Which microgreens regrow after ✂️ cutting?

Are you a microgreens grower and wondered what happen if you leave after cutting your micro plants roots in soil medium and keep under sunlight? Will they start their life once again and give you next crop after another week? In this article we will go over below questions:

• Short reminder what are microgreens
• What is the lifespan of microgreens?
• Does microgreens regrow?
• Which exceptional microgreens can be regrown after cutting?
• What happens if you let microgreens keep growing?
• How to regrow pea microgreens after cutting?
• What affects microgreen regrowth?
• FAQ about microgreens regrowth

We know that it is intriguing topic, so will go straight to the point!

 

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1. Short reminder what are microgreens?

As you are here we assume that you already know what are microgreens and their specific structure. They consist of: 

• roots,
• stem,
• cotyledons
• and first true leaves.

They are young versions of grown-up vegetables or other plants intended for consumption as:

• garnish,
• toppings,
• ingredients,
• side dishes,
• or as separate dish.

 

2. What is the lifespan of microgreens?

To understand the topic of regrowing microgreens, you need to know a bit about how does they live looks like... Microgreens typically have a relatively short lifespan (especially comparing to fully grown plants) due to their rapid growth and harvesting process.

The specific lifespan can vary depending on the type of microgreens, growing conditions, and how they are harvested. On average, microgreens are usually ready for harvest within 1 to 3 weeks after sowing the seeds.

Once harvested, microgreens can be stored for a short period, typically up to 5 to 7 days. It also depends on from variety and way of harvesting), under proper refrigeration. However, their freshness and nutritional value start to decline soon after harvesting.

Therefore, it is generally recommended to consume microgreens as soon as possible after harvesting for the best taste and nutritional benefits.

To ensure the longest possible lifespan, it is advisable to grow microgreens at home and harvest them when needed or:

• to have a good, available, and elastic supplier,
• to buy microgreens still growing in trays.

This allows you to enjoy the freshest and most nutrient-rich microgreens.

 

3. Do microgreens grow back after you cut them? Does microgreens regrow? 

The short answer is no, the longer answer sounds: it depends.

Many growers tried to regrow their microgreens... But all they got was not that they expected. Because of the structure of the microgreens, the type of cultivating and moment of the harvesting, it is impossible to regrow microgreens after cutting microgreens. I want to underline that we are talking only about microgreens- not about mature plant of these varieties. As to every rule, there is exception that exist.

Is that Radish, Red Rambo Microgreens? 

Is that Cress Microgreens?

Will Broccolli, Calabrese Micro plants regrow?

Or maybe Sunflower Microgreens will grow one more time after cutting? 

There is only one answer to it! No! But everywhere where is the rule, there is also exception. So...

 

4. Which exceptional microgreens can be regrown after cutting?

Between many various crops you can grow as microgreens, there are few that can be regrown multiple times. Do not listen to the promisers which tells you that Basil, Kale, or Cress will regrow.

Actually, we can confirm only few varieties of microgreens that will regrow. It is:

• Peas –Pea plants may be weak but they're determined climbers! They have the specific structure. With the help of tendrils, these resilient green stalks can bravely scale walls or clumsily clasp onto other nearby foliage - all in pursuit of reaching further heights. That is why if you will cut them in the right place they may regrow. If you cut them high (above the first node), they might sprout again, but it’ll be weaker. 

• Wheatgrass – Sometimes regrows, but the second cut is tougher and less sweet.

• Certain herbs – Like basil or coriander, can regrow when grown beyond microgreen stage, but that’s already baby leaf territory. 

 

Microgreen variety	Regrows after cutting?	Conditions / notes
Pea microgreens	Yes (once)	Cut above the first node. Leave part of the stem with a leaf. Good airflow and moisture required. Regrowth is weaker.
Wheatgrass	Sometimes	May regrow once if cut high. Second harvest is tougher and less sweet.
Basil	No (as microgreens)	Can regrow only if grown past microgreen stage into baby leaf.
Coriander (Cilantro)	No (as microgreens)	Possible regrowth only when grown as baby leaf, not true microgreens.
Sunflower	No	Main growing point is removed during harvest. No regrowth.
Radish (all types)	No	Fast-growing, single-cut crop. Does not regenerate.
Broccoli / Calabrese	No	Apical meristem is cut. No energy left for regrowth.
Mustard	No	Designed for one fast harvest. No regrowth.
Amaranth	No	Very delicate stems. Cannot survive cutting.
Cress	No	Despite myths, it does not regrow as microgreens.

 

5. How to regrow pea microgreens after cutting?

Pea microgreens regrow but only under specific conditions, you have to give them best growing conditions and it's not so easy. Pea microgreens have really big seeds, they store so much energy inside, that they can regrow multiple times.

Big seeds = Energy = Substances needed for growth.

