You’ve just trimmed your tray of lush, vibrant microgreens and they’re looking delicious on your plate. But now you’re staring at those leftover stems wondering if they’ll spring back to life.
The idea of getting a second harvest from the same batch sounds like a win, right? The truth is, some microgreens can surprise you and grow back, but others call it quits after the first cut.
Knowing which ones are worth the wait and which should be replaced could save you time, money, and a whole lot of guesswork. Let’s uncover the microgreens that actually make a comeback and how to get the most from your trays 🌱💡🥬
The Biology Behind Microgreen Growth
Understanding whether microgreens regrow after cutting requires a basic grasp of how they grow in the first place. Microgreens are harvested at the cotyledon stage, which is the first stage of development when a seed produces its initial pair of leaves. These are not the plant’s “true leaves” but are instead seed leaves that serve as a temporary source of energy. At this point, the microgreen has used up the internal nutrients stored in the seed.
This energy reserve is designed to power the plant only up to this early stage. Once it reaches the cotyledon stage, the microgreen transitions to photosynthesis, the process by which plants use light, water, and carbon dioxide to create energy. For this to happen, the plant must retain healthy leaves because it absorbs light through them.
When microgreens are harvested, especially when cut close to the soil line, these vital leaves are typically removed or severely damaged. Without leaves, the plant can no longer photosynthesize, which prevents it from regenerating. The absence of functional leaves leads to a lack of energy production, halting further growth.
So in simple biological terms: unless some leaves are left intact and capable of gathering light, regrowth is not possible. This foundational concept explains why the majority of microgreens are not suitable for multiple harvests.
Microgreens That Do Not Regrow After Cutting
While there’s a common belief that microgreens might behave like larger leafy vegetables and sprout again after a cut, this isn’t true for most varieties. A clear example is given using China Rose Radish, which was harvested at the cotyledon stage. After cutting, the tray was kept under grow lights for a full week. The result showed no signs of the harvested stems growing back. Only a few stragglers that had been missed during the initial cut or were late to germinate continued to develop. The cut stems, however, remained static and lifeless.
This non-regrowth pattern holds true for a broad range of microgreens. These include:
- Radish
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Mustard
- Sunflower
These microgreens, when harvested properly at the soil line, lose their primary leaves and are no longer viable for photosynthesis. Even if they are returned to optimal light and watering conditions, they simply do not regenerate. The remaining root and stem structures become biologically inactive, turning the tray into compost material rather than a second harvest.
In practice, this means that if you are growing these types of microgreens, you should plan for single-use trays and consider succession planting instead of waiting for regrowth that won’t occur.
Microgreens That Can Regrow (Conditionally)
While most microgreens do not regenerate, a few specific varieties can regrow—but only under the right conditions. These are the exceptions, not the rule, and they require more precise harvesting methods.
The regrowth is possible only if parts of the plant are left intact—specifically, the leaves or nodes required for photosynthesis. This conditional regrowth does not result in the same vigor or yield as the first harvest, and often the second batch is visibly weaker, slower-growing, and less nutritious.
This regrowth also takes longer. While first-time microgreens typically grow within 7 to 10 days, the regrowth cycle can take up to two full weeks. Additionally, the plant will have already exhausted a significant portion of the energy stored in the seed, so any secondary harvest will be feeding more off photosynthesis than seed reserves.
Let’s look deeper into the most notable varieties that can regrow.
Pea Shoots
Pea shoots are one of the few microgreens that can successfully regrow after cutting if handled correctly. The secret lies in the harvest height. If you cut them above their last node containing leaves, the remaining plant can still perform photosynthesis. This allows the plant to regrow over time.
The regrowth process for pea shoots takes approximately two weeks. After the first harvest, if placed under adequate lighting, you will begin to see new shoots emerge from the remaining stem section within a few days.
However, the yield from the second harvest is typically about 50 percent of the original. This drop occurs because the plant has already used a large portion of its internal resources and now depends solely on its remaining leaves and light exposure. A third harvest is possible but yields even less, and eventually, the plant’s regenerative capacity is exhausted.
So while pea shoots offer a reusable option, this is not ideal for commercial production, where uniformity and yield are critical. It’s more suitable for home growers who want to experiment or get a little extra life from a tray before replanting.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is another standout in terms of regrowth potential. As a member of the grass family, its structure is fundamentally different from many leafy microgreens. Because it is composed entirely of long, narrow leaves, wheatgrass has an inherent advantage—even a low cut leaves behind photosynthetically active tissue.
