How Many Times Can You Harvest Microgreens? Soilless Harvests
Key Takeaways
- Many microgreens can be harvested 2-3 times when grown in soilless media, with pea shoots yielding up to 5 harvests
- Cutting technique is crucial – always harvest 1/4 inch above the growing medium to encourage healthy regrowth
- Soilless systems like hydroponic setups and grow mats provide cleaner multiple harvests compared to soil-based growing
- Second harvests often have different flavor profiles – sometimes more intense but usually with lower yields
- Urban Microgreens offers specialized growing systems designed specifically for multiple harvests in compact spaces
The secret most microgreen growers won’t tell you? You’re leaving money and nutrition on the table if you’re only harvesting once. That changes today.
Growing microgreens without soil isn’t just cleaner—it’s the gateway to multiple harvests from a single tray. I’ve spent years perfecting the technique of getting 2, 3, even 5 harvests from certain varieties, and I’m going to show you exactly how to maximize your yields with precision cuts and proper care between harvests.
While Urban Microgreens specializes in soilless growing systems that make multiple harvests simpler and more effective, the techniques I’ll share work with any hydroponic or mat-based setup you might already have.
Multiple Harvests: The Hidden Potential of Your Microgreens
“4-Tier Nursery & Microgreen System …” from www.theaquaponicsource.com and used with no modifications.
Most home growers cut their microgreens once and immediately dump the growing medium. This single-harvest approach ignores the remarkable regenerative capacity of many microgreen varieties. With proper technique and the right growing setup, you can harvest the same tray multiple times, drastically increasing your yield per seed and cutting your costs significantly.
The key lies in understanding plant biology. When you cut microgreens properly—leaving enough stem and the growing point intact—many varieties will push out new growth. This second flush often grows faster than the first since the root system is already established. In soilless systems, this regrowth potential is maximized because there’s less competition from soil-borne pathogens that might interfere with regeneration.
The Truth About Cutting Microgreens Multiple Times
“Hydroponic Microgreens Year Round …” from www.instructables.com and used with no modifications.
Not all microgreens are created equal when it comes to multiple harvests. Some varieties simply aren’t designed to regrow after cutting, while others seem almost eager to produce second and third flushes. The success of multiple harvests depends on growing method, cutting technique, and how you care for the tray post-harvest.
Why Most People Only Harvest Once (And Why They’re Wrong)
The single-harvest mentality stems from commercial growing practices where consistency and predictability reign supreme. Commercial operations prioritize uniform growth and perfect appearance, which first harvests deliver more reliably. But for home growers, the slight variation in second harvest appearance is a small price to pay for essentially free microgreens.
Many beginners also worry about diminishing quality in subsequent harvests. While it’s true that second harvests may look slightly different—often with smaller leaves and sometimes more intense flavor—they’re still packed with nutrients. In fact, some varieties develop more complex flavor profiles in their second growth.
Another common misconception is that regrowth requires special equipment. While specialized soilless systems optimize multiple harvests, even basic hydroponic setups support regrowth if you master the proper cutting technique and post-harvest care.
- First harvests typically yield 70-100% of potential crop weight
- Second harvests average 50-70% of the first harvest weight
- Third harvests usually yield 30-50% of the first harvest
- Growth time decreases with each subsequent harvest
- Flavor often intensifies with later harvests
Variety Matters: Which Microgreens Regrow Best
Not all microgreens are candidates for multiple harvests. The best performers share specific biological characteristics that make them resilient after cutting. Generally, varieties with robust stems and growth points located close to the base regrow most successfully.
Top performers include pea shoots, sunflower, buckwheat, amaranth, and many brassicas like radish and mustard. These varieties have meristematic tissue—essentially plant stem cells—that remains viable after cutting and can regenerate new growth. Pea shoots are the undisputed champions, sometimes producing up to five harvests if conditions are perfect.
