How to Grow Basil Microgreens Like a Pro (Step-by-Step for Beginners)
- jonahkrochmalnek
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
If you've ever tried growing basil microgreens and ended up with patchy trays, mold issues, or weak flavor—you're not alone.
Basil microgreens are one of the most rewarding yet trickiest crops to master. But once you learn the exact process from seed to harvest, they become one of the most profitable and in-demand microgreens you can grow—whether you're selling to chefs, grocery stores, or at your local farmers market.
In this post, I’ll break down everything I’ve learned after growing over 250,000 trays of microgreens and building one of Canada’s largest certified organic microgreens farms. You’ll get a full walkthrough of how to grow basil microgreens with perfect germination, rich aroma, and high yields.
If you'd prefer to watch rather than read you can checkout the video version here: https://youtu.be/C8_fu8bihFA
Let’s get into it.
Why Grow Basil Microgreens?
✅ Incredible flavor – More intense and aromatic than full-size basil
✅ High demand – Chefs love them, and they stand out at farmers markets
✅ Great margins – Customers pay a premium for high-quality herbs
✅ Longer shelf life – Compared to imported basil, micro basil stays fresh longer
✅ Low competition – Not many farms grow it due to difficulty (you’ll have the edge)
What You’ll Need to Grow Basil Microgreens
To set yourself up for success, here’s the essential basil microgreens supply list:
LED grow lights – Use 3 lights per 4 trays for strong growth
1020 Trays (with holes) – I recommend heavy-duty trays from Bootstrap Farmer
High-quality soil – I really like ProMix HP
Organic fertilizer – Gaia Green All Purpose is the best in the indsutry
Seeds – Genovese Basil is my top pick for flavor and yield
Vermiculite (optional) – Helps prevent mold during germination
Grow rack – Saves space and makes lighting much easier
💡 Pro Tip: Basil LOVES warmth. Growing at the top of your rack helps maintain ideal temps and speeds up growth.
Step-by-Step: How to Grow Basil Microgreens
1. Prepare Your Soil and Trays
Mix in 30–40g of gaia green all purpuse per gallon of soil
Fill trays to the top and lightly compress for a flat surface
2. Seed Your Trays
Use 3–5g of basil seeds per tray
3g = larger, higher-quality greens
5g = higher yield, but slightly lower quality and smaller sized leaves
Using a seeding tool for even distribution and higher yields
3. (Optional) Add Vermiculite
Sprinkle a thin layer over the seeds to help with moisture and mold control.
4. Water and Germinate
Water lightly—just the top ½ inch of soil
Stack trays with light pressure on top for 4–6 days
Mist daily only if you didn’t use vermiculite
5. Lighting and Growth Phase
Unstack trays and place them under 18 hours of light per day
Use a timer to automate it
Water only when trays feel light (every 2–3 days)
6. Harvest at Peak Flavor
Basil microgreens are ready in 10–14 days
Harvest with a sharp knife (not scissors)
Expect ~150g per tray
⚠️ Never harvest with wet leaves – moisture causes rot! Use a fan the day before harvest.
Pro Tips to Grow Basil Microgreens Like a Master
Keep temps warm – Basil thrives at 22–30°C (72–87°F)
Use fertilizer – Prevent yellowing and boost flavor/aroma
Avoid overwatering – It causes damping-off and mold
Use strong lighting – Weak light = bland basil
Don’t overseed – More seeds = more disease risk
How to Sell Basil Microgreens
Once you’ve nailed your grow cycle, here’s how to turn basil into revenue:
Sell to chefs looking for flavor-packed garnishes
Offer clamshells at farmers markets (25g or 1oz sizes work great)
Pitch to grocery stores—longer shelf life is a selling point
Basil microgreens are unique, premium, and instantly recognizable—making them easier to sell than more common crops like kale or pea shoots.
Start Growing (And Selling) With Confidence
Growing basil microgreens can feel overwhelming at first, but once you lock in the process, they’ll become one of your most reliable and profitable crops.
If you're ready to scale up your microgreens operation or just want to avoid common beginner mistakes, download my free Microgreens Mastery Growing Guide below.
Want help starting or scaling your microgreens business? Check out this FREE training on how to start a microgreens business from your home with just 6 sqft!
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