Short answer: soak 15 to 25 g of spigarello seed for 3 to 6 hours. Sow it evenly on a 10 × 20 inch tray of moist soil, cover it, and keep it dark for 2 to 3 days. Uncover, give bright light, and water from below. Cut at 8 to 10 days.
What is spigarello?
Spigarello (Brassica oleracea) is a leafy broccoli from southern Italy, grown for its leaves rather than heads. As a microgreen, it tastes sweet and mild, like a gentle broccoli. Sprouting.com gives it 5 days as sprouts and 8 to 10 as microgreens.1
How to grow spigarello microgreens
- Day0
Soak
Soak the seed for 3 to 6 hours. Drain.
- Day0
Sow
Spread evenly over moist potting mix.
- Day0–3
Blackout
Cover and mist daily.
- Day3
Light
Uncover and give bright light.
- Day8–10
Harvest
Cut above the soil.
The method matches broccoli microgreens.
Tips for growing spigarello microgreens
- Soak for 3 to 6 hours. It softens the seed coat and gives a more even tray.
- Sow at the broccoli rate. About 15 to 25 g per 10 × 20 inch tray works well.
- Watch for root hairs. Like broccoli, spigarello grows fuzzy white root hairs around day 2. They're normal.
- Give strong light after blackout for sturdy, green stems.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Fuzzy white roots | Normal root hairs | Mist; they flatten when wet |
| Gray patches | Mold from wet, still air | Sow thinner, water from below, add a fan |
| Tall, pale stems | Low light | Uncover on time, brighter light |
| Hulls on leaves | Dry blackout | Mist before uncovering |
Spigarello vs broccoli microgreens
Spigarello and broccoli are the same species, Brassica oleracea. Spigarello is a leaf broccoli, so its microgreens are a little sweeter and leafier. Both grow at the same pace and mix well in one tray. For a sharper bite, try rapini.
Spigarello sprouts
You can also grow spigarello as jar sprouts. Soak 1 tablespoon for 3 to 6 hours, then rinse and drain twice a day. Harvest at about 5 days after a few hours of indirect light.
Cooking with spigarello microgreens
Spigarello microgreens are mild enough to eat raw and sturdy enough to fold into warm dishes at the end.
- Pasta: toss with orecchiette, garlic, olive oil and chili, the classic southern Italian way with leafy broccoli.
- Pizza: pile on after baking.
- Eggs: stir into scrambled eggs or a frittata just before serving.
- Soups: scatter over minestrone or white bean soup.
- Salads: mix with arugula for a peppery, sweet blend.
Storing and eating spigarello microgreens
Use within 5 to 7 days. Add spigarello microgreens to pasta, pizza, eggs and salads.
Safety
For sprouts, the FDA says higher-risk groups should not eat them raw, and Health Canada advises everyone to cook sprouts.23
Spigarello FAQ
What is spigarello?
A leafy broccoli from southern Italy, grown for its leaves instead of heads. As a microgreen it tastes sweet and mild.
How long do spigarello microgreens take?
About 8 to 10 days after a 3 to 6 hour soak.
Can I mix spigarello with other microgreens?
Yes. It grows at the same pace as broccoli, kale and cabbage, so they mix well in one tray.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
