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Growing Timeline At-a-Glance
Prepare trays & sow
seeds
Stack & weight
(blackout period)
Expose to light
Bottom water
Harvest when ready
| Garlic Chive Microgreens: Key Growing Stats | |
| Seed per 1122 professional tray | 25 -30 grams |
| Seed per Home Professional Tray | 6 grams |
| Seed density per cm² | 0.012 grams |
| Pre-soak needed? | No |
| Stack and weight period | 2-7 days |
| Time to harvest | 14-21 days |
Quick Start Guide
New to growing Garlic Chive microgreens? Here's the simplified process:
- Prepare your trays: Clean your growing containers and fill with moist growing medium (coco coir recommended) up to the rim.
- Sow seeds: Spread seeds evenly across the surface (6g for home trays, 17g for professional trays).
- Stack & cover: Mist gently, then cover with a second tray and add weight. Keep stacked for 3-4 days until germination.
- Expose to light: Once sprouted, remove the weight and top tray, and place in indirect light or under grow lights.
- Water from below: Add water to bottom reservoir tray only when needed. Maintain good airflow and temperature (18-24°C).
- Harvest: Cut just above soil level when 7-11 days old, when they reach 7-10cm tall.
Introduction
At Grow Sow Greener, we advocate regenerative and back-to-the-roots gardening practices. We support urban farmers and local food production at all scales. As such, our untreated and GMO-free organic garlic chive microgreen seeds are laboratory tested for pathogens and packaged in 100% compostable, resealable, and plastic-free materials, packed and sent same or next day every time. You won’t find kraft-lined plastic pouches here. Our seeds are great for you, your family, and the planet.
Garlic chive microgreens are a slow-growing yet incredibly rewarding variety, offering a delicate, grassy texture and a distinctive garlicky flavour. These microgreens provide a nutrient-dense boost, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like calcium and iron. Their mild garlic and onion notes make them a versatile addition to soups, salads, eggs, stir-fries, and Asian-inspired dishes.
With a growing cycle of 14–21 days, garlic chive microgreens require patience but little effort, thriving in both soil and hydroponic setups. This guide will take you through the process of growing your own garlic chive microgreens, ensuring a steady supply of fresh, homegrown flavour and nutrition
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Variety Profile
- Latin Name: Allium Tuberosum
- Certification: Certified Organic
- Seed Treatment: Untreated and lab-tested for pathogens
- Flavour & Texture: Soft garlic, onion
- Growth Rate: Long (14-21 days to harvest)
- Difficulty Level: Easy - with patience
Seed Quality & Sourcing
The success of your microgreen crop begins with high-quality seeds. Here's what to look for:
What Makes Quality Seeds
- High Germination Rate: Look for seeds with at least an 85% germination rate for even growth.
- Pathogen Testing: Lab-tested seeds minimise the risk of contamination and disease.
- Certified Organic: Ensures seeds are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers.
- Suitable Varieties: Choose seeds specifically labelled for microgreen production for best results.
Storage Recommendations
- Store seeds in a cool (10-15°C), dark, and dry place in an airtight container.
- For long-term storage, refrigerate or freeze unopened packets.
- Avoid frequent opening of refrigerated seeds, as condensation can affect viability.
- Most seeds remain viable for 1-2 years when properly stored.
At Grow Sow Greener, our organic garlic chive microgreen seeds are lab-tested for pathogens, have exceptional germination rates, and come in compostable, plastic-free packaging to support both your growing success and environmental sustainability.
Equipment & Materials
Essential Materials Checklist
- Growing trays (see system options below)
- Growing medium (coco coir recommended)
- Organic garlic Chive microgreen seeds
- Spray bottle for misting
- Clean water
- Light source (sunny windowsill or LED grow lights)
- Small fan for air circulation (optional but recommended)
- Sharp scissors or knife for harvesting
Tray Systems
We offer two specialised tray systems to suit different growing scales:
Home Professional Tray Set
Perfect for: Home growers and small-scale production
- Design: Three-tray system that fits easily on windowsills and countertops
- Dimensions: 22cm x 17cm x 6cm
- Key feature: 6cm depth helps maintain consistent moisture, making it nearly "bomb-proof" for part-time growers
- Seeding rate: 6 grams per tray
- Materials: BPA-free recycled food-grade PP; heavy-duty injection moulded
- Weight: 104g per tray
- Growing medium: Use 1 × 10cm coco disc with 400ml water or half a 650g coco brick
- Bottom tray capacity: 1200ml
1122 Professional Tray System
Perfect for: Professional growers and urban vertical farming
- Design: Three-tray system designed for commercial production
- Dimensions: 56cm x 28cm x 3cm (22" x 11" x 1 3⁄8")
- Key feature: Designed for repeated use and integration with automated systems
- Seeding rate: 25 - 30 grams per tray
- Materials: BPA-free recycled food-grade PP; heavy-duty injection moulded
- Weight: 350g per tray
- Growing medium: Fills perfectly with coco coir or professional growing media
- Tray capacity: 4 trays per standard shelf (122cm x 45cm)
Growing Media
While various media can be used, we recommend coco coir for its consistency, ease of use, and compact storage. It provides an ideal texture for delicate new roots and ensures reliable growth.
