Everything About Growing Microgreens | 35 Best Microgreens To Grow

Discover the fascinating world of Growing Microgreens and learn about the Best Microgreens To Grow in your own home.

Growing microgreens in your garden bed outside or in containers are perfect for gardeners with little space. You can grow microgreens at home on a windowsill or a balcony, or other open space! All you need is a bit of space and grow mats for microgreens.

What are Microgreens? 

Microgreens are miniature versions of leafy vegetables and herbs that are harvested at an early stage of growth. These tiny greens are packed with concentrated nutrients and possess a vibrant array of flavors, making them a popular choice for health-conscious food enthusiasts. Why grow microgreens at home?

Microgreens are known for their remarkable nutritional profile, often containing higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to their fully-grown counterparts. They offer a burst of fresh flavors, ranging from spicy and tangy to mild and earthy, adding a delightful twist to salads, sandwiches, soups, and various culinary creations. These miniature greens are relatively easy to grow indoors, making them an ideal choice for urban gardeners or anyone with limited space.

Don’t know How to Grow Microgreens Without Soil? Learn here. 

Pot Requirement for Microgreens

Want to know how to grow microgreens at home? When it comes to growing microgreens, the choice of pots or containers is flexible and largely depends on personal preference and available resources. The most common options include shallow trays, seedling trays, plastic containers, or even recycled materials like old baking trays or takeout containers.

 The ideal pot size for microgreens is typically around 1-2 inches deep. This shallow depth allows the microgreens’ shallow root systems to spread out and develop without being overwhelmed by excessive soil. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the chosen pot has proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, as excess moisture can lead to root rot or the growth of mold.

How to Grow Microgreens Tip: Choosing growing trays for microgreens? The key factor to consider is that the chosen container should be shallow to accommodate the shallow root systems of growing microgreens. Select shallow trays with good drainages, such as seedling trays or repurposed containers, for growing microgreens effectively.

Here are Plant Pot Sizes from Inches to Gallon

Best Microgreens to Grow

Leafy greens, herbs, edible flowers, and vegetables, there are so many options to try. But the best microgreens are those with intense flavor.

Best Microgreen Herbs

1. Parsley

Botanical Name: Petroselinum crispum

Fresh and vibrant Parsley microgreens offer a mild, herbaceous flavor with hints of sweetness, making them a delightful addition to salads, soups, and garnishes.

2. Cilantro (Coriander)

Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum

Cilantro microgreens are some of the best microgreens to grow and add a zesty kick to dishes with their unique flavor.

3. Dill

Botanical Name: Anethum graveolens

Delicate and aromatic, Dill microgreens bring a refreshing taste reminiscent of the herb’s mature form. These tiny greens add a burst of flavor to seafood, salads, and dressings.

4. Basil

Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum

With its distinct aroma and sweet flavor, Basil microgreens lend a touch of freshness to any dish.

5. Chives

Botanical Name: Allium schoenoprasum

Chive microgreens offer a mild onion-like taste and a subtle hint of garlic and are excellent for adding a mild, fresh kick.

Best Leafy Microgreens

6. Lettuce

Botanical Name: Lactuca sativa

Another of the best microgreens to grow is Lettuce. Lettuce microgreens offer a variety of flavors ranging from mild and buttery to slightly bitter, making them a versatile choice for salads, sandwiches, and wraps.

7. Cress

Botanical Name: Lepidium sativum

Packed with a peppery punch, Cress are among the easiest microgreens to grow and add a burst of spicy flavor to dishes. Their tender leaves are perfect for garnishing soups.

8. Fenugreek

Botanical Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum

With a unique taste that combines bitterness and sweetness, fenugreek microgreens bring a distinct flavor profile to Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

9. Asian Greens

Botanical Name: Brassica rapa

Asian greens microgreens encompass a variety of greens like bok choy, tatsoi, and mizuna, offering a range of textures and flavors.

10. Spinach

Botanical Name: Spinacia oleracea

Nutrient-packed and earthy, spinach microgreens deliver a concentrated dose of vitamins and minerals. Their tender leaves can be enjoyed in salads.

11. Kale

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Kale microgreens offer a slightly bitter and earthy taste, along with a substantial nutritional profile. They are the fastest growing microgreens and can grow in 7-12 days.

12. Mustard

Botanical Name: Brassica juncea

Mustard microgreens pack a punch of flavor with a hint of horseradish, making them an excellent garnish among the best microgreens to grow.

13. Rocket

Botanical Name: Eruca sativa

Easy to grow and care for, Rocket microgreens bring a distinct pungent flavor reminiscent of their mature counterpart.

14. Celery

Botanical Name: Apium graveolens

Looking to grow a versatile microgreen? Celery microgreens are your best bet, as they offer a mild flavor with hints of parsley and celery.

15. Chard

Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris spp. vulgaris

Another of the easiest microgreens to grow, Chard microgreens have a mild and slightly earthy taste, and these are colorful and nutritious.

