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4.5
It is January and time to order seeds again, so I've been reviewing my notes from last year. Here are my results with these seeds:1) I grow indoors, and these are based on doing that in an 11 x 22 inch basic tray.2) Day 1: Sanitized tray. Sterilized 6 c of a compost/sand/vermiculite mix, and packed it into the bottom of the tray. Sterilized 6 cups of vermiculite, cooled it, and moistened it with water (purified through reverse osmosis), fish oil, epsom salt and other micronutrients. Mixed this vermiculite with 30 grams of the Organic Radish Sprouting Seeds, and pressed this mixture down over the first layer. Plastic wrap was laid over the top, and this try was weighed down with a few more trays over it.3) Days 2 - 10. Tray was monitored for moisture and misted as needed. Heat maintained at 77 F, +/- 4 F. Heat level automated with an Inkbird device, heating mat, and fan. Over time the seedlings pushed up the tray above it, and when they became visible, the weighty tray was removed, and an empty tray was inverted over it. When the seedlings also lifted this tray then it was removed, and indirect light was used for greening. Tray temperature dropped to refrigeration levels.4) The optimal harvest date using this approach is 10 days. Small variations such as the pH or electrical conductivity of the water can vary your results. If you use soil, then you can expect a lower & slower germination rate. If you do not sterilize your mix then you could have problems with mold, fungi or infestations (in my experience, even mixes that come with the claim that they are sterile, may no longer be sterile by the time you receive or use them).I'm not fond of radishes. I DO like these. Harvested early, they have a mild taste. The longer you wait, the stronger the taste becomes. These particular seeds are on the large side. Of course, they are not as large as peas or sunflowers, still they are larger than most others. So, they are less delicate. It is harder for the seedlings to free themselves of the seed coat, so you may notice some leaves that look irregularly yellowed just after that is accomplished. It can appear as though there is a problem with your crop. If you are worried, then move your tray away from others. If the issue was the seed coats finally coming loose, then the radish sprouts will green up the rest of the way shortly, and lose that sickly appearance.There are photographs attached to show you what to expect germination and the final microgreens to look like. By mixing the seed throughout the layer of vermiculite, I am intentionally ensuring that there will be a second (and maybe 3rd) crop. So, the seedlings look a little thin for the 30 grams used. In one of the photos, I show that the next crop is emerging between those seedlings. If you want your crop to be "one and done," then instead scatter the seeds all on the top at the same level, and just cover with a wet, unbleached paper towel. That will give you a single harvest.
