir because of its ability to hold moisture, its neutral pH levels, and its ability to reduce the risk of soilborne diseases.
Coconut coir is easy to use, holds the proper amount of moisture for leek microgreens, and is a renewable resource made from the husks of coconuts.
Another option is a seed starting growing medium. This growing medium contains everything your leek microgreens need to thrive.
Growing trays are used to house your microgreens, function as a humidity dome, and used during the blackout period of the germination process. You will need two trays without drainage holes and one tray with drainage holes. Although there are a variety of growing tray sizes, we recommend using 10 inch by 20 inch growing trays for your microgreens. This size tray will provide you with an ample amount of microgreens to enjoy.
You will need one growing tray with drainage holes for your leek microgreens. This tray will be used to hold the soil and seeds. The drainage holes in the tray serve two purposes. First, they will allow you to water your plants from the bottom. Second, they will allow any excess water to drain from the soil to reduce the risk of root rot, mildew, and other soilborne diseases.
You will also need two trays without drainage holes. One of the trays will be used as a blackout and humidity dome. The other tray will be used to hold the tray with drainage holes, allowing for bottom watering.
A misting bottle provides a gentle mist to water your seeds and delicate seedlings without disturbing the roots of your microgreens.
Many microgreen gardeners think they do not need a grow light; however, a full spectrum LED grow light ensures your microgreens receive the light they need to grow healthy.
The ideal soil temperature for germination is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. A heating mat will ensure your microgreen growing medium remains at a consistent temperature. Once the leeks have germinated, you can turn your heating mat off.
One optional piece of equipment that we recommend, especially if you will be growing more than one tray of microgreens. The planter's rack allows you to store growing trays on multiple levels of the growing rack. Furthermore, it will allow you to attach circulation fans and grow lights easily.
A circulation fan moves air across the tops of your microgreens to reduce moisture on the microgreens and prevent disease.
Carantan Leek Microgreens by Mountain Valley Seed Company are high yielding leek microgreens with a delightful onion zest and medium dark green leaves. These microgreens are ready for harvest in 8 to 12 days and offer a high germination rate.
Large American Flag Leek Microgreens by Mountain Valley Seed Company are long and sliver and look like miniature chives. The delicious onion flavor and green flavor are perfect in microgreen salads. These microgreens are ready for harvest in 10 to 12 days.
Giant Musselburgh Leek Microgreens by Mountain Valley Seed Company feature dark medium green leaves. The milder flavor of these leek microgreens makes them a perfect addition to egg and pasta dishes. The ideal harvest time for these microgreens is 8 to 12 days.
Growing leek microgreens is easy when you follow our step by step instructions. Within about two weeks, you will be enjoying delicious leek microgreens.
Once you have gathered your supplies, it is time to prepare your microgreen grow trays. Begin by filling your growing tray with drainage holes with your growing medium. Fill to the top of your tray. Then, grab a piece of cardboard and gently press down to slightly compact your soil. Your growing medium should be level and slightly below the lip of your tray.
Moisten your growing medium by either sitting the tray in water for about 30 minutes or thoroughly wetting the soil with your misting bottle or watering can. Once the soil has absorbed plenty of water and the excess water has been allowed to drain, place the tray inside one of your trays with no drainage holes.
For each 10 inch by 20 inch tray, you will need approximately 1 ounce of leek microgreen seeds. To help ensure even distribution across the entire surface of your tray, place your microgreens seeds in a shaker like this one.
Sprinkle a small amount of growing medium atop your seeds and use one of your microgreen grow trays to gently press down on the soil to ensure the seeds are nestled in the growing medium and the growing medium is even.
Once you have planted your leek seeds, it is time for the germination process. During this time, seeds need weight, consistent temperature, and darkness. This can be done using the remaining grow tray.