16. Wasabi

Botanical Name: Wasabia japonica

Intensely spicy with a distinct horseradish-like flavor, Wasabi microgreens bring the fiery kick of wasabi to dishes.

Best Vegetables Microgreens

17. Radish

Botanical Name: Raphanus sativus

Radish microgreens are some of the best microgreens to grow and showcase striking red and green hues. These easy-to-grow greens require regular watering and provide a delightful zing to salads.

18. Carrot

Botanical Name: Daucus carota

Delicate and earthy, Carrot microgreens feature slender green leaves with a subtle carroty taste.

19. Beet

Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris

These low-maintenance greens are packed with nutrients and can add a pop of color and taste to salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.

20. Cabbage

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata

With their compact leaves in shades of green and purple, Cabbage microgreens deliver a mild and slightly sweet flavor.

21. Cauliflower

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

Cauliflower microgreens boast delicate white leaves that add an elegant touch to any dish. Sprinkle them on salads and soups, or use them as a flavorful addition to vegetable medleys.

22. Broccoli

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica

Packed with nutrients, Broccoli microgreens are the fastest growing microgreens and feature small, tender leaves with a mild taste matching their normal-sized counterparts.

23. Turnip

Botanical Name: Brassica rapa var. rapa

Looking for the best microgreens to grow? With their vibrant green leaves and spicy undertones, Turnip microgreens provide a peppery kick.

24. Peas

Botanical Name: Pisum sativum

These versatile greens are perfect for enhancing salads, adding a touch of freshness to pasta, or as a vibrant topping for soups.

25. Cucumber

Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus

The vibrant green color and cooling taste of Cucumber microgreens make them a delightful addition to salads, sandwiches, and wraps, providing a burst of freshness in every bite.

26. Fava Bean

Botanical Name: Vicia faba

With their broad and velvety leaves, fava bean microgreens offer a distinctive nutty flavor.

Edible Flowers and Other Best Microgreens to Grow

27. Sunflower

Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus

Sunflower microgreens have vibrant green leaves and are known for their nutty and crunchy texture, adding a delightfully earthy flavor to dishes.

28. Nasturtium

Botanical Name: Tropaeolum majus

Nasturtium microgreens feature beautiful round leaves with vibrant colors, offering a peppery and slightly tangy taste.

29. Pansy

Botanical Name: Viola tricolor

Pansy microgreens showcase delicate and colorful petals, providing a mild, floral taste that brings a touch of elegance and visual appeal to any plate.

30. Wheatgrass

Botanical Name: Triticum aestivum

Wheatgrass microgreens are slender and grass-like with a rich green hue, offering a slightly sweet and earthy flavor.

31. Buckwheat

Botanical Name: Fagopyrum esculentum

Buckwheat microgreens have heart-shaped leaves and a fresh green color, offering a mild, nutty taste that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

32. Chia

Botanical Name: Salvia hispanica

Chia microgreens have small, tender leaves and a mild, slightly nutty flavor, providing a nutritious boost and a delightful crunchy texture.

33. Flaxseed

Botanical Name: Linum usitatissimum

Flaxseed microgreens feature delicate green leaves and a subtly nutty flavor, adding a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids to dishes.

34. Clover

Botanical Name: Trifolium

Clover microgreens exhibit small and delicate leaves with a vibrant green color, offering a mild and slightly sweet taste.

35. Chickpeas

Botanical Name: Cicer arietinum

Chickpea microgreens have tender green leaves with a mild, earthy flavor reminiscent of fresh peas, making them a versatile addition to any plate.

Here are the Best Microgreen Growing Hacks & Cheat Sheet For Every Gardener

Propagating Microgreens

Microgreens are typically grown from seeds rather than cuttings. While it is possible to regrow some leafy greens like lettuce or herbs from cuttings, microgreens are generally not propagated in the same way.

Wondering how to grow microgreens from seeds? Don’t know how to grow microgreens in trays? Follow these steps to learn the best way to grow microgreens: 

• Select microgreen varieties based on your preferences and desired flavors. You should choose shallow trays or containers with drainage holes for growing microgreens.
• Fill the containers with a lightweight and well-draining soil mix, avoiding heavy garden soil.
• Evenly spread the microgreen seeds over the soil surface, ensuring a dense but not overcrowded arrangement.
• Gently press the seeds into the soil or use a small tamper for good seed-to-soil contact.
• Moisten the soil using a spray bottle or a watering can with a fine nozzle, ensuring even moisture without overwatering.
• Place the trays in a well-lit location with direct or indirect sunlight or use artificial grow lights positioned 4-6 inches above the trays.
• Maintain a temperature range of 60-75°F (15-24°C) and a humidity level of 40-60%.
• Regularly check the moisture level of the soil and water gently as needed to keep it consistently moist.
• Harvest the microgreens when they have developed their first set of true leaves and reached the desired height (around 1-3 inches).
• Use clean scissors or a sharp knife to cut the microgreens just above the soil level.
• Rinse the harvested microgreens under cool water, pat them dry, and store them in airtight containers or ziplock bags lined with paper towels in the refrigerator.

