How to Sow Microgreen Seeds — The Right Way to Get Even Germination

How to Sow Microgreen Seeds — Even Germination Every Time

Uneven sowing is one of the most common causes of patchy germination, leggy growth, and mould. Here's the right method.

Before You Sow — Check Your Soaking

First, check whether your seeds need pre-soaking in the soaking guide. Peas and sunflower soak 8–12 hours, methi and moong 6–8 hours, and radish 4–6 hours. Mustard, broccoli, kale and cabbage are sown dry. Always set up your cocopeat setup (4 discs per 10×10 tray) before sowing.

Seed Density Guide

Quantities are for medium-density sowing in a 10×10 inch tray, from our Seed Calculator. For a 10×20 tray, double them.

Other varieties are in the Seed Calculator, which also works out custom tray sizes.

The Sowing Technique

1. Measure the seeds by weight — don't eyeball it
2. Scatter in small pinches across the whole tray surface
3. Use your fingers to fill any bare patches
4. Press gently but firmly with a flat object
5. Cover immediately and move to the dark period (2–3 days for most varieties; never more than 3)

If Seeds Don't Germinate

See the germination problems guide, or test your seed with the 5-day paper towel test. After germination, switch to proper watering.