Place the tray upside down atop your planted seeds. Then, place a heavy book, stone, or weight atop the tray. Although you may be concerned about placing a heavy weight on the microgreens, it will not hurt them. In fact, the weight will help the plant to grow strong deep roots.
Place your tray atop the heat mat on your growing rack and set the temperature to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Your leek microgreens need to be kept in complete darkness for 4 to 6 days.
During this time, you will need to check the moisture level daily. If the growing medium begins to dry out, add a small amount of water to the bottom tray and allow the growing medium to draw up the necessary moisture for 30 minutes or spray the soil with your misting bottle. Then, drain any excess water from the bottom tray.
Once at least 90 percent of the microgreen seeds have germinated and the blackout period has passed, it is time to remove the weight and lid. When you first remove the blackout lid, your microgreens will be pale white. Don't worry, once they receive an ample amount of light, they will turn a beautiful bright green, and will soon be ready for eating.
In order for your leek microgreens to grow consistently and straight, they will need to be exposed to light. Microgreens do best when they are placed directly under a full spectrum LED grow light.
Place your microgreen grow tray back on your planter's rack. Then, attach a grow light 12 to 18 inches from your microgreens. For best results, leave your grow lights on for 18 hours each day. This will provide the young plants with the light they need to begin producing chlorophyll.
Once your microgreens have been placed under the LED grow lights, it is time to set up the circulation fans. Place a fan on one side of the tray, ensuring the airflow goes across the top of the microgreens. The air should not blow across the growing medium as it will cause the medium to dry out too quickly.
Knowing when you should harvest your leek microgreen is essential for high quality, delicious microgreens, harvest too early and the flavor will be lacking, harvest too late and the flavor can become bitter and the microgreens tough.
A good rule of thumb for harvesting leek microgreens is to begin harvesting leek microgreens when they reach 2 to 4 inches high. Unlike many other types of microgreens, leek microgreens will regrow after you have harvested them. This allows you to only harvest what you need and allow the plant to continue to grow.
Once you have harvested your leek microgreens, return them to the grow light and allow the micro leeks to regrow. It is important to leave at least one half of an inch of microgreen above the surface to ensure regrowth.
Leek microgreens are super easy to harvest. All you need is a few clean, dry paper towels and a sharp knife or pair of scissors. For best results, withhold watering your microgreens for at least 12 hours before harvesting. This will reduce the risk of mold or soggy microgreens.
When it is harvest time, place your paper towels on your work surface. Gently grasp the leek microgreens in one hand and cut them one half of an inch above the soil surface. As you cut the leeks, place the microgreens on the paper towels. Work quickly as the longer the leek microgreens are exposed to the air, the shorter their storage will be.
If you will be storing your leek microgreens, keep them away from all traces of moisture as moisture can shorten the life expectancy of microgreens. If you will be eating the leeks immediately, dunk the leeks into a bowl of cool water and swirl to remove any growing medium particles and seed hulls. Then, place them on clean, dry paper towels and allow them to dry before serving.
If handled and stored properly, your microgreens will remain fresh in your refrigerator for one to two weeks. The following steps will ensure absolute freshness.
Once you have harvested your leek microgreens, it is time to place them in an airtight storage container or bag. Place a clean, dry paper towel in the storage bag or container to absorb any excess moisture. Then, gently place the microgreens in the container and seal to prevent air from reaching the microgreens.
Once you have placed the microgreens in the storage containers, place them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. For best results, the humidity should be decreased, and the temperature should be between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Leek microgreens have a delicious onion flavor that pairs beautifully with burgers, eggs, salads, pastas, and soups. The mild onion flavor with sweet undertones is delicious when combined with other types of microgreens like radish, carrot, endive, beet, and spinach.
Leek microgreens are easy to grow as long as you have patience and ensure the soil does not become too dry during the germination and growth period. Use our detailed, easy to follow instructions to ensure success. Once you have planted your leek microgreen seeds, you should be ready to begin harvesting within a couple of weeks.
