Get in touch
Questions about growing, workshops, the cooperative or partnerships? Send us a message and we will reply by email.
Prefer email? Write to erasmus@evec.org.gr
EVEC Microgreens
Optimising Sowing Density for Microgreens Production in Rapini, Kale and Cress
Microgreens represent a valuable agrifoods niche. Their cropping cycle is shorter than that of baby leaf greens, but the sowing density is typically much h
Angelo Signore, Annalisa Somma, Beniamino Leoni, Pietro Santamaria
Horticulturae · 2024 · https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10030274
Abstract
Microgreens represent a valuable agrifoods niche. Their cropping cycle is shorter than that of baby leaf greens, but the sowing density is typically much higher, and this has important cost implications for the grower. The current research demonstrates that the choice of sowing density strongly influences yield, as well as developmental stage and other quality parameters. Results also depended on the choice of the species and landrace. Considering the cost of seed, the option of accessing locally available landraces becomes particularly intriguing, again with relevant implications in choosing seed density. Rapini (landraces Cima grande and Fasanese), kale (landraces Barese and Altamura), and commercial cress were grown in an indoor environment. The effects of the three sowing densities (from 3 to 5 seeds∙cm−2) and the growing cycle (earlier harvest, 11 days from sowing, or later harvest, 14 days from sowing) on the microgreen yield and quality were studied. Sowing density affected yield (+19% at highest vs. lowest density), dry matter (but only with a longer cycle, and variable by landrace, with Fasanese rapini landrace 7% more than the Cima grande landrace), developmental stage, and soil coverage. The effects of sowing density can be modulated by cycle duration. Crop heights were 25% and 44% greater for the longer cycle of the Cima grande and Fasanese rapini landraces, respectively. In conclusion, the choices of the species/landrace and seed density must be carefully evaluated given costs and outcomes, with potential for the production of different final products (e.g., microgreens at earlier or later stages, other characteristics) and also for control over costs.
Licence and reuse
| Licence | CC-BY-4.0 |
|---|---|
| May we host this PDF? | Yes |
| May we publish a plain-language summary? | Yes — this licence permits adaptations. |
| Commercial use permitted? | Yes |
| Share-alike required? | No |
How to credit this work
Angelo Signore; Annalisa Somma; Beniamino Leoni; Pietro Santamaria (2024). Optimising Sowing Density for Microgreens Production in Rapini, Kale and Cress. Horticulturae. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10030274 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Hosted by EVEC Athens (microgreens.org.gr). No changes were made to this article. Provided as-is, without warranties. EVEC Athens is not affiliated with, and this copy is not endorsed by, the authors or the publisher.
Explore this on our site
- How to grow it: Kale microgreens — growing guide
- Related reading: Microgreens vs mature versions
About this copy
This is a copy of the published article, hosted by EVEC Athens for free educational use under its open licence. The permanent scientific reference is the DOI above. We have not altered the file in any way. If you are an author or rights holder and want this copy removed, please use our notice and takedown procedure. We acknowledge every request within five working days, and act within ten.
Co-funded by the European Union.
This portal presents the microgreens methodology; the organisation behind it is EVEC Athens — the European Voluntary and Educational Center (evec.org.gr). Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Open licence. Except where stated otherwise, the educational materials on this portal are licensed under CC BY 4.0 — free to use, adapt and share, including commercially, with credit. See the licence terms.
Accessibility. We aim for WCAG 2.1 AA and publish what does and does not yet meet it — see the accessibility statement. If anything here blocks you, tell us and we will send the material in a format that works for you.