- Coco Coir: Our preferred medium - sustainable, lightweight, and retains moisture well
- Seed Starting Compost: Good alternative, but ensure it's sterile and fine-textured
- Grow Mats: Convenient option, though typically more expensive than coco coir
Important: Always choose low EC coco coir that has been properly cleaned to remove excess salt for optimal plant health.
Lighting Options
- Natural Light: A south-facing windowsill can work well for home growers
- LED Grow Lights: Recommended for consistent results, especially in winter months
- Light Positioning: Keep lights 20-30cm above the microgreens
- Duration: 12-16 hours of light daily for optimal growth
Vertical Growing Setup (For Professional Growers)
Choose sturdy, vertical shelving, such as kitchen wire racks, to ensure easy cleaning, optimal airflow, and even light distribution. Make sure each shelf is perfectly level to prevent uneven watering, which can lead to dry spots or waterlogged areas in your microgreen trays.
- Recommended rack: 122cm wide, 45cm deep shelving units with typically 6 adjustable shelves per rack.
- Shelf capacity: 4 trays per shelf (with 1122 System)
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Lighting: Recommended: Two Barrina LED grow lights per shelf (or two Arize lynk LED for professional setups). Installation: Space lights evenly to cover all trays.
- Spacing and Positioning: Shelves should be evenly spaced for optimal light and airflow. The distance between the LED lights and the microgreens should be around 20–30cm for optimal light penetration and balanced growth.
- Environmental control: Small oscillating fan, temperature 18-24°C, 50% relative humidity. Position warm climate crops such as Basil higher on the racks and don’t be afraid to utilise a heat mat. Colder loving varieties such as red mustards and Red Kales (napus) should be positioned lover in the racks where the environment will be naturally colder.
Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Step 1: Preparing Your Growing Container
- Clean your trays thoroughly to remove any residues from previous grows.
- Set up your three-tray system: bottom reservoir tray, middle growing tray (with holes), and top cover tray.
- Ensure your growing surface is level to avoid dry or waterlogged sections.
Step 2: Preparing the Growing Medium
- Place your compressed coco coir in a large container - it will expand significantly.
- Add lukewarm water (20-30°C) and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes until fully expanded.
- Break up any clumps and fluff the coir to an even, light texture.
- Optional: Mix in organic trace minerals or seaweed powder for added nutrition.
- Fill the growing tray to the rim with the moistened medium and gently tamp down. It should be damp but not waterlogged.
Step 3: Sowing the Seeds
- Measure your seeds according to your tray size:
- Home Professional Tray: 6g of seeds
- 1122 Professional Tray: 25-30g of seeds
- Custom containers: aim for 0.012g per cm²
- Distribute seeds evenly across the surface, spacing them about one to two seed lengths apart.
- Gently mist the seeds with a spray bottle to help them settle into the compost.
- Note: Denser seeding increases humidity and may increase mould risk, but can produce more stems and smaller leaves (favoured by some commercial growers due to more weight). Sparser seeding produces larger leaves (often preferred by home growers).
Step 4: Establishing a Humid Environment & Stacking
- Place the growing tray (with seeds and medium) into the bottom reservoir tray. Do not add water to the reservoir yet.
- Place the top reservoir tray directly on top of the seeds, right way up, gently pressing them into the compost.
- Add weight on top of the cover tray (clean canned goods or bricks work well) to encourage strong root development and an even canopy.
- Place in a warm location (18-24°C) away from direct sunlight during this germination period.
- Keep stacked and weighted for up to a week until fully germinated, some early sprouters may appear net almost broken however they will soon stand up!
Important: The seeds draw their moisture from the pre-moistened growing medium during this phase. Do not add water to the bottom reservoir until after germination.
