Broccoli

How to sow

Sow surface, then two days under cover. Use peat-free coco. Keep the surface just moist.

Germination 2–4 days in the crop record.

Growing

1. Sowing — Day 0. Scatter seeds densely on 2–3cm moist compost. Press gently. Cover tray with a lid or cling film for 2 days.
2. Germination — Days 2–4. Remove cover when shoots are 1–2cm. Move to indirect light.
3. Growth — Days 4–10. Mist daily. The leaves will yellow without enough light — bright windowsill essential.
4. Harvest — Days 8–12. Snip at soil level with scissors. Use immediately for best nutrition and flavour.

Keep at or above 15°C where the crop record sets a floor.

Harvest

First cut around 8–12 days.

Snip at soil level with scissors. Use immediately for best nutrition and flavour.

Common mistakes

• Not covering initially — Broccoli microgreens benefit from 2 days of darkness to strengthen stems. Cover the tray for the first 48 hours. This produces sturdier, taller microgreens.
• Too little light after uncovering — Without enough light, cotyledons turn yellow and pale — leggy and weak. Move to a bright windowsill as soon as the cover comes off. Direct sun is fine for micros.
• Letting compost dry out — The thin compost layer dries fast — once dry, micro roots can't recover. Mist every morning. Check in the afternoon on warm days.

In the kitchen

• Smoothie boost — Blend a handful into green smoothies. Mild flavour disappears into fruit — all nutrition, no taste penalty.
• Salad topper — Scatter generously on salads and grain bowls. Mild enough to use in volume.
• Egg garnish — Pile on scrambled or poached eggs. Visual and nutritional impact.
• Sandwich layer — Add as a fresh green layer in sandwiches and wraps. Replaces bland lettuce.
• Soup float — Drop on puréed soups just before serving for a fresh, green finish.

Questions

Sources

1. Broccoli Seed Pack
2. Coco Soil treatise
3. HubWīk contents
4. Grower knowledge + RHS Growing Guides