In contrast, microgreens with delicate stems like cilantro, dill, and most lettuces typically don’t regrow well after cutting. Their growing points are either damaged during harvest or lack the energy reserves needed to push out new growth.
First vs. Second Harvest: Flavor and Nutrition Comparison
Second harvests often surprise growers with their unique characteristics. The flavor profile frequently changes—sometimes becoming more intense or developing subtle nuances absent in the first cutting. This happens because the plant produces different compounds in response to the stress of being cut.
Soilless Growing: The Key to Multiple Harvests
“Soilless Agriculture: An In-depth …” from www.agritecture.com and used with no modifications.
Soilless systems create the ideal environment for multiple harvests because they minimize contamination and maximize nutrient availability. Unlike soil which can harbor pathogens that attack cut stems, hydroponic and mat-based systems provide a clean medium that reduces disease pressure between harvests.
The controlled environment of soilless systems also allows for precise nutrient delivery directly to the roots, helping plants recover faster after harvesting. This targeted feeding accelerates regrowth and ensures microgreens have access to exactly what they need during their critical recovery phase.
Hydroponic Systems That Support Regrowth
Ebb and flow systems excel at supporting multiple harvests because they provide intermittent nutrient solution exposure while maintaining excellent aeration. This balance is crucial for roots recovering from the stress of harvest. The cycles of flooding and draining keep oxygen levels high in the root zone, preventing the anaerobic conditions that often lead to root rot after cutting.
Deep water culture systems can also work well for second harvests, particularly when equipped with robust aeration. The constant availability of nutrients in these systems supports rapid regrowth, though you’ll need to monitor for potential algae development since the system remains wet between harvests.
NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) systems offer perhaps the most consistent results for multiple harvests because they provide continuous nutrient flow while maintaining high oxygen levels. The shallow stream of solution keeps roots moist without becoming waterlogged, creating ideal conditions for regrowth.
Grow Mat Options for Successful Second Cuts
Hemp mats have emerged as the gold standard for multiple harvests due to their exceptional water retention and resistance to breakdown. After the first harvest, hemp mats maintain structural integrity better than most alternatives, providing stable support for regenerating plants.
Coconut coir mats offer excellent middle-ground performance, retaining enough moisture to support regrowth while providing good drainage to prevent mold issues between harvests. The natural anti-fungal properties of coco coir can be particularly beneficial during the vulnerable period after cutting.
Biostrate and other synthetic mats have the advantage of consistency, with uniform water distribution and minimal breakdown between harvests. Their inert nature also reduces the risk of introducing competing organisms that might interfere with regrowth.
Nutrient Solutions for Stronger Regrowth
After the first harvest, plants benefit from a slight increase in nitrogen to support new vegetative growth. Adjusting your nutrient solution to provide approximately 20% more nitrogen can significantly improve second harvest yields, particularly for leafy varieties like kale and arugula.
Adding a small amount of kelp extract (about 2ml per gallon) to your nutrient solution after the first cut provides natural growth hormones that can stimulate faster regrowth. The cytokinin compounds in kelp are particularly effective at encouraging lateral bud development—exactly what you need for a robust second flush.
The Perfect Cutting Technique for Regrowth
The single most important factor determining whether your microgreens will produce a second harvest is cutting technique. The goal is to remove the marketable portions while leaving intact the growing point and enough stem to support regrowth. This requires precision and the right tools.
Always cut perpendicular to the stem, making clean cuts rather than tearing or pulling. Ragged cuts create more surface area for potential pathogens to enter and force the plant to use valuable energy healing damaged tissue rather than producing new growth.
Ideal Height for First Harvest
For most varieties, the ideal cutting height is approximately 1/4 inch (6mm) above the growing medium. This preserves the growing points located at the nodes where the cotyledons attach to the stem. Going lower risks damaging these vital regenerative tissues, while cutting higher leaves unnecessary stem that may rot between harvests.
Pea shoots and sunflower microgreens are exceptions to this rule—they can be cut slightly higher (about 1/2 inch above the medium) because their growth points are higher on the stem. This higher cut also reduces the chance of damaging the somewhat fragile stems of these larger varieties.