Check out these Simple Seed Germination Tips To Grow Every Seed

Requirements for Growing Microgreens

Sunlight

Place your microgreens in a spot that receives ample sunlight. Ideally, they should be exposed to about 4-6 hours of direct or indirect sunlight each day.

A sunny windowsill or a location near a bright, south-facing window works well. If sunlight is limited, you can also use the best grow lights for microgreens.

Soil

Know how to grow microgreens but don’t know the perfect soil? Choose a lightweight and well-draining soil mix for your microgreens. Avoid heavy garden soil, as it can lead to poor drainage and hinder their growth.

Learn some Great Tips to Rejuvenate Your Old Soil here

A popular option is a soilless mix made of coco coir, peat moss, or vermiculite. These mixes provide good aeration and moisture retention, allowing the microgreens’ roots to thrive.

Watering

Water from the bottom carefully so as not to disturb or uproot the tender plants. To maintain the moisture, water regularly. You can use a sprayer or mist water using your hands lightly.

Here are the best ways to water plants

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can cause rot or mold. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing process.

Temperature and Humidity

Microgreens generally prefer moderate temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Ensure the growing environment is well-ventilated and free from extreme temperature fluctuations.

Wondering how to grow microgreens indoors? Aim for a humidity level of around 40-60% to promote healthy growth. You can increase humidity by lightly misting the plants or placing a tray filled with water near them.

Here are 10 Ways To Increase Humidity For Houseplants That Work

Caring for Microgreens

Fertilizer

Microgreens do not require much fertilizer because their growth cycle is relatively short. However, if you want to provide an extra boost, you can use a diluted organic liquid fertilizer or a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

Check out this Dried Banana Peel Powder Fertilizer at Home for Any Plant

Apply the fertilizer sparingly, following the manufacturer’s instructions, to avoid overfeeding the plants. Remember that microgreens are often harvested at an early stage, so it’s important to use fertilizers that are safe for consumption.

Pests and Diseases

Microgreens are generally less susceptible to pests and diseases compared to mature plants. However, they can still encounter some common issues. To prevent pest problems, ensure good airflow around the plants and keep the growing area clean.

Here are Types of Common Pests in Your Garden & How to Get Rid of Them

If pests like aphids or fungus gnats appear, you can use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil as a natural remedy. For diseases such as damping-off (a fungal disease), it’s crucial to provide proper ventilation, avoid overwatering, and use sterile soil to prevent contamination.

Harvesting Microgreens

Wondering how long do microgreens take to grow? Microgreens typically take around 1 to 3 weeks to grow from seed to harvest, depending on the specific variety.

Growing microgreens is an easy task, and once they’re ready, you can harvest them and reap your rewards. 

• Microgreens are typically ready for harvest when they have developed their first set of true leaves, around 1-3 inches in height.
• Use clean scissors or a sharp knife to cut microgreens just above the soil level, avoiding pulling or yanking them out.
• Harvest microgreens when they have reached the desired flavor and appearance based on personal preference and the specific variety.
• You should harvest individual plants as they reach the desired stage if growing different varieties in the same tray.
• Make sure that you harvest the entire tray at once by cutting all the microgreens if growing a single variety.
• Rinse harvested microgreens under cool water, pat them dry, and avoid storing them wet to prevent spoilage.
• Store harvested microgreens in airtight containers or ziplock bags lined with paper towels in the refrigerator.
• You should use microgreens immediately for the freshest taste or consume them within a few days of harvest.

Here are 16 Easy Indoor Microgreen Garden Ideas

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to Grow Microgreens in a Jar?

To start growing microgreens in a jar, soak the seeds in water for a few hours. Drain the water and spread a thin layer of moist soil or a paper towel at the bottom of the jar. Sprinkle the soaked microgreen seeds evenly on top, mist them with water, and cover the jar with a breathable lid or a piece of cheesecloth. Place the jar in a well-lit area and water lightly every day. Harvest the microgreens when they reach the desired height.

2. Growing Microgreens on Paper Towels?

To grow microgreens on paper towels, moisten the towels and place them on a tray or shallow container. Sprinkle the seeds evenly on the moist towels, mist them with water, and cover with another moistened paper towel. Keep the tray in a well-lit area, and mist the towels regularly to maintain moisture. Once the microgreens have reached the desired height, gently lift them from the paper towels for harvesting.

3. How to Grow Microgreens Hydroponically?

For hydroponic microgreen growing, prepare a shallow tray or container with drainage holes. Fill the tray with a hydroponic medium such as perlite or vermiculite. After soaking the seeds, distribute them evenly on the medium. Provide all the proper growth and care, and harvest your microgreens once they’re mature.

Check out our article on hydroponic vertical garden ideas to grow food here