Mustard DOLLARES

Operational specifics of microgreen production

Working with the 'Dollares' variety requires strict schedule management due to its extremely short production cycle. With a harvest window of 7–14 days, the operator must be precise; missing the harvest date by even a day results in an overmature crop with excessive bitterness. This variety, developed by VNIIISSOK, offers reliable germination rates, which simplifies the planning of continuous production cycles.

Seeding rates and density

When sowing 'Dollares', maintaining proper density is critical for market quality. Overcrowding often leads to stem stretching and creates a microclimate prone to mold due to poor air circulation. The seeds exhibit high energy, so minimizing waste starts with correct seeding density. A balanced substrate is more important here than intensive fertilization, as the energy reserves in the seed drive the primary growth phase.

Harvesting and maintenance

Since 'Dollares' is intended for fresh consumption, the cleanliness and structural integrity of the stems are paramount. The variety provides a uniform growth height across the tray, which minimizes labor costs during manual or mechanical harvesting. Operators should note that the variety is sensitive to overwatering; excess humidity in low-light conditions makes stems watery, which significantly reduces shelf life after harvest.

• Humidity control: avoid water stagnation to prevent fungal infections.
• Lighting: stable light intensity is required to maintain the specific color and flavor profile.
• Temperature: maintain a range of 18–22°C; exceeding this leads to rapid legginess.