The Process Behind the Growth of Shiso Microgreen Seeds

If you are also a freak of bursting your garden with micro greens and planning to add more variety of micro herbs in your garden, then you are at the right place. In this blog post, let’s take off into the interesting world of Shiso microgreen seeds and take a closer look at the process behind their growing mechanism. Choosing the most suitable seed to raise them into those bright micro herbs, we will look into some aspects that make Shiso microgreens one of the favorites among micro herb varieties.

Explore the world behind how these tiny natural gifts are cultivated when you see them in the markets. How you can make microgreen growing systems work at home and give the exact delicacy and taste to your meals.

Why Grow Shiso Microgreens?

Shiso microgreens add a great flavor as well as decorative appeal to any dish. It belongs to the family of mints and gives a hint of citrus with mint in its flavor. Additionally, the red or green leaves are just too beautiful to add to salads, sushi, and even a cocktail. Growing shiso microgreens in your garden brings you fresh, nutrient-packed organic microgreen seeds right from your own garden.

Following the steps will lead you to have these organic microgreens bring more flavor to you.

Step 1: Use of Organic Seeds

Quality seeds are the necessary beginning to grow any microgreen. Growing Shiso microgreens therefore is ideal when started off with organic microgreen seeds. Organic seeds mostly cannot be modified genetically and grown without synthetic chemicals; thus they are also ideal for health-conscious people.

You can also go with green or red seeds, depending on whether you like the way one looks and like the way the other one tastes. Both colors are a well of vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and antioxidants, so they’re both pretty in shape as well.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Microgreen Growing System

A well-planned microgreen growing system is required to successfully grow Shiso microgreens. Microgreens are perfectly grown in indoor gardens, balconies, or any bright corner of your home.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Growing trays: Shallow trays with good drainage are the first thing you need to have.
• Soil: Organic potting soil will work wonderfully and provide the medium for growth.
• Watering system: A spray bottle or light watering can avoid waterlogging.
• Light source: Shiso has a very high requirement for light, so this growing area has to be an extremely lit area. Bright windows or LED lights are just perfect for the job and will ensure the Shiso microgreens get enough illumination for photosynthesis.

Step 3: Plant the Seeds

Now that you have prepared your growing system, you can plant the Shiso micro-green seeds. Here is how to do it for optimal growth:

• Prepare your soil: Sprinkle an inch of your growing medium into your tray. Moisten your soil lightly to get a wet setting but avoid overwatering.
• Sowing seeds: By sprinkling the seeds on the surface of the soil evenly, spread them equally. Since the seeds are very tiny, you do not have to cover the seeds with soil. Gently press them into the soil.
• Cover and sow: Cover the trays with lids or loosely cover them with a thin light cloth. Shiso prefers darkness during germination for the first days. Place the tray in a warm place at 70-75°F to encourage germination.

Step 4: Care and Nurture

After germinating the seeds, which takes about 4-6 days, remove the cover and position the tray under your light source. Shiso microgreens are relatively slow-growing compared to other micro herb varieties, so here is a tip for you to get involved in a light book reading until they are fully grown.

• Watering: Water the soil very carefully. Mist them with a spray bottle and avoid drying the microgreens.
• Light: Ensure that your microgreens have 12-16 hours of light in a day. It will help your seeds develop deep color with rich flavor.
• Air circulation: It also prevents molds from forming and keeps healthy plants. If growing indoors, it is good to use a low power fan to increase air circulation around the tray.

Step 5: Harvesting

Microgreens of Shiso are ready for harvest in around 14-21 days under normal growth conditions. In that case, its height should be in the range of 1-2 inches with the first true leaves showing.

For harvesting, simply cut with clean scissors at the micro-green about the soil line. They are delicate and taste best when picked right away, so you can use them when they are at their freshest and tastiest.

Benefits of Growing Shiso Microgreens

Nutrient Density

Shiso microgreens are rich in vitamins and minerals, which enables them to deliver nutritional benefits in your meals.

Unique Flavor

The partially spicy, citrusy flavor is a refreshing addition to sushi rolls and fresh salads.

Being Green: Obtain fresh, organic produce at any time of the year because you’re directly reducing your carbon footprint.

Rapid Turnaround

Shiso grows very fast, and you’ll start seeing results within weeks.

Fin

Lastly, growing Shiso microgreen seeds at home is fulfilling and fun, especially, if you have a good microgreen growing system. Whether you’re a gardener or just experimenting with microgreens, cultivating them is a wonderful way to bring fresh and organic products into your kitchen. Select the best organic microgreen seeds, set the right environment, and take good care of them.