Growing Microgreens Starter Guide
Organic Rainbow Blend Beet Microgreen Seeds
Begin by presoaking seeds for 4 to 8 hours in cool water — beet seeds have a fibrous outer hull that benefits from hydration before planting, and soaking noticeably improves germination rates and evenness. After soaking, drain and scatter seeds evenly across the surface of a moist, fine-textured potting mix or seed-starting medium in a 10-by-20-inch tray, aiming for 1.0 to 1.5 oz of seed per tray. Press seeds gently into the soil surface to ensure good contact, but do not bury them deeply. Because beet seeds are actually seed clusters (each seed is a small corky hull containing multiple embryos), the tray will look lightly seeded compared to something like radish or sunflower — this is normal. Mist the surface gently, then place a second tray on top, with a moderate weight to keep the seeds in contact with the soil during the blackout period. Keep in a dark, warm location (68 to 72 F) for 3 to 4 days. Bottom watering is strongly preferred from this point forward — pour water into the bottom tray and allow the soil to absorb it from below. This keeps the seed hulls and foliage dry, which reduces the risk of mold.
After the blackout period, move the tray to bright light — a sunny windowsill or grow lights positioned 2 to 4 inches above the canopy for 12 to 16 hours a day. The multi-colored stems will begin to show their distinct pigmentation as they reach toward the light. Harvest when the cotyledons are fully open and standing upright, typically 12 to 23 days after planting, depending on temperature and light levels. Cooler conditions slow growth; warmer conditions speed it up. At harvest, the tray will display the full range of the blend's colors most vividly.
Benefits of Organic Rainbow Blend Beet Microgreen Seeds
Beet microgreens are a nutritional standout in the microgreens world. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, iron, and potassium — nutrients that support immune function, blood health, and bone density. The red and deep pink stems in the Rainbow Blend are colored by betalains, the same natural pigments found in mature red beets, which are well-regarded for their antioxidant activity. Growing these microgreens from certified organic seed gives growers who prioritize organic inputs an easy way to maintain that standard from seed to harvest.
Culinary Tips
Rainbow Blend beet microgreens are best eaten raw to preserve their texture, color, and nutritional value. Use them as a topping for salads, grain bowls, avocado toast, and tartines, or pile them onto beet-forward dishes where the visual connection to the full-grown vegetable adds appeal. They pair naturally with goat cheese, citrus vinaigrettes, walnuts, and roasted root vegetables. The vivid color range — reds, golds, whites, and pinks side by side — makes them a striking garnish on composed plates or charcuterie boards. They wilt quickly with heat, so add them after cooking rather than sauteing, and dress salads just before serving to keep the stems crisp.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Do not skip the presoak — it really does make a difference with beet seeds. And stick with soil; I tried a hydroponic mat once, and the seed hulls made a mess of it. Once you get the bottom-watering routine down, these are one of the most satisfying microgreens to grow just for the color alone."
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- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Microgreen Resources:
Microgreen How to Videos
Microgreen FAQ
Seeds per Package:
- 1 oz - Packet - Approximately 1,250 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 5,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 20,000 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 100,000 Seeds
- 25 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 500,000 Seeds
