Short answer: soak 10 to 20 g of kale seed for 2 to 8 hours, or sow it dry. Spread it evenly on a 10 × 20 inch tray of moist potting mix. Mist, cover and keep it dark for 2 to 3 days. Uncover, give bright light, and water from below each day. Cut just above the soil at 10 to 14 days.
Why grow kale microgreens?
- Mild and sweet. No bitterness, no chewing.
- Pretty. Red kale grows purple stems and blue-green leaves.
- Easy. Kale is a forgiving brassica, much like broccoli.
- Nutritious. Microgreens can be higher in some vitamins per gram than mature leaves. See microgreens vs mature greens.1
Green or red kale?
| Variety | Look | Flavour |
|---|---|---|
| Green kale | Bright green leaves, pale stems | Mild, fresh |
| Red kale | Blue-green leaves, purple stems | Mild, slightly sweeter |
Both grow at the same pace. Red kale shows stronger colour under bright light.
How to grow kale microgreens, day by day
- Day0
Soak (optional)
Soak the seed for 2 to 8 hours, then drain. Or sow it dry and mist well.
- Day0
Sow
Spread the seed evenly over 1 inch of moist potting mix and press it gently. Mist the surface.
- Day0–3
Blackout
Cover the tray. Mist once or twice a day. White root hairs on day 2 are normal.
- Day3
Uncover
Remove the cover when the seedlings lift it. Give bright light for 12 to 16 hours a day.
- Day3–12
Water from below
Water through the solid bottom tray once a day.
- Day10–14
Harvest
Cut just above the soil when the seed leaves are open.
Kale microgreens problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Fuzzy white roots | Normal root hairs | Mist; they collapse if they're roots |
| Gray, patchy fuzz | Mold from wet, still air | Water from below, sow thinner, add a fan |
| Pale purple stems | Low light | More light for better colour |
| Tall and floppy | Low light or late uncovering | Brighter light, uncover on time |
How to eat kale microgreens
- Salads: a tender base for any dressing.
- Smoothies: a handful blends in easily.
- Grain bowls and wraps.
- Eggs: stir into scrambled eggs at the very end.
- Soups: scatter on top just before serving.
Kale microgreens keep 5 to 7 days in a lined container in the fridge.
Kale sprouts vs kale microgreens
Kale seed also makes kale sprouts in a jar in 4 to 5 days. Sprouts are eaten whole with roots. Microgreens grow in soil with light and taste more like greens. For a mild mix in one tray, sow kale with broccoli and kohlrabi. See microgreen mixes.
Seeds in this article
Frequently asked questions
How long do kale microgreens take to grow?
About 10 to 14 days from sowing. Harvest when the seed leaves are fully open. You can wait for the first true leaves for a stronger kale flavour.
How much kale seed per tray?
About 10 to 20 g for a 10 × 20 inch tray, or about half for a 10 × 10 tray. Kale seed is small, so a thin, even layer is enough.
Do kale microgreens taste like kale?
Yes, but much milder. They taste fresh and slightly sweet, like a gentle cabbage, without the toughness of mature kale.
Are kale microgreens more nutritious than kale?
Some microgreens are higher in certain vitamins and carotenoids per gram than their mature leaves, but results vary by crop and nutrient. Kale microgreens and mature kale are both nutritious choices.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
Sources
- Xiao Z, Lester GE, Luo Y, Wang Q. Assessment of vitamin and carotenoid concentrations of emerging food products: edible microgreens. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2012. Link
