Can you regrow microgreens? Mostly no. Most microgreens, including broccoli, radish, kale, mustard, sunflower and amaranth, are cut below their growing point, so the stem can’t make new leaves. University of Maryland Extension states plainly that harvested microgreen seedlings will not regrow. The main exceptions are pea shoots and a few others cut above a leaf node, which can give a smaller second cut. For a steady supply, re-sow a fresh tray every few days instead of trying to regrow one.
Key takeaway: Treat a microgreen tray as a single harvest. If you want repeat cuts from the same plants, grow baby greens or pea shoots instead.
| Crop | Regrows after cutting? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli, kale, cabbage, mustard, radish, arugula | No | Cut below the growing tip, between cotyledons and roots |
| Sunflower, buckwheat | No | Single stem; the growing point is removed |
| Pea shoots | Sometimes, a smaller second cut | New shoots form at a leaf node left on the stem |
| Scallion microgreens | Yes, several recuts about 2 weeks apart | Leaves grow from the base, like grass |
| Baby lettuce and greens | Yes, 1–2 more times | Grown longer; cut above the crown |
Can You Regrow Microgreens? Why Most Don’t
A microgreen is harvested at the seedling stage, when it has its cotyledons (seed leaves) and maybe its first true leaves. Its only growing point, the tiny bud that makes new leaves, sits right between those cotyledons. When you cut the stem above the media, you remove that bud. What’s left is a bare stem and roots with no way to make new leaves. The seed’s stored energy is also mostly used up by then. Maryland Extension says to wash and reuse the trays, since the seedlings will not regrow, and to plant the next batch in fresh growing media.
Can You Regrow Microgreens Like Pea Shoots?
Pea shoots are the best-known exception. Washington State University Extension explains that, in field-grown pea shoots, as long as one leaf node remains on the stem, pea plants continue to grow after the first harvest and may be harvested several more times. The first cutting is usually the best quality. Mississippi State Extension says tray-grown pea shoots can be recut once. In a tray, you can try the same idea: cut above the lowest leaf node and keep the tray watered and lit. Expect a lighter, slower second cut, since tray peas have less root space and nutrients than field plants. See growing pea shoots hydroponically.
Can You Regrow Microgreens Like Onions and Grasses?
Onion, chive and scallion seedlings grow leaves from the base, so a cut above the base can push new growth. Mississippi State Extension says scallion microgreens can be recut several times at about 2-week intervals. Wheatgrass behaves similarly. Regrowth is usually thinner and tougher than the first cut. See hydroponic wheatgrass.
Baby Greens: The Cut-and-Come-Again Option
If repeat harvests matter more to you than speed, grow baby greens. Maryland Extension says baby greens cut at 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) tall will regrow and can be harvested 1–2 more times, with about 2 inches (5 cm) between plants. Lettuce, spinach, kale and mustard all work well this way in hydroponics. See growing hydroponic lettuce.
Can You Reuse Microgreen Media?
You can’t regrow the plants, but you can reuse some media with care. Maryland suggests either using fresh growing media or mixing old and new media 50:50 before the next planting. Compost old roots and mats rather than replanting into them if you’ve had mold or damping-off. Hemp and jute mats are generally single-use. See microgreen grow mats.
How to Get a Continuous Harvest Without Regrowing
- Pick your weekly need. For example, one 10 x 20 inch (25 x 51 cm) tray a week.
- Stagger sowing. Sow a smaller tray every 2–4 days, or a full tray each week.
- Match crop timing. Fast crops such as radish and broccoli are ready in about 7–12 days; slow ones like cilantro and beet take about 16–25 days (Johnny’s).
- Harvest what you need. Cut a section of a tray at a time, since uncut microgreens hold better than cut ones.
- Clean and re-sow. Wash trays between crops to prevent mold.
See continuous harvest planning for scheduling ideas.
What to Do With Leftover Roots and Stems
Don’t leave cut trays sitting under lights hoping for regrowth; the stems will rot and attract fungus gnats. Compost the roots and media, or add them to a worm bin. See fungus gnats.
So, can you regrow microgreens? For almost every crop, the honest answer is no. Plan on one harvest per tray, sow again, and save the cut-and-come-again approach for pea shoots and baby greens. See best microgreens to grow.
Can You Regrow Microgreens From the Same Seeds?
Another common question is whether leftover seeds in a cut tray will sprout and give a second crop. Some ungerminated seeds may sprout late, but they won’t produce an even harvest, and the old roots left in the tray hold moisture that can encourage mold. It’s better to start fresh. If many seeds failed to sprout, check seed age and storage; old seed loses vigor. See microgreens mold.
Microgreens vs Baby Greens vs Pea Shoots: Repeat Harvest Comparison
| Crop style | Days to first cut | Repeat cuts | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microgreens | About 7–21 days (Penn State) | None | Fast, dense, single harvest |
| Pea shoots | About 2 weeks in trays | Possible, smaller | Crunchy, sweet shoots |
| Baby greens | Longer; cut at 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) | 1–2 more (Maryland) | Salad mixes |
If the answer to “can you regrow microgreens” still disappoints, remember that a single tray of microgreens takes only one to three weeks. Sowing small trays often is cheaper and more reliable than nursing a cut tray. Good seed, clean trays and a simple schedule matter far more than trying to regrow microgreens.
Tips for Better Single Harvests
- Cut when most seedlings have open cotyledons, before true leaves get large and flavor turns bitter.
- Harvest in the morning when stems are firm.
- Use clean scissors and cut just above the media.
- Refrigerate right away. See how long microgreens last.
FAQs
Can you regrow microgreens after cutting?
Most don’t; the growing point is removed at harvest.
Which microgreens can be harvested twice?
Pea shoots can be recut once, and scallions several times, per Mississippi State Extension.
Where should I cut pea shoots to regrow?
Just above the lowest leaf node.
Can I replant in the same soil?
Mix old and new media 50:50, or use fresh media.
Do sunflower microgreens regrow?
No; they have a single stem.
How do I get a continuous supply?
Sow a new tray every few days.
Sources
- University of Maryland Extension — Growing Microgreens and Baby Greens Indoors
- Washington State University Extension — Pea Shoots (PNW567)
- Johnny’s Selected Seeds — Microgreens Comparison Chart
- Mississippi State University Extension — Microgreen Varieties for the Mississippi Gardener
- USDA ARS — Specialty Greens Pack a Nutritional Punch
- Penn State Extension — Growing Microgreens
- Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, edited with titles): Garden pea sprouts by Yarzaryeni (CC BY 3.0); Liping Kou observes microgreens by Peggy Greb (Public domain); Lufa Farms Microgreens in Trays by Lufa Farms (CC BY-SA 2.0); Sunflower microgreens 01 by Pannet (CC BY 4.0); Worm composting 2 by Quadell (CC BY 3.0)