Step 5: Light Exposure & Growth Management
- Once seeds have fully germinated (around day 4-7), remove the weight and cover.
- Place trays in indirect sunlight or under LED grow lights positioned 20-30cm above the greens.
- Now add water to the bottom reservoir tray to provide moisture via capillary action.
- Maintain gentle airflow with a small fan to prevent mould and strengthen stems.
- If growing on a windowsill, rotate the tray daily to prevent leaning.
- Keep temperature between 18-24°C with 50% relative humidity for optimal growth.
Note: The seedlings may appear yellow at first but will quickly green up with exposure to light.
Step 6: Harvesting & Storage
- Garlic Chive microgreens are typically ready to harvest between days 14-21.
- For best flavour and texture, harvest when they reach 10-15cm tall, the black seed heads are edible and add great flavour and a good bit of texture - leave them on.
- Use clean, sharp scissors or a knife to cut just above the soil level.
- Hold the greens gently with one hand while cutting with the other for a clean harvest.
- Store harvested microgreens in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Do not wash until ready to use, as excess moisture can speed spoilage.
- Properly stored, they should remain fresh for over a week.
Advanced Tips & Best Practices
- Optimise Seeding Density: Experiment with different seeding rates to find your preferred balance between stem and leaf growth.
- Bottom Watering Technique: Only add water to the bottom reservoir when needed—overwatering is a common mistake. Look for signs of dryness like slight wilting before adding more water.
- Light Management: For stockier stems, position lights closer (15-20cm); for longer stems, position lights further away (30-40cm).
- Humidity Control: If your growing environment is very dry, you can increase humidity by misting around (not directly on) the trays or using a humidity dome for the first day after removing the weight.
- Pre-Harvest Practices: For best flavour, avoid watering for 12-24 hours before harvest to concentrate the nutritional content.
- Continuous Growing: Start a new tray every 14 days for a constant supply of fresh microgreens.
- Seasonal Adjustments: In winter, you may need supplemental heating or to position trays in a warmer location to maintain optimal growing temperatures.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Mould Growth | Excessive moisture, poor air circulation, high humidity |
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Root Hairs vs. Mould (white fuzz confusion) |
Normal root hairs often mistaken for mould |
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| Uneven Germination | Poor seed distribution, uneven moisture, low-quality seeds |
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| Leggy, Weak Growth | Insufficient light, incorrect light positioning, overcrowding |
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| Yellowing Leaves | Overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or normal after blackout |
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Preventing Common Issues
- Sanitation: Thoroughly clean and sanitise all equipment between grows to prevent pathogen buildup.
- Air Movement: A small oscillating fan creates movement that strengthens stems and reduces mould risk.
- Consistent Monitoring: Check your trays daily to catch and address any issues before they become serious.
- Temperature Control: Avoid temperature extremes, as they can stress plants and create favourable conditions for pathogens.
Nutritional Profile & Health Benefits
Garlic chive microgreens are a nutrient-rich variety, densely packed with vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds that support overall health.:
Key Nutrients
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Vitamins: A, B-complex, C, and K
Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium
Other Compounds: Sulphur compounds, antioxidants, dietary fibre, and essential amino acids
Health Benefits
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Immune Support: Rich in vitamin C and natural sulphur compounds, garlic chive microgreens help strengthen the immune system and may have antibacterial properties.
Heart Health: High in potassium and antioxidants, these microgreens support healthy circulation, regulate blood pressure, and reduce oxidative stress.
Digestive Health: The fibre content in garlic chive microgreens promotes gut health, aids digestion, and supports a balanced microbiome.
Bone Strength: Packed with calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, they contribute to strong bones and help maintain skeletal health.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Sulphur compounds and antioxidants help reduce inflammation, support cellular health, and may contribute to overall longevity.
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Nutritional Comparison
Research suggests that microgreens can contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts. Garlic chive microgreens are particularly notable for their high levels of vitamin C, sulphur compounds, and antioxidants, offering significantly greater nutritional density compared to fully grown garlic chives..
Culinary Uses & Recipe Ideas
Flavour Profile & Complementary Ingredients
Garlic chive microgreens have a mild, savoury flavour with a distinct garlic and onion-like aroma. Their fresh, grassy taste is more delicate than mature garlic chives, making them a versatile addition to a variety of dishes without overpowering other ingredients.