For smaller-seeded varieties like amaranth and broccoli, precision becomes even more critical. Use sharp scissors and good lighting to ensure you’re not cutting too low, as their growing points are tiny and easily damaged.
Where to Cut to Encourage New Growth
Look for the nodes—the slight swellings on the stem where leaves emerge. Cutting just above these nodes preserves the axillary buds that will produce new growth. In most microgreens, these nodes are located just above where the stem emerges from the growing medium.
For brassicas like radish and mustard, you’ll find a clear transition point where the stem changes from white to green. Cutting just above this transition zone typically preserves the growing point while removing the marketable greens.
Tools That Make Clean Cuts Without Damage
Sharp, clean scissors are the minimum requirement for successful multiple harvests. Dull blades crush rather than cut, damaging cells beyond the cutting point and reducing regrowth potential. Sanitize your scissors between trays using a 10% bleach solution or food-grade hydrogen peroxide to prevent disease transmission.
Electric knives designed specifically for microgreens offer even cleaner cuts and greater efficiency, particularly valuable if you’re harvesting multiple trays. These specialized tools create minimal disturbance to the remaining stems and growing medium, further increasing regrowth success.
How to Maximize Yields From Second and Third Harvests
“11 Hydroponic Grow Mediums for Growing …” from onthegrow.net and used with no modifications.
After that first cut, your microgreens need special attention to reach their full regrowth potential. The recovery period is critical – what you do in the first 24-48 hours after harvest largely determines the success of subsequent yields. Immediately after cutting, I’ve found increasing light intensity by about 20% gives microgreens the energy boost they need to initiate new growth.
Monitor moisture levels vigilantly during this recovery phase. The tray now has fewer plants transpiring water but a fully developed root system still absorbing it. This imbalance means it’s easy to overwater between harvests. I recommend reducing watering frequency by about 30% while maintaining the same moisture level in the growing medium.
Optimal Light Levels After First Cut
Light intensity should be increased after the first harvest to compensate for the reduced photosynthetic surface area. If you’re using LED grow lights, position them about 2-3 inches closer to the tray than during initial growth. This higher light intensity triggers a stronger recovery response and prevents stretching that can lead to weak, leggy regrowth.
Extending the photoperiod to 16-18 hours (up from the standard 12-14 hours for first growth) provides additional energy for recovery. This longer light exposure gives plants more time to photosynthesize and rebuild their energy reserves without the stress of continuous 24-hour lighting.
Water and Feeding Schedule Between Harvests
Post-harvest watering requires a delicate balance. Too much water leads to rot and mold; too little stunts regrowth. After cutting, wait until the top of the growing medium feels just slightly dry before watering again. This slight drought stress actually stimulates stronger regrowth as the plants activate survival mechanisms.
Nutrient concentration should be increased by approximately 25% for second harvests. This higher EC (electrical conductivity) provides additional resources for regrowth but should be monitored carefully to prevent salt buildup. If using a hydroponic system, increase circulation rates slightly to ensure oxygen-rich solution reaches all remaining plant tissue.
Temperature Adjustments for Faster Regrowth
Raising the ambient temperature by 3-5°F after harvesting accelerates regrowth by increasing metabolic activity. This temperature boost is particularly effective in the first 72 hours after cutting when plants are initiating new growth. Just be careful not to exceed 80°F, as higher temperatures can promote pathogen development in the wounded tissue.
Creating a brief period of higher humidity (70-80%) for the first 24-48 hours after harvest helps prevent desiccation of the cut stems while new growth emerges. After this initial recovery period, return humidity to normal growing levels (50-60%) to minimize disease pressure.
Signs Your Tray Is Ready for Another Harvest
The regrowth is ready for a second harvest when new leaves have reached approximately the same height as your first cutting. Look for vibrant color and fully expanded leaves – rushing the second harvest by cutting too early significantly reduces the potential for a third cutting. Most varieties will be ready for a second harvest 7-10 days after the first cut, with subsequent harvests following similar timing.