What you need to remember for regrowing is:

• When you are cutting the first crop of Pea shoots, you have to cut it in specific way.
• Plants to grow need a little leaf to absorb light and recycle it to energy used later for regrowing the next crop of microgreens.
• When you look at the micro plant of Peas, you can spot the first little leaf on the stem, just over the seed and coming out of it root. You have to cut above it, it allows your microgreens to regrow.
• Then you need to give them time and humidity.
• A lot of airing will help and prevent mold. 
• Even Pea microgreens usually do not need the fertilizer if you plan to regrow them-remember to add it in the beginning. 
• Some research says that you need bigger tray for regrowing-we says that it is not influencing for regrowing. 

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6. What happens if you let microgreens keep growing?

Microgreens regrowing topic brigs a lot of questions, so let's co over some of them to bring some answers. 

 

7. What affects microgreen regrowth?

While microgreens are generally a one-cut crop, there are a few factors that can influence whether some varieties attempt a weak regrowth — though it’s more of a curiosity than a reliable method for production.

• First off, the type of variety plays a major role. Peas, wheatgrass, and some herbs like basil or coriander might try to regrow if conditions are just right, while crops like amaranth, mustard, or radish will not.
• The cutting technique is also critical — if you cut too low and remove the growing point (apical meristem), the plant won’t recover. Cutting a bit higher, just above the first node, may give some crops a chance to regenerate.
• Seeding density impacts it too: densely sown trays lead to competition and stress, leaving plants with no energy to bounce back. In contrast, sparsely seeded trays might allow some recovery, simply because the plants have more space, light, and air.
• Speaking of which, strong light and balanced nutrients during the initial growth period help build a more vigorous plant, which might support minimal regrowth in the few varieties that allow it.
• Root development is another piece of the puzzle — a healthy, well-aerated root zone gives the plant a better shot at surviving a cut, but again, only in those exceptions.

Still, it's important to remember that in general, microgreens are not meant to regrow. They are designed to deliver maximum flavor, texture, and nutrients in a single, efficient harvest. Most varieties sold by MP SEEDS are selected for performance in that one golden cut — so enjoy the harvest, compost the leftovers, and get ready to sow the next tray. That’s the pro way. 

However if you’re testing regrowth (or accidentally notice some comeback), here’s what helps:

• Choose the right variety - Pea, Wheatgrass or Herbs

• Leaving part of the stem intact – don’t cut too low.

• Healthy root zone – good airflow and drainage.

• Light & nutrients – might help, but don’t expect miracles.

• Less dense sowing – gives plants room to recover if they can.

 

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8. Why Most Microgreens Don’t Regrow?

1. No Energy Left
   Microgreens are harvested so early that they rely mostly on the energy stored in the seed. After cutting, they don’t have the root structure or leaf mass to photosynthesize enough to bounce back.

2. You Cut the Growing Point
   Most microgreens are cut above the soil, but the main stem is where all future growth comes from. Once it’s cut, it’s game over.

3. They’re Not Built for Regrowth
   They’re bred and chosen for speed, color, and flavor – not for resilience after cutting.

8. FAQ about microgreens regrowth

Can I regrow microgreens?

You can regrow microgreens, but only Pea microgreens. Other microgreens are not regrowers.

How many times I can regrow microgreens?

Microgreens are typically not regrown after the initial harvest. The only microgreens that you can regrow is Pea and You can regrow it only once.

Is regrowing vegetables the same as regrowing microgreens?

Regrowing vegetables, or even grown up plants, is more popular treatment. As may be not easy by itself, it is much easier than regrowing microgreens- because if you know how to do it it is possible. 

Which microgreens regrow?

Only Pea, Microgreens will regrow, after cutting. It can be Wheatgrass

Do you need to wash microgreens after harvesting?

Also, it depends. Microgreens are delicate, and improper handling during washing can damage them. It's important to strike a balance between cleanliness and preserving the integrity of the microgreens. Generally, you should wash everything you will serve to another people or eat by yourself. But.. While washing can be beneficial for some varieties, it may not be suitable or necessary for others.

If you have sourced microgreens from your own garden, or greenhouse  or a reliable supplier who follows good agricultural practices, the need for extensive washing may be minimized. High-quality microgreens that are grown in a controlled and hygienic environment are less likely to require extensive washing.

In such cases, you can inspect the microgreens visually and gently remove any visible debris or particles without submerging them in water. In case of pea varieties, for example, you may use a soft brush or a damp cloth to carefully wipe away any dirt or debris.

It's important to consider the specific characteristics of the microgreens variety you are working with. Delicate varieties like amaranth may indeed be more prone to damage during washing. In such cases, it may be advisable to avoid washing altogether or use very gentle methods.

Ultimately, the decision to wash microgreens after harvesting should consider the specific circumstances, quality of the source, and the delicate nature of the microgreens themselves. If in doubt, it's always best to consult with the supplier or follow any specific instructions provided.

How long does it take microgreens to fully grow?

The time it takes for microgreens to fully grow depends on the specific variety of microgreens you are growing. Different types of microgreens have different growth rates and maturation times. However, as a general guideline, most microgreens are ready for harvest within 1 to 3 weeks after sowing the seeds. For example: Broccoli total growing time is 9, Sunflower 8 days, Pea need 16 days for total growth. 

 

Keep growing and good luck,

Caroline