Microgreens are the immature seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs, harvested shortly after the first true leaves appear, typically standing between one to three inches tall. They have surged in popularity due to their concentrated nutritional value, often containing significantly higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to their mature counterparts. These tiny greens offer a simple and efficient way to grow fresh produce indoors year-round, making them an appealing option for home cultivation. Their intense flavors and vibrant colors also make them a favorite for enhancing a variety of dishes.
Defining the “Best” Microgreens
The determination of the “best” microgreens for home cultivation depends on a grower’s specific goals and available resources. Practical metrics such as germination speed and the reliability of the resulting yield are primary considerations for a successful harvest. A variety that sprouts quickly and grows uniformly minimizes the risk of mold and provides a faster, more consistent return on effort. Cost is another factor, as some specialty seeds can be more expensive, while high-volume crops like sunflower and pea offer a better relative cost per yield. Flavor profile is also important, ranging from the mild, earthy notes of some brassicas to the intense spice of radishes or the sweetness of pea shoots.
Easiest Microgreens for Beginners
Radish microgreens are consistently recommended for new growers because of their fast growth cycle and resilience. They often germinate in one to two days and can be ready for harvest within six to ten days. Varieties like China Rose or Daikon offer a distinct, peppery flavor and are forgiving of minor fluctuations in watering or temperature.
Pea shoots, derived from field pea seeds, are another highly dependable option known for their sweet, fresh flavor and substantial yield. They can often be harvested multiple times (a “cut and come again” crop) if the growing point is preserved during the initial harvest. Their large size and robust nature make them easy to handle, adding crunch and sweetness to salads and stir-fries.
Sunflower microgreens are favored for their hearty, nutty flavor and substantial texture, often used as a dense base for salads. They produce a thick canopy, offering one of the highest yields per tray, and their large seeds are easy to sow evenly. Sunflower shoots are rich in plant protein and Vitamin E, but they require a longer soaking period before planting to encourage successful germination. They are generally ready for harvest in about 10 to 12 days.
Specialty Microgreens for Flavor and Nutrition
Some microgreens, while demanding more precise growing conditions, offer exceptional benefits that justify the increased effort. Basil microgreens are a prime example, requiring warmer temperatures and a longer growth period, often taking two to three weeks to reach harvest size. The reward is an intense, concentrated sweet basil flavor and aroma, highly valued for garnishing gourmet dishes.
Amaranth and beet microgreens are chosen not just for taste but for their striking visual appeal and unique nutritional density. Amaranth varieties, such as Red Garnet, develop vibrant red or purple stems and leaves, which are rich in antioxidants and carotenoids. Beet microgreens, with their deep crimson stems, possess a pleasant, earthy sweetness but are sensitive to overwatering and require careful management to prevent damping off.
Cilantro microgreens are notorious for their challenging germination rate, often requiring a longer pre-soak or gently cracking the seed husks to improve sprouting success. However, the resulting microgreens deliver the intense, fresh taste of cilantro in a compact form.
Quick Guide to Growing Microgreens
Equipment and Preparation
Successfully growing microgreens begins with selecting the proper equipment: two shallow trays (one with drainage holes and one without) and a growing medium like coconut coir or fine soil. Many larger seeds, such as peas and sunflowers, benefit from being soaked in cool water for four to eight hours before planting to initiate germination. Small seeds like radishes or broccoli generally do not require this pre-soak.
Sowing and Blackout
Once prepared, the seeds are sown densely and evenly across the moistened growing medium in the tray with holes. This tray is then covered with the second tray or a dome to create a blackout period. The blackout promotes uniform germination and encourages the seedlings to stretch for light.
Light, Watering, and Harvest
After three to five days, when the seedlings are about an inch tall, the cover is removed, and the tray is exposed to direct light, such as a sunny windowsill or a dedicated LED grow light. The microgreens should be watered from the bottom by pouring water into the tray without holes. This allows the roots to wick up moisture and keeps the canopy dry to prevent mold. Harvest is simple, requiring clean scissors to snip the greens just above the soil line when the first true leaves begin to emerge, usually between 7 and 14 days after planting.