Microgreens
6-10days to harvest
2-4days to germinate
Z2–9USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Soak seeds 4-8 hours for better germination. Rinse and spread evenly on moist growing medium. Cover for 2-3 days until germination.

Cultivation

Sun
Bright indirect light or grow lights for 12-14 hours
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Soil
Soilless mix, coco coir, or hydroponic growing mats
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Spacing
Light to medium seeding - 1/2 oz per 10x20 tray
Height
2 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Pale green to white stems with small green leaves
Size
1-2 inches tall, very delicate structure
Shape
Thread-like stems with tiny trifoliate leaves
Flavour
Mild, slightly nutty, fresh and clean taste

In the kitchen

Salads, sandwiches, wraps, garnishes, smoothies, health food preparations

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, thrips in greenhouse conditions
Diseases
Damping off from overwatering, bacterial soft rot
Resistance
Generally good disease resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1January – December——January – December
2January – December——January – December
3January – December——January – December
4January – December——January – December
5January – December——January – December
6January – December——January – December
7January – December——January – December
8January – December——January – December
9January – December——January – December
10January – December——January – December
11January – December——January – December
12January – December——January – December
13January – December——January – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 4 to avoid.

BasilRepels aphids and thrips while improving air circulation around microgreens
ChivesNatural pest deterrent that repels aphids and other soft-bodied insects
MarigoldsStrong pest-repelling properties against aphids, whiteflies, and fungus gnats
LettuceSimilar growing conditions and compatible spacing for succession planting
SpinachCompatible cool-weather crop with similar water and light requirements
RadishFast-growing companion that helps break up soil and deters root pests
NasturtiumsTrap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting alfalfa microgreens
DillAttracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control pest populations

Avoid

Black WalnutProduces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and causes wilting in legumes
OnionsCan inhibit nitrogen fixation in legumes and stunt their growth
FennelAllelopathic properties inhibit germination and growth of most other plants
SunflowersAllelopathic compounds in roots and leaves suppress growth of nearby plants

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
69
Protein (g)
1.5
Fat (g)
0.1
Carbohydrate (g)
17.6
Fibre (g)
5.3
Sugars (g)
8.55
Vitamin A (µg)
5
Vitamin C (mg)
54.1
Calcium (mg)
8
Iron (mg)
1.61
Magnesium (mg)
24
Phosphorus (mg)
47
Potassium (mg)
304
Zinc (mg)
0.31

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the microgreens growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Alfalfa Microgreens?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other microgreens with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Alfalfa Microgreens suits these too.

Browse all 57 microgreens