Lettuce microgreens: everything you need to know to grow them

Lettuce is one of the least demanding microgreens to grow, which makes it a sensible place to begin. It opens a new section covering each variety in turn: its characteristics, how to cultivate it, and practical tips based on our own experience.

At our office, we’ve mainly grown broccoli, lettuce, mustard, and red amaranth. Soon, we’ll be expanding our mini garden with green peas, wheatgrass, and sunflowers. We’re excited to share it with you!

What materials do you need?

• Lettuce seeds: You can easily find them in specialty stores or online.

• Containers: Shallow trays are ideal. The size depends on how much you want to grow.

• Potting soil (substrate)

• Spray bottle or watering can with a fine diffuser

• Sunlight or artificial grow lights: If you’re growing indoors like we do, LED lights are a great option.

Step by step guide to growing lettuce

1. Prepare the container: Use a tray with good drainage. Wash it thoroughly with soap and water before you start.
2. Add the substrate: Fill the tray with soil and moisten it.
3. Sow the seeds: Spread the seeds evenly over the soil. It’s not necessary to cover them with soil, just press them gently to ensure good contact with the substrate.
4. Water gently: Use a spray bottle to keep the surface moist without displacing the seeds.
5. Light and location: Place the tray in a well-lit area or under grow lights if indoors.
6. Maintain moisture: Water regularly, but avoid overwatering.
7. Harvest: Usually between 1 and 3 weeks later. Use clean scissors and cut just above the soil line.

Now you have your first batch of lettuce microgreens. Easy, tasty, and full of nutrients. In our next post, we’ll talk about the broccoli microgreens we’re growing in the office.

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The science on lettuce

Studies from our Science Library that concern lettuce microgreens, in plain language with links to the original research. This list updates automatically as new studies are added.

Lettuce in the kitchen

Recipes and kitchen ideas from our cookbook team that use lettuce microgreens.

Growing a different crop next? Every variety has a guide like this one in the Varieties database.