Salad Burnet Microgreen Seeds

Salad Burnet is a slower-growing specialty micro herb with delicate green foliage and a refreshing cucumber-like flavour. For the most characteristic harvest, allow the first serrated true leaves to begin developing.

What You Need

• Salad Burnet Microgreen Seeds
• A shallow tray with drainage holes
• A solid lower tray for bottom watering
• Fine seed-raising mix, coco coir or another fine growing medium
• Clean drinking-quality water
• Fine mist sprayer
• A clear humidity cover if required
• Bright natural light or suitable grow lights
• Clean scissors or a sharp harvesting knife

Seed Rate

For a standard 25 × 50cm microgreen tray, use approximately:

8–12g dry seed per tray

Spread the seed evenly without creating dense clumps.

Because Salad Burnet is grown long enough to develop early true leaves, avoid excessive density.

Pre-Soak

No pre-soaking required.

Sow Salad Burnet seed dry.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clean and thoroughly rinse trays, covers and growing tools.
2. Add approximately 2–3cm of fine seed-raising mix, coco coir or another suitable fine growing medium.
3. Moisten the medium evenly and allow excess water to drain.
4. Spread approximately 8–12g of dry seed evenly across the surface.
5. Gently press the seed into contact with the growing medium.
6. Barely cover the seed with a very fine layer of growing medium or vermiculite.
7. Mist gently with clean drinking-quality water.
8. Place the tray in bright indirect light or beneath suitable grow lights.
9. Use a clear humidity cover if required to help maintain surface moisture.
10. Remove the cover once seedlings are established.
11. Maintain good airflow.
12. Bottom water once the roots have established.
13. Allow the first serrated true leaves to develop before harvesting.

Germination & Light

Salad Burnet seed benefits from access to light during germination.

Do not use a prolonged opaque blackout.

Expect germination in approximately:

5–10 days

Some seed may take longer, particularly under cooler conditions.

Sow very shallowly and avoid burying the seed deeply.

A clear humidity cover can be useful during early germination, but ventilate it regularly and remove it once seedlings become established.

Temperature

Aim for approximately:

18–22°C

Salad Burnet tolerates cooler conditions well, although germination can become slower as temperatures fall.

Watering

During germination, keep the surface consistently moist using a gentle mist where required.

Because the seed is shallow, avoid strong overhead watering that can displace it.

Once roots establish, bottom watering is preferable.

For detailed guidance, see How to Water Microgreens: Misting vs Bottom Watering.

Keep the growing medium evenly moist without leaving standing water beneath the tray.

True-Leaf Development

Salad Burnet becomes much more distinctive once its early true leaves develop.

At this stage:

• leaves begin developing their characteristic serrated shape;
• the crop looks increasingly like mature Salad Burnet;
• the cucumber-like flavour becomes more recognisable; and
• the shoots make a more distinctive culinary garnish.

For this reason, it is generally worth growing Salad Burnet beyond the earliest cotyledon stage.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest approximately:

14–18 days from sowing

Use the crop itself as the final guide rather than harvesting solely by day count.

Salad Burnet microgreens are generally ready when:

• seedlings are fresh and healthy;
• early serrated true leaves are developing;
• shoots are approximately 4–7cm tall;
• foliage remains tender; and
• the characteristic cucumber-like flavour has developed.

Cut cleanly just above the growing medium using clean scissors or a sharp harvesting knife.

For more detailed guidance, see How to Harvest & Store Microgreens.

Refrigerate promptly in a clean container. If washed before refrigeration, drain and dry thoroughly first.

Culinary Use

Salad Burnet microgreens work particularly well with:

• salads;
• sandwiches;
• wraps;
• grain bowls;
• eggs;
• seafood;
• vegetables;
• cold sauces;
• dressings; and
• herb butters.

Use fresh or add immediately before serving to preserve the delicate texture and cucumber-like flavour.

Root Hairs vs Mould

Fine white root hairs can sometimes be mistaken for mould.

Root hairs generally:

• grow directly from individual roots;
• appear relatively evenly; and
• become less obvious immediately after watering.

Mould is more likely to:

• spread irregularly between seedlings;
• form web-like growth;
• persist after watering; or
• occur alongside slime, discolouration or unpleasant smells.

If you are uncertain, see Mould vs Root Hairs on Sprouts & Microgreens.

Discard crops showing obvious spoilage.

Growing as Baby Leaf

For baby-leaf production:

1. Sow considerably less densely than for microgreens.
2. Allow additional room between plants.
3. Continue growing after several true leaves develop.
4. Provide good light.
5. Maintain regular moisture.
6. Harvest tender leaves progressively.

Growing Salad Burnet to Maturity

Salad Burnet is a perennial culinary herb.

For mature plants:

1. Sow shallowly, barely covering the seed.
2. Maintain steady moisture during germination.
3. Provide light during germination.
4. Thin or transplant established plants to approximately 20–30cm apart.
5. Grow in full sun to partial shade.
6. Use fertile, well-drained soil.
7. Harvest young outside leaves progressively.

Established plants form compact clumps and can provide repeated leaf harvests.

Clean Growing / Food Safety

Use clean trays, fresh growing medium, drinking-quality water and clean harvesting equipment.

Maintain good drainage and airflow and discard crops showing mould, slime, decay, abnormal discolouration or unpleasant smells.

Seed Storage

Store unused Salad Burnet seed sealed in a cool, dry and dark place away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.

For longer-term storage, refrigeration can help maintain viability. Keep refrigerated seed sealed while it returns to room temperature before opening to reduce condensation.