Growing Microgreens Starter Guide

Nasturtium - Empress of India - Microgreens Seeds

Growing Empress of India Nasturtium Microgreen Seeds

Scarify or nick the seed coating of each seed with a pocket knife, sandpaper, or with hydrogen peroxide (University of Washington ). Then, presoak the Nasturtium seeds for 2-4 hours in water. Prepare an even-growing surface of coco coir or fertilizer-free potting soil by lightly patting it down and misting it with water until it is wet. Sprinkle the Empress of India Nasturtium seeds densely across the surface. Avoid overlapping seeds and keep them evenly spaced. Water them in with a mister or spray bottle. Place a second black tray on top of the seeds.

Put the tray in a dark location for 2-3 days. The temperature should be around 65-70°F. After they have all germinated and look plump (around 2 days), lightly spritz them with water. Return to the dark location or under a black tray until the total blackout time is reached. Water heavily from underneath. Move your seedlings to the sun or under a grow light. Water the tray regularly and watch out for mold. If mold starts to grow, spray with hydrogen peroxide. The amount of time between waterings will be different for everyone based on the room temperature and your watering habits. Generally, if growing your seedlings in the sun with a shallow tray, you will have to water them much more frequently than when growing them under a grow light in a deep tray. Check the bottom tray daily and refill with 1-2 cups of water when dry.

The most success has been achieved with a heat mat set to maintain the soil temperature at around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not allow water to pool for long periods of time. The tiny seedlings don’t drink much water, but they do like moisture. Continue on with a 16-hour light period followed by an 8-hour dark period every day for 7-9 days. Harvest when 2-4 true leaves appear per seedling.

Benefits of Empress of India Nasturtium Microgreens

Empress of India Nasturtium is rich in numerous vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B, C, and copper. It also has plentiful antioxidants, which have been shown to prevent and reduce the risk of cancer. Nasturtium leaves are also a great source of potassium and fiber, both critical parts of a balanced diet.

Empress of India Nasturtium has been loved since the Victorian Era when novelty plants first became popular to collect. They have persisted as one of the most loved varieties available!

Culinary Tips

Around 8-10 days after planting, the seedlings will be a few inches tall and ready for consumption! Depending on how spicy you want your seedlings, you may want to harvest them a bit before or after that time. Cut the greens just above the soil and root mass with a sharp knife about a .5 inch up. Cutting up above the soil can limit the need for washing your greens, which reduces their shelf life.

Add these delicious greens to salads, sushi, sandwiches, soups, and smoothies! Eat them fresh as a snack or garnish a dish with them. They pair well with a variety of savory dishes due to their peppery flavor.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Nasturtium microgreens are the perfect way to add a spicy little pop into fresh salad dishes."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Microgreen Resources:

Microgreen How to Videos

Microgreen FAQ

Organic Organic Empress of India Nasturtium Seeds Per Package:

• 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 220 Seeds
• 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 880 Seeds
• 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 3,520 Seeds
• 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 17,600 Seeds
• 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 88,000 Seeds