Commercial Microgreens: The 7-Day Harvest Cycle for Maximum Cash Flow

In the world of commercial agriculture, time is money. While a head of lettuce takes 35-45 days to mature, Microgreens (such as radish, pea shoots, and sunflower) are ready to harvest in just 7 to 10 days.

For investors seeking rapid cash flow, this "High-Velocity Farming" model is unbeatable. However, the operational challenge lies in density and watering precision. This guide explains why Lyine’s Vertical Ebb & Flow Rack Systems are the preferred engine for commercial microgreen production.

1. The Economics: 4 Harvests Per Month

Unlike traditional crops, microgreens allow for 3-4 production cycles every single month.

• Space Efficiency: Lyine’s High-Density Racks feature 5-6 growing layers per unit. A single 20m² room can hold hundreds of trays.
• Market Value: Microgreens are sold by the gram, not the kilogram. They command premium pricing from chefs and health-conscious consumers, often exceeding $20-$40 per kg.

2. Equipment Selection: Towers vs. Racks

A common mistake beginners make is buying the wrong equipment.

• Vertical Towers (Zip/Rotary): Excellent for full-size plants (Lettuce/Strawberries) that need space to spread out.
• Vertical Racks (Shelving): Essential for Microgreens. You need flat surfaces to hold 1020 standard trays. Lyine’s Rack System maximizes horizontal surface area while stacking vertically.

3. Why "Ebb & Flow" (Flood & Drain) is Mandatory

Hand-watering thousands of trays is impossible and dangerous. Top-watering wets the delicate leaves, inviting mold and fungus—the #1 killer of microgreen crops.

The Solution: Lyine Automated Ebb & Flow.
Our automated system pumps water into the tray from the bottom, soaking the roots, and then drains it away.

• Dry Leaves: The canopy stays 100% dry, drastically reducing disease risk.
• Root Oxygenation: The "Drain" phase pulls fresh oxygen down into the root zone, accelerating growth speed.
• Labor Zero: The programmable timer handles irrigation 24/7. No staff required for watering.

Conclusion

Microgreens are the "Sprint" of the agricultural world. To win this race, you need a system designed for speed and precision. Lyine’s Integrated Rack System delivers the automation you need to turn a 7-day cycle into a consistent, scalable business.