Microgreen Yield Calculator

Seeding density varies by species. Sunflower microgreens typically require 150 to 200 g per 10x20 inch tray. Peas use 200 to 250 g. Radish, broccoli, and brassica mixes use 30 to 50 g per tray. Tiny-seeded crops like basil use 15 to 20 g. This calculator uses common commercial seeding rates from USDA Cooperative Extension research.

Yield ratio is the weight of harvested microgreens divided by the weight of seed planted. Sunflower and pea yield 4 to 7 times seed weight. Brassica mix (broccoli, radish, cabbage) yield 3 to 5 times. Basil yields 2 to 3 times. Actual yield depends on seed quality, growing medium, light, and harvest timing (typically at cotyledon stage, 7 to 14 days).

At farmers markets and to restaurants, microgreens typically sell for $25 to $50 per lb wholesale and $30 to $60 per lb retail. Sunflower and peas command lower prices ($20 to $30/lb) due to higher yield and lower seed cost. Specialty crops like shiso or amaranth command premium prices ($40 to $70/lb).

A soilless mix of coconut coir and perlite (or a commercial hydroponic mat) is commonly used for commercial microgreens. Coir holds moisture without waterlogging and is lightweight. For soil-based growing, a sterile seedling mix works well. Hydroponic microgreens grown on jute or burlap mats are cleaner to harvest and popular for commercial production.

Microgreens grow well under fluorescent or LED grow lights at 200 to 400 micromoles per square meter per second (umol/m2/s) of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). A standard 4-foot T5 fixture provides enough light for one 10x20 tray at 6 inches distance. Most species need 12 to 16 hours of light per day.