Pairs well with:
- Savoury herbs (parsley, dill, thyme)
- Citrus fruits (lemon, lime, orange)
- Creamy textures (butter, soft cheeses, yogurt)
- Eggs and dairy (scrambled eggs, omelettes, cream-based sauces)
- Asian and stir-fry dishes (noodles, dumplings, rice bowls)
- Fermented foods (kimchi, miso, soy sauce)
- Whole grains (quinoa, rice, barley)
- Roasted vegetables (potatoes, carrots, mushrooms)
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Chive Omelette – Fold garlic chive microgreens into eggs with cheese and black pepper for a savoury breakfast.
- Stir-Fry Garnish – Sprinkle over vegetable or noodle stir-fries just before serving to add a fresh, garlicky kick.
- Herbed Butter Spread – Mix finely chopped microgreens into butter with sea salt for a flavourful spread on bread or grilled meats.
- Dumpling or Gyoza Filling – Incorporate into dumpling mixtures for an extra layer of flavour.
- Creamy Garlic Chive Dressing – Blend into yogurt or sour cream with lemon juice and herbs for a refreshing dip or salad dressing.
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Savory Rice Bowls – Toss into warm rice or grain bowls with soy sauce and sesame oil for added depth of flavour.
Featured Recipe: Garlic Chive Microgreen & Sesame Noodle Bowl
Description: This fragrant noodle bowl brings together the delicate garlic-onion flavour of garlic chive microgreens with savoury sesame, soy, and ginger. Tossed with tender noodles, crunchy vegetables, and a light sesame dressing, this dish is a perfect balance of freshness and umami. The microgreens add a burst of flavour without overpowering the dish, making it a simple yet satisfying meal..
Note: Swap noodles for brown rice or quinoa for a grain-based variation, and add tofu, chicken, or prawns for extra protein.
Handling & Preparation Tips
- Rinse microgreens gently only just before using, not before storage.
- Add to hot dishes at the last moment to preserve their texture and nutritional value.
- Use scissors to cut portion sizes directly from the growing tray for maximum freshness.
- Experiment with layering microgreens between ingredients rather than just as a garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to grow garlic chive microgreens in the UK?
A: Garlic chive microgreens take approximately 14–21 days to reach harvest when grown in soil or coco using our tray systems. The exact growing time may vary based on factors such as temperature, light levels, and overall growing conditions.
Q: What seeding rate should I use?
A: For the Home Professional Tray Set, use approximately 6g per tray. For the 1122 Tray System, use approximately 25g per tray. For recycled containers, aim for 0.012g per cm².
Q: Which tray system should I choose?
A: It depends on your scale—Home Professional for compact, home use and the 1122 Tray System for professional or urban vertical farming. The Home Professional set is ideal for windowsills and small spaces, while the 1122 system is designed for larger-scale production.
Q: How do I ensure proper moisture without overwatering?
A: Use bottom watering—add water to the bottom reservoir only when needed, and avoid overwatering by monitoring tray weight. Don't water until well after germination has occurred. The growing medium should feel damp but not waterlogged.
Q: What environmental conditions are optimal?
A: Maintain 18-24°C and about 50% relative humidity with proper airflow for optimal growth. These microgreens do well in typical room temperature conditions, making them suitable for home growing.
Q: Do I need special lights to grow microgreens?
A: While a sunny windowsill can work, LED grow lights provide more consistent results, especially during UK winters with limited natural light. They're particularly important for commercial growers seeking consistent yields.
Q: How do I store harvested microgreens?
A: Store unwashed microgreens in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the refrigerator. Wash just before use to maximise shelf life. They typically remain fresh for 5-7 days when properly stored.
Q: Can I reuse the growing medium?
A: We don't recommend reusing the growing medium for microgreens due to the dense root network and potential pathogen buildup. However, used medium makes an excellent addition to garden compost.
Summary
Garlic chive microgreens offer a fresh, savoury flavour that enhances a wide range of dishes, from Asian-inspired meals to creamy dips and dressings. Their slow-growing nature requires patience, but the result is a rewarding and nutrient-rich harvest. Easy to grow in small spaces, they provide a sustainable way to enjoy fresh greens year-round while reducing reliance on store-bought herbs.
Next Steps
- Select your organic seeds, tray system and growing media based on your space and needs
- Follow our detailed growing steps for consistent, successful harvests
- Experiment with different culinary uses to enjoy your fresh microgreens
- Try growing other complementary varieties like broccoli or pea shoots
- Share your growing journey and culinary creations with our community
Thank you for following this guide and happy growing!
Ollie and Lucy