This enables wheatgrass to regrow relatively reliably even after a short cut close to the base. However, the second growth presents a visible difference. The color of the regrown grass tends to be more yellow than green, indicating a loss of chlorophyll and nutrient density.
The reduction in nutrient content happens because wheatgrass, like other microgreens, draws heavily on seed-based nutrition in the first phase. Once that supply is gone, future growth depends entirely on light and water, which cannot replicate the same richness.
Additionally, the texture and taste may become less appealing after the first harvest. Wheatgrass is known for its high concentration of vitamins, enzymes, and chlorophyll in the initial cut. As subsequent cuts grow weaker, they may not deliver the same benefits, especially for those using it in juicing or detox regimens.
Despite these drawbacks, wheatgrass is one of the best candidates for regrowth, particularly for non-commercial growers who are focused on personal health and cost-saving.
Quality and Yield in Regrown Microgreens
While certain microgreens like pea shoots and wheatgrass can regrow under ideal conditions, the quality and yield of the second (and any subsequent) harvest are notably inferior to the first. Several biological and nutritional reasons contribute to this decline:
1. Nutrient Depletion from Seeds
Microgreens rely almost entirely on the nutrient reserves within their seeds during their initial growth stage. This reserve fuels them up to the cotyledon stage — the point at which they are typically harvested. Once these internal stores are used up, the plant depends on photosynthesis for continued growth. However, if leaves are lost during harvesting, that ability is drastically reduced or eliminated.
In the case of pea shoots, even when harvested properly to preserve leaves, the second round of growth is approximately 50% less in yield compared to the initial harvest. By the third regrowth cycle, this yield can decline even further, making it inefficient for serious production.
2. Diminished Nutrient Density
The first growth cycle produces microgreens with high concentrations of nutrients, including vitamins C, E, and K, along with beta-carotene and antioxidants. This nutritional punch is primarily derived from the dense energy in the seed. In regrowth scenarios, this seed-based advantage is gone, leading to weaker, less nutritious greens. For example, wheatgrass regrowth may appear yellowish, suggesting reduced chlorophyll and lower vitality.
3. Longer Regrowth Period
First-time harvests usually occur in 7–10 days. However, regrown microgreens take significantly longer — often up to 14 days or more — to reach a similar size. This extended time means additional energy, water, and light without a proportionate return in yield, making the process less economical.
4. Structural Weakness
Regrown shoots tend to be thinner, weaker, and more fibrous, especially in wheatgrass, which may also become stringy and less palatable. This affects both flavor and texture, reducing their culinary appeal.
In conclusion, while regrowing is technically possible for a select few varieties, the trade-offs in time, quality, and yield are substantial. For growers prioritizing consistency and nutrient content, starting fresh with each crop remains the most reliable strategy.
Best Practices for Regrowing Microgreens
For those who still wish to attempt regrowing certain microgreens at home, applying the right methods can optimize the chances of success — though expectations should be tempered regarding yield and quality.
1. Harvesting Above the Last Leaf Node
This is the most critical technique. In the case of pea shoots, leaving the lower leaves intact is essential for enabling photosynthesis post-harvest. When cutting, avoid slicing too close to the base. Instead, cut just above the last visible leaf junction, allowing light to continue fueling the remaining plant tissue.
2. Post-Harvest Lighting
Immediately after harvesting, return the tray to a strong light source. Regrowth is dependent on active photosynthesis, which means the leftover stems and leaves must have access to full-spectrum light for several hours daily. Weak or indirect light will slow or stall regrowth entirely.
3. Extended Regrowth Period
Expect a longer timeline for regrowth — typically 10 to 14 days — compared to the initial growth cycle. Monitor progress and maintain environmental conditions such as moderate humidity, proper drainage, and good air circulation to prevent mold and stagnation.
4. Water Management
Avoid watering for at least 6 hours before harvesting. This reduces moisture in the stems, preventing them from becoming soggy and prone to rot post-harvest. This tip helps ensure the remaining plant tissue stays firm and viable for regrowth.
5. Soil or Medium Consideration
Using a clean, sterile, and well-aerated medium like coco coir improves chances of a successful second cycle. It allows roots to remain healthy and reduces the risk of pathogens that may thrive in reused growing media.
6. Avoid Overcrowding
Ensure that the microgreens are not too densely sown, as regrowth is more successful in areas with ample airflow and light penetration. Thinning out the second crop by removing dead stems and debris also helps prevent mold and encourages healthier regrowth.
By applying these best practices, home growers can experiment with regrowth of varieties like pea shoots or wheatgrass, though it’s important to view it as a supplementary harvest rather than a replacement for starting fresh.