Love the taste of onions?
You might like to try onion microgreens if you do!
Onion microgreens are the latest craze in the world of health and wellness and for a good reason.
Apart from their zesty flavor, they are packed with nutrients and are incredibly easy to grow.
Because they are so easy to grow, you can be well on your way to a bounty of these delicious greens in no time!
If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, onion microgreens are the way to go.
Let’s find out how to grow onion microgreens for some added nutrition and taste to our dishes!
Online Microgreens Profile
Onion microgreens are small, delicate greens that are typically just a few inches tall. They have thin, grass-like leaves that are a vibrant shade of green and are slightly translucent.
The leaves are usually less than a quarter-inch in diameter and have a pointed tip.
In terms of flavor, onion microgreens have a bold, oniony taste that’s much more intense than their mature counterparts.
They add a zesty kick to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes, making them a popular choice for chefs and home cooks alike
. Because they’re so small, they’re incredibly versatile and easy to incorporate into your diet.
What’s great about them is that they’re relatively easy to plant and grow. They do take a little longer to grow, but if you’re patient, the rewards are great!
Growing Onion Microgreens at Home
Growing onion microgreens is easy and can be done quickly at home. Let’s find out how to get started:
Equipment Needed for Growing Onion Microgreens
Growing onion microgreens don’t require a lot of equipment, and it can be done with basic supplies that you may already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
Shallow container: You’ll need a container with a depth of 1-2 inches to grow your onion microgreens. This can be a seed tray, a plastic container, or even a recycled food container like a yogurt cup or takeout container.
Soil: Any potting soil or seed-starting mix will work for growing onion microgreens. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged before planting your seeds.
Onion seeds: You can find onion seeds at most garden centers or online. Make sure to choose seeds specifically labeled for sprouting or microgreens.
Water: You’ll need to water your onion microgreens regularly to keep the soil moist.
Light source: Onion microgreens need plenty of light to grow, so place them in a sunny window or under grow lights.
How to Grow Onion Microgreens
So, onion microgreens definitely don’t need soaking, but you still can give it a go if you’d like.
It can improve the germination rate of the seeds, which means more of the seeds will sprout and grow into healthy microgreens.
Soaking can also help to speed up the germination process, which means you’ll be able to harvest your microgreens sooner.
To soak onion microgreen seeds, start by measuring out the number of seeds you’ll need for your growing tray. Place the seeds in a small container and cover them with water.
Let the seeds soak for around 12 hours or overnight. After soaking, drain off any excess water and spread the seeds out on a damp paper towel. Cover the seeds with another damp paper towel and place them in a warm, dark location for another 12 to 24 hours.
This will help to encourage the seeds to sprout.
Planting Those Seeds
The process of planting onion microgreen seeds involves a few steps to ensure successful germination and growth.
Make sure you select a growing tray or container that is the appropriate size for the number of seeds being planted. The container should have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and allow excess water to drain away.
Using a lightweight, soilless growing medium is ideal for onion microgreens, as it provides good drainage and aeration.
The growing medium should be moistened before planting, but not soaked, to prevent waterlogging and ensure good seed-to-medium contact.
Since you have soaked your seeds before, they have started sprouting already.
Once the seeds are ready, plant them evenly across the surface of the growing medium. The seeds should be lightly pressed into the medium to ensure good contact and avoid drying out. For better results, put your seeds closer together while making sure they don’t touch.
Give them a little water using your spray bottle and place the growing tray in a warm, dark location for 12-24 hours to allow the seeds to germinate.
The Growing Process
Now on to the fun part of the whole process, watching and caring for your greens as they grow.
For the first few 3 or 4 days, your seeds won’t need any light.
But as they mature into seedlings, you’ll need to make sure that they have access to light.
It’s great if you have a grow light because you can control the amount of light they receive during this time.
However, if you only have access to sunlight, that can work too.
Onion microgreens require between 8-12 hours of bright, indirect sunlight or grow lights to ensure they receive the energy they need to grow and thrive.
You should take care to maintain appropriate moisture levels.
Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases, while underwatering can stunt growth and cause the microgreens to dry out.
To maintain optimal moisture levels, it is important to water the microgreens regularly, being careful not to overwater or let the growing medium dry out completely.
As the microgreens grow, it is important to thin them out to ensure adequate space for each plant to mature.
Also, monitor the microgreens for signs of disease or pests. Common pests that can affect onion microgreens include spider mites and thrips, while common diseases include damping-off and root rot.
Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent the spread of disease and reduce the risk of loss.
Harvesting the Greens
To harvest onion microgreens, start by preparing a clean work surface and sterilized cutting tools. Use your scissors and cut the microgreens at the soil level, being careful not to damage the remaining plants. The roots and bottom portion of the plant should be left intact to allow for continued growth and future harvests.
Once the microgreens are harvested, they should be rinsed thoroughly under cool water to remove any soil or debris. You can then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Alternatively, the microgreens can be used immediately in a variety of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish. You can also dry them for later use.
It is important to dispose of any leftover plant material and sterilize the growing container before planting a new batch of onion microgreen seeds. This helps prevent the spread of disease and ensures a healthy growing environment for future crops.
Other Microgreens for Gardeners:
Onion Microgreens are Fantastic for Home Gardeners
Growing onion microgreens can be a fun and rewarding experience for both novice and experienced growers alike.
These versatile and flavorful microgreens can be used in a variety of dishes and are packed with essential nutrients. Following these basic steps is easy and requires careful attention to planting, growing, and harvesting, so you can achieve a bountiful harvest of healthy and delicious onion microgreens.
With attention to detail, consistent care, and a little patience, you can enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own nutritious and tasty microgreens right in the comfort of your own home.