Watch for the emergence of true leaves (not just the cotyledons) as a signal of harvest readiness. These true leaves typically have more complex shapes and sometimes slightly different coloration than the seed leaves. The presence of true leaves indicates the plant has recovered its energy reserves and produced marketable new growth.
Top Performers: Microgreens That Give 3+ Harvests
“Grow Microgreens Hydroponically” from canadagrowsupplies.com and used with no modifications.
After years of experimentation, I’ve identified clear champions in the multiple harvest category. These varieties consistently deliver quality regrowth when provided with proper care. Certain plant families have genetic advantages that make them naturally suited to regeneration.
1. Pea Shoots (The Multiple Harvest Champion)
Pea shoots reign supreme in the world of multiple harvests, often producing 3-5 quality cuttings from a single tray. Their exceptional performance stems from their naturally vigorous growth habit and the plant’s evolutionary strategy of recovering from grazing. When cut about 1 inch above the growing medium, pea shoots typically regenerate 60-80% of their original yield in the second harvest.
The secret to maximizing pea shoot regrowth lies in seed density. While many growers plant peas densely for a single harvest, spacing seeds slightly further apart (about 1/2 inch between seeds) creates room for multiple strong regrowth flushes. This spacing allows light to reach the lower nodes where new growth emerges.
2. Sunflower Microgreens
Sunflower microgreens reliably produce 2-3 harvests when grown in soilless media. Their thick stems store enough energy reserves to fuel robust regrowth, especially when cut above the cotyledon node. The second harvest typically yields about 50-60% of the first cutting’s volume but often develops a richer, nuttier flavor that many chefs actually prefer.
To maximize sunflower regrowth, provide supplemental calcium (about 10% more than your standard solution) after the first harvest. This additional calcium strengthens cell walls in the new growth, producing sturdier stems and more substantial leaves in subsequent harvests.
3. Buckwheat
Buckwheat microgreens consistently deliver 2-3 quality harvests with proper technique. Their regrowth pattern is distinctive, with second harvests often producing more numerous but slightly smaller leaves than the initial cutting. The flavor typically intensifies in later harvests, developing a more pronounced earthy character that pairs exceptionally well with savory dishes.
Buckwheat benefits from a slightly lower cutting height than other varieties – about 1/8 inch above the growing medium. This lower cut allows access to more growth nodes while still preserving the plant’s regenerative capacity.
4. Amaranth
Amaranth surprises many growers with its remarkable regrowth capacity, often producing 3 harvests of diminishing but still marketable volume. The vibrant red varieties show particularly strong regeneration, with second harvests displaying intensified coloration that makes them visually stunning on the plate.
The key to amaranth regrowth lies in temperature control. Keeping temperatures between 72-75°F after the first harvest dramatically improves regrowth rates. Cooler temperatures significantly slow amaranth recovery, while higher temperatures can trigger flowering responses that reduce leaf production.
5. Radish
Radish microgreens, particularly daikon varieties, reliably produce 2 harvests with a possible third under optimal conditions. The spicy flavor that makes radish microgreens popular often intensifies in second harvests, creating a more pungent product that some specialty chefs specifically request.
After harvesting radish microgreens, reduce watering frequency significantly – this slight drought stress prevents stem rot while encouraging stronger regrowth. The second harvest typically appears within 5-7 days, making radish one of the quickest varieties to regenerate.
Troubleshooting Regrowth Issues
Even with perfect technique, you’ll occasionally encounter problems with microgreen regrowth. Most issues stem from a few common causes that can be systematically addressed. The most frequent culprits include cutting too low, improper post-harvest care, or pathogen development in the wounded tissue.
Yellow Second Growth? Here’s Why
Yellowing regrowth typically signals one of three problems: insufficient light, nutrient deficiency, or root zone issues. After harvest, the reduced leaf surface area means less photosynthesis is occurring, making light intensity more critical. Move your lights closer or increase their brightness to provide more photosynthetic energy to the recovering plants.
