Growing Green Shiso Microgreens in Paperpot Trays
Growing Green Shiso Microgreens in Paperpot Trays
Won’t bend or break!
Larger trays = higher yields!
Matching solid bottom trays for easy watering!
Growing microgreens in Paperpot Trays gives you over 30% more growing space than standard 1020 trays, and they’ll last you a lifetime without breaking. This prevents you from needing to dispose of cheap plastic trays after just a year or two. Paperpot Trays also have low-profile side walls for better air flow, and convenient thumb holes for bottom watering when used with matching solid bottom trays. When stacking Paperpot Trays for germinating microgreens, there is a small air gap between the soil surface and the tray above, greatly reducing mold issues!
Green Shiso, also known as Perilla or Beefsteak plant, is a unique herb with a flavor somewhere in between mint and basil, with hints of licorice and cinnamon. It’s often described as having an equal balance of sweet and spice.
Green Shiso microgreens are a great source of Vitamins B, C, and K, folic acid, and fiber. Often used as a garnish, for sushi wraps, and in salads, they are a favorite among chefs.
For some good research based information on the health benefits of microgreens, check out: The Institute of Food Technologists, Researchgate.net and Sciencedirect.com
The Specifications for Green Shiso Microgreens
| GREEN SHISO MICROGREENS | Paperpot Trays (12" x 24") | Standard Trays (10" x 20") |
| RECOMMENDED CULTIVARS | Perilla | Perilla |
| DRY GRAMS PER TRAY | 22 g | 17 g |
| GERMINATION TIME (STACKED) | 3-4 days | 3-4 days |
| DAYS TO MATURITY | 25-30 days *time from seed to harvest | 25-30 days *time from seed to harvest |
| TARGET CROP YIELD PER TRAY | 210 g (+/-) | 160 g (+/-) |
| HARVEST UNIT | 105 g of product (+/-) per clamshell | 105 g of product (+/-) per clamshell |
| HARVEST UNITS PER TRAY | 2 (+/-) | 1.5 (+/-) |
| PRICE PER UNIT | $17 | $17 |
| REVENUE PER TRAY | $34 (+/-) | $25.50 (+/-) |
| TRAYS | Perforated top trays nested into solid bottom trays (Paperpot Trays or 1020’s) |
| GROWING MEDIUM | 80% peat moss, 20% perlite or vermiculite (nutrients/compost optional) |
| SEED SANITIZING | Sanidate 5.0 (1.6 oz to 5 gal. water), or Zerotol 2.0 (20 ml to 2 L of water), or 1:1 white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide |
| SHELVING | NSF Wire Shelving Racks: 60"x24"x72" fits four Paperpot trays per shelf, 48”x18”x72” fits four 1020 trays per shelf. *Add a 6th shelf to these 5-tier racks to fit five grow shelves, 12” between shelves. |
| LIGHTING | 4’ T5 LED Barina Lights - 3 per 24” deep shelf (2 per 18” deep shelf) |
| VENTILATION | Desktop computer fans (2 per shelf), or standing fan next to rack |
| HARVEST | Well sharpened kitchen knife |
| PACKAGING | Clamshells (or plastic bags), farm logo stickers |
| POST HARVEST | White vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or Zerotol 2.0 (food grade hydrogen peroxide concentrate), 2 Liter pump spray bottle. |
Suggested Tools & Supplies
The best growing medium consistency for microgreens is composed of fine particulates with eve drainage. Too much drainage will lead to dehydrated crops, and too little drainage will lead to fungal issues.
Clumpy mix can be loosened up by hand when adding to your filling bin. Mix with larger particulates can be sifted through a DIY sifter made from 1/4” wire mesh on a box frame. This can be placed over a wheel barrow or tote to sift our larger material that may inhibit germination.
When filling trays with growing medium, make sure to spread it evenly in the corners and edges of the tray or microgreens in those areas will become dehydrated and tend to fall over.
After spreading the growing medium evenly in the tray, use a custom wooden press, or an empty tray to tamp/press the soil, creating a smooth even surface.
Spray down the growing medium with water prior to seeding.
Soil & Tray Preparation
Seeding & Germinating
Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the tray, then water generously.
Seeded trays can be stacked up to six at a time, with an empty seventh tray at the top. Place a 14 lb paver on the top to weight down the trays, encouraging strong stems and vigorous growth.
Germinating trays do well at 70° and can be stacked in racks with no lights.
After 3-4 days the sprouts will begin pushing the trays up, and it’s important to monitor closely so the stack does not tip over.
After unstacking the trays, give them a thorough watering.
Scintilla Farms tip: After unstacking, cover each tray with a black out dome to encourage taller growth for Green Shiso. After seven more days, remove the domes and put the trays under the light.
Transfer the trays to the grow racks under the lights, nesting them into the solid bottom trays.
16 hours of light per day is recommended for microgreens.
At this point, watering can be done by lifting the top tray by the thumbhole and pouring water straight into the bottom tray. Paperpot bottom trays have a line that provides a convenient reference point for how much water to add.
Bottom watering should take place once every morning. If your growing medium does not retain its moisture as long, water once more in the evening.
Stop watering 24-48 hours prior to harvest to ensure crops are dry and free from excess moisture. This helps greatly to extend the shelf life of the microgreens.
Growing & Watering
Harvesting & Packaging
Wash hands thoroughly and/or wear latex gloves before handling greens for harvest.
Sharpen the harvesting knife each time prior to harvest. To harvest, grab a handful of microgreens and cut just high enough above the growing medium to ensure there isn’t any stuck on the ends of the greens.
Carefully place the greens directly into the clamshells.
Scintilla Farms tip: place the clamshells into the refrigerator with the lids open for the first 10-15 minutes to avoid build up of moisture (after which they can be closed). This can increase shelf life.
Dump the harvested tray’s soil and root matter into bins or wheel barrows to be taken to compost.
Rinse, then spray down the tops and bottoms of the trays with 20ml of Zerotol 2.0 to a 2 Liter pump spray bottle of water, or a 1:1 hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar solution. Allow trays to dry in a rack prior to being reused.
Post Harvest & Tray Sanitizing
Paperpot Trays are a wise choice for growers serious about growing microgreens for profit.
Durability, longevity, higher yields, and increased air flow, are just some of the reasons why growing microgreens in Paperpot Trays makes so much sense.
Get started growing Green Shiso Microgreens in Paperpot Trays and download the Growers Notes below.
DOWNLOAD ALL OF THE MICROGREENS GROWERS NOTES
- Amaranth Microgreens
- Arugula Microgreens
- Cilantro Microgreens
- Green Shiso Microgreens
- Leek Microgreens
- Nasturtium Microgreens
- Pea Shoot Microgreens
- Radish Microgreens
- Sunflower Microgreens
The Microgreens Growers Notes were developed in partnership with Scintilla Farms and Seth Davis.
INTERESTED IN PURCHASING?
If you have any questions, please reach out hello@paperpot.co or 877.850.1555.