The first 72 hours of microgreens cultivation – the stage that determines the entire growth cycle

The first three days after sowing are the moment when microgreens cultivation is truly decided, even though at first glance very little seems to be happening. It is during this time that key biological decisions are made, later translating into growth rate, batch uniformity and final harvest quality. In practice, many problems blamed on growing conditions or fertilization have their roots much earlier – in the first 72 hours, when the plant is only “setting itself up” for further development. This stage requires attention, because it offers no second chance.

What happens in the first 72 hours after sowing?

During the first three days, processes take place that determine whether microgreens will develop evenly. This is the time of water uptake, germination initiation and the first response to environmental conditions. If a problem appears at this stage, the plants will not compensate for it later. That is why not only humidity and temperature matter, but also the quality of the seed material. Professional microgreens seeds from MP SEEDS (see the full range at https://mpseeds.eu/microgreens-seeds) differ in their ability to start quickly and respond uniformly to the same stimuli, and it is precisely in this phase that these differences become most visible.

Microgreens seeds as a reference point for the entire cultivation

The first 72 hours reveal everything that was neglected at the seed selection stage. Unselected, random material or seeds intended for traditional garden cultivation germinate unevenly, react extremely to identical conditions and produce batches that are difficult to manage. Well-chosen microgreens seeds behave predictably – they start at a similar time, build a comparable seedling structure and allow control over the further course of the cycle. In practice, this means a lower risk of empty spots on the tray, uniform plant height and a real possibility of planning the harvest time.

Why mistakes from the first days cannot be fixed later

In microgreens cultivation, there is no “equalizing” phase. The plant develops quickly, and every day of delay or excessive acceleration accumulates in subsequent stages. If, during the first 72 hours, some seedlings start more slowly, the differences will remain visible until harvest. Even ideal conditions later on will not reverse decisions made at the beginning. This is why experienced growers and kitchens running their own production pay such close attention to where the seeds come from and how they behave in the first days after sowing.

The first 72 hours and planning the entire growth cycle

A conscious approach to the first three days helps organize the entire cultivation process. An even start means greater predictability, which translates into better work planning, lower losses and stable harvest quality. Microgreens seeds that react consistently and without surprises make it easier to control growth rate and treat cultivation as a repeatable process rather than a series of improvisations. This is especially important where microgreens are a permanent menu element, not a one-off addition.

Ensure a start that works for the entire cycle

If microgreens are to be predictable, visually appealing and consistent in flavor, the first 72 hours are decisive. This is the stage where the quality of seeds truly works toward the final result, even before the first leaves appear. Conscious seed selection and control of the early growth phase are the simplest way to ensure that the entire cultivation runs smoothly, without corrections and nervous decisions at later stages.