If yellowing persists despite adequate light, examine your nutrient solution. Second harvests require higher nitrogen levels to support vigorous vegetative regrowth. Add approximately 20% more nitrogen to your solution after the first cut to support healthy green regrowth. Yellowing that begins at the leaf edges rather than uniformly may indicate a specific micronutrient deficiency, most commonly iron or magnesium.
Solving Slow Regrowth Problems
Sluggish regeneration often results from temperature or humidity issues. Check that your growing area maintains 70-75°F during the day and doesn’t drop below 65°F at night. Temperature fluctuations particularly impact regrowth, as the plant must divert energy to adaptation rather than producing new leaves.
Stagnant air can dramatically slow regrowth by creating microclimates around cut stems that harbor pathogens and reduce gas exchange. Ensure good air circulation with a small fan positioned to create gentle movement without directly drying out the growing medium. This circulation prevents ethylene buildup (a plant stress hormone) that can inhibit new growth. For more tips on optimizing your microgreens setup, check out this guide on how to grow microgreens.
Preventing Mold Between Harvests
The post-harvest environment presents perfect conditions for mold development: wounded plant tissue, moisture, and reduced plant competition. Combat this by immediately removing all cut plant material from the tray after harvesting – even small fragments can become infection sites. A gentle shake and quick vacuum of the tray surface removes most debris.
Hydrogen peroxide solution (1%) misted lightly over the cut stems creates a hostile environment for pathogens without harming plant tissue. This preventative treatment significantly reduces mold issues between harvests, particularly in humid environments. Follow this with slightly reduced watering and increased air circulation to maintain a disease-resistant growing environment.
The Economics of Multiple Harvests
The financial advantage of multiple harvests cannot be overstated for the home grower or small commercial operation. By extracting 2-3 yields from a single seeding, you dramatically improve your return on investment for seeds, growing media, and space. When calculated over a year of continuous production, the savings compound into substantial amounts.
Cost Savings: The Numbers Behind Repeat Harvests
A standard 10″×20″ tray of pea shoots requires approximately 8-10 ounces of seed costing $10-15 at retail prices. The first harvest typically yields about 8-10 ounces of microgreens. With proper technique, a second harvest yields an additional 6-8 ounces, and a third harvest provides 3-5 ounces more. This triples your yield while maintaining the same input costs for seed, growing media, and initial setup.
For high-value microgreens like sunflower, the economics become even more compelling. A tray requiring $8-10 in seeds that produces three harvests essentially reduces your seed cost per ounce by two-thirds. When factoring in the reduced labor of not having to clean trays, plant new seeds, and manage early growth, multiple harvests significantly improve production efficiency.
Time Investment vs. Starting New Trays
While multiple harvests require some additional management, the time investment is substantially less than starting new trays. A new tray requires soaking seeds, preparing growing media, sowing, stacking, daily management during germination, and blackout periods. By contrast, managing regrowth primarily involves adjusted watering and monitoring for potential issues – typically just 1-2 minutes per day per tray.
For urban growers with limited space, multiple harvests effectively multiply your growing area. Three harvests from one tray are equivalent to having three times the growing space – a significant advantage for apartment dwellers or those with small growing operations.
When to Cut Your Losses and Start Fresh
Despite the economic advantages, there comes a point when continuing to harvest from the same tray no longer makes sense. When yield drops below 30% of the original harvest, or when growth becomes uneven or discolored, it’s time to start fresh. Most trays will show these signs after the third harvest, though exceptional varieties like pea shoots may continue producing.
Mold development or pest issues are immediate signals to terminate the tray regardless of potential future harvests. The risk of spreading these problems to other growing areas outweighs any economic benefit from additional small harvests. Always prioritize the health of your growing operation over extracting maximum yield from a single tray.
