How to Grow Celosia Microgreens on Soil: Step-by-Step Guide for Specialty Microgreens

August 19, 2025

Celosia microgreens are one of our favorite specialty microgreens because of their vibrant, whimsical colors and unique appearance. If you’re looking for a visually striking crop to grow at home or to showcase to your customers, Celosia is a perfect choice. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to grow Celosia microgreens on soil, including the supplies you need, step-by-step instructions, and tips for harvesting and using this beautiful crop.

Why Grow Celosia Microgreens

Celosia microgreens are a unique and eye-catching crop in the microgreens world:

They are a specialty microgreen with a fun, whimsical appearance, even at the tiny seedling stage.
The leaves develop vibrant shades of magenta, green, and yellow, giving each tray a striking, colorful look.
Celosia microgreens require longer grow times and a bit more attention, and they yield less than common microgreens like broccoli or sunflower—making them a higher-value crop for growers.
Fairly easy to grow, given the right conditions and medium.

Supplies Needed for Growing Celosia Microgreens

Here’s what I use for my Celosia microgreens on soil grow, all available on our website:

10x20 grow trays – I use a mesh tray with a no-holed tray underneath for easy watering.
Tray Clip Labelers – Helps identify trays and makes watering simpler.
Potting soil – Celosia seeds are tiny, so soil is better than coco coir or reusable mediums.
Celosia microgreen seeds – 8 grams for a 10x20 tray.
Pump-style sprayer – For misting seeds during germination.
Weights – About 10 lbs to help seeds maintain good contact with soil during germination.
Harvest tools – Knife, bowl, and scale for measuring yields.
Optional: Mat – Keeps trays from sliding during harvest.

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Celosia Microgreens on Soil

Step 1: Tray Preparation

Attach a Tray Clip Labeler to your tray first—this keeps things organized and makes watering easier. Fill your 10x20 tray with 6 cups of potting soil, breaking up any clumps and lightly tamping with your hands. You want a leveled surface without compacting the soil too much.

Step 2: Seeding the Tray

Evenly spread 8 grams of Celosia seeds across the soil. Because the seeds are tiny, a little goes a long way—too many seeds can block airflow and create mold or attract fungus gnats. Avoid large clumps to ensure even growth.

Step 3: Germination

Mist the seeds for 15–20 seconds using a pump-style sprayer. Place the no-holed tray on top and add 10 lbs of weight to trap humidity. Mist again later in the day if needed.

Step 4: Sprouting and Blackout (Day 4)

By day four, sprouts will emerge and seed shells will mostly be gone. Mist the tray again and flip the top tray into a blackout dome. Place it back on the grow rack to encourage upright growth.

Step 5: First Light Exposure and Bottom-Watering (Day 5)

Remove the blackout dome and expose your Celosia microgreens to light. I use three 20W LED lights on the shelf. Start bottom-watering with 1 cup of water per tray. The soil already contains nutrients, so plain water is all you need at this stage.

Step 6: Continued Care (Days 6–12)

Water 1–2 times per day as needed, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Celosia tolerates slightly longer growth periods without bitterness, unlike some other microgreens. Focus on developing well-formed true leaves for the best appearance.

Step 7: Harvesting Your Celosia Microgreens (Day 13)

Place a mat under the tray to prevent sliding. Use a knife to gently cut the microgreens into a bowl. Celosia is delicate, so handle carefully. From one 10x20 tray with 8 grams of seed, I typically harvest around 96 grams.

Celosia Microgreens: Flavor, Appearance, and Uses

Celosia microgreens are part of the amaranth family. Here’s what makes them special:

Appearance: Some leaves are deep magenta on the undersides, others green with faint yellow stems.
Flavor: Mild, earthy taste with hints of spinach and green undertones. Some might notice a subtle aroma reminiscent of cress.
Uses: Perfect for garnishing salads, topping noodle bowls, or adding a pop of color to home-cooked dishes. Chefs love them for presentation and texture.

Because Celosia has longer growth times, higher seed costs, and lower harvest weights, it is considered a specialty microgreen. In the U.S., it can sell for $5–$10 per ounce, depending on quality and region.

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Tips for Storage and Selling Celosia Microgreens

Store away from excess moisture and not too close to the back of the fridge.
Shelf life is about 1–1.5 weeks.
Handle gently during harvest and packing to maintain appearance.

Growing Celosia microgreens on soil is a fun and rewarding experience. Their vibrant colors, delicate look, and mild flavor make them a specialty crop that stands out for both home growers and microgreen businesses. For those unfamiliar with the plant itself, Celosia, also called cockscomb, is part of the amaranth family and is often grown ornamentally for its bright, textured flower heads and colorful foliage. While adult plants are admired in gardens, the microgreens stage gives you a quick, manageable, and visually striking harvest in just 13 days with the right supplies, attention, and care.