Take Your Microgreen Game to the Next Level
“Growing Microgreens Hydroponically: The …” from learn.hydrobuilder.com and used with no modifications.
Mastering multiple harvests transforms your microgreen growing from casual hobby to efficient production system. By implementing the techniques shared here – proper cutting height, adjusted post-harvest care, and variety selection – you can dramatically increase your yields without expanding your growing space or seed budget. The satisfaction of watching new growth emerge from harvested trays adds another dimension to the growing experience, connecting you more deeply to the remarkable regenerative capacity of plants.
Whether you’re growing for your family’s table or a small market business, the principles of multiple harvests apply equally. Start with the easier varieties like pea shoots and sunflower before moving to more challenging crops. Document your results, noting cutting heights, post-harvest treatments, and yields to develop a system optimized for your specific growing environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
After helping hundreds of growers implement multiple harvest systems, I’ve encountered some common questions that arise as people explore this approach. These FAQs address the most frequent concerns and misconceptions about harvesting microgreens multiple times.
How long does it take for microgreens to regrow after the first harvest?
Most microgreens begin showing visible regrowth within 48-72 hours after the first harvest, with faster-growing varieties like radish and mustard showing new growth even sooner. Complete regrowth to harvest-ready size typically takes 7-10 days for most varieties, roughly 30-40% faster than the original growth cycle. Environmental factors like temperature, light intensity, and nutrient availability can significantly affect this timeline, with optimal conditions producing harvest-ready regrowth as quickly as 5 days for some brassicas.
Do second harvest microgreens have the same nutritional value as first cuts?
Research suggests second harvest microgreens maintain roughly 80-90% of the nutritional content found in first harvests, with some compounds actually increasing in concentration. Certain antioxidants and flavonoids show higher levels in second harvests as the plant produces these compounds in response to cutting stress. The slight reduction in some nutrients is offset by the developed flavor profile, which many culinary professionals actually prefer for its complexity and intensity.
Can you harvest microgreens grown in soil multiple times?
Yes, soil-grown microgreens can be harvested multiple times, but they generally produce fewer successful harvests than soilless systems. The organic matter in soil breaks down over time, creating an environment more conducive to pathogen development after cutting. If attempting multiple harvests in soil, use a very light, well-draining mix and be particularly vigilant about removing all cut plant material from the soil surface after harvesting. For more detailed guidance, you can refer to this guide on harvesting microgreens.
For soil-based systems, adding a light dusting of cinnamon (a natural anti-fungal) to the soil surface after the first harvest can help prevent damping-off and other fungal issues that commonly affect regrowth. Just be sure to apply it very lightly so as not to inhibit the emerging new growth.
What’s the maximum number of harvests possible from one tray?
The record in my growing operation is five harvests from a single tray of pea shoots grown in a perfectly maintained hydroponic system. More typically, most varieties max out at 2-3 harvests before diminishing returns make starting fresh more efficient. The maximum harvest potential depends on cutting technique, post-harvest care, growing system cleanliness, and variety selection. Experimenting with different variables in your specific growing environment is the only way to determine the maximum for your setup.
Do I need to change the nutrient solution between harvests?
For hydroponic systems, refreshing at least 50% of the nutrient solution after each harvest provides optimal results for subsequent growth. The plant’s nutrient uptake patterns change after cutting, with higher demand for nitrogen and certain micronutrients to support vegetative regrowth. Maintaining EC (electrical conductivity) about 20% higher than your initial solution provides the additional resources needed for strong regeneration while preventing potential toxicity issues from accumulation of certain minerals.
For those growing on mats with bottom-fed nutrition, applying a foliar spray of diluted seaweed extract (1ml per liter) to the cut stems immediately after harvest provides growth stimulants that accelerate regeneration while you adjust the main nutrient solution.
Ready to take your urban garden to new heights with multiple microgreen harvests? Visit Urban Microgreens for specialized growing systems designed to maximize your yields through multiple harvests in even the smallest spaces.
