Every Sunday morning, I wake up early to prepare my next batch of new microgreens to grow – tray tested and science backed. I’m always excited, whether it’s a new vegetable, herb, weed, fruit, or plant. And I enjoy whatever I harvest that Thursday or Friday for the rest of the week.

Have you ever dreamed of having a year-round supply of fresh, nutritious greens in your home? With the magic of microgreens, this dream can become a reality. These tiny, tender greens are packed with nutrients and easy to grow indoors, making them an ideal choice for urban gardeners, health enthusiasts, and anyone who loves fresh greens.

The top 30 microgreens you can easily grow indoors include radish, broccoli, arugula, kale, beet, sunflower, pea, basil, cilantro, and mustard greens. Grow these microgreens for their ease of cultivation, nutritional value, and flavor profiles. They can be grown in small containers, require minimal care, and are ready to harvest within 7-21 days, providing a continuous supply of fresh, nutrient-dense greens in your home.

This comprehensive guide will explore the top 30 best tasting microgreens you can easily explore how to grow microgreens indoors, regardless of the season. From the spicy kick of radish microgreens to the sweet, nutty flavor of sunflower microgreens, we’ll delve into the unique characteristics of each variety, providing you with the knowledge you need to start your own indoor microgreens garden.

So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to expand your indoor garden or a complete beginner curious about the world of microgreens, this guide is for you. Let’s embark on this green journey together!

The Rise of the Microgreens

Microgreens are young vegetable greens that are approximately 1–3 inches tall. They are the stage between sprouts and baby leaf vegetables, harvested just after the first true leaves have developed. Despite their small size, microgreens pack a punch when it comes to flavor and nutrition. They are often more concentrated in vitamins and antioxidants than their mature counterparts, making them a superfood in their own right. New to microgreens? To explore more, read my post, “The Beginner’s Nutritional Guide to Incredible Microgreens.”

Microgreens have recently gained popularity among health enthusiasts, chefs, and foodies. They add a burst of color, texture, and flavor to dishes, making them a favorite garnish and ingredient in gourmet restaurants. But their appeal goes beyond their culinary uses. Microgreens are also a sustainable food choice. They can be grown indoors year-round, require little space, and have a short growth cycle, making them a great way to grow your own food, even if you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space. First time growing microgreens? Want to know how to grow microgreens indoors? To explore more, read my post, “Growing Microgreens At Home in Containers.”

But the beauty of microgreens goes beyond their culinary and environmental appeal. There are other microgreens benefits, like growing microgreens which is also a fun and rewarding activity. Watching these tiny seeds sprout and grow into vibrant greens in just a few weeks is fascinating. Whether gardening with kids, looking for a new hobby, or wanting to add a touch of green to your home, growing microgreens is an activity everyone can enjoy. Have young children? Help them explore the wonders of microgreens, these children of the soil. To explore more, read my post, “Teaching Kids About Plant Life Cycles with Microgreens: A Fun and Educational Guide.”

In the next section, we’ll delve into the top 30 microgreens you can quickly grow indoors, exploring their unique characteristics and how to care for them.

Top 30 Microgreens To Grow

This section will explore the top 30 microgreens you can easily grow indoors. For each microgreen, we’ll provide a brief guide on how to grow them, including optimal growing conditions and care tips. We’ll also explore each microgreen’s unique flavors and nutritional benefits, providing a comprehensive understanding of why they’re a great addition to your diet.

Arugula Microgreens

These microgreens have a peppery flavor that can add a kick to any dish. They’re also packed with vitamins A, C, and K, an excellent calcium source. To grow arugula microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about a week.

Did you know that arugula is considered an aphrodisiac, as potent as the latest ED drugs? Discover how Roman soldiers used them in my post, “Arugula Microgreens: More Powerful Than ED Drugs?”

Amaranth Microgreens

Amaranth microgreens have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a beautiful red color. They contain vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and iron. To grow amaranth microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about a week.

Basil Microgreens

Basil microgreens have a sweet, slightly spicy flavor that is perfect for Italian dishes, salads, and more. They’re also packed with vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and calcium. To grow basil microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Beet Microgreens

Beet microgreens have a sweet, earthy flavor and a beautiful red color that can add a pop to any dish. They’re also packed with vitamins A, C, and K and iron. To grow beet microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Broccoli Microgreens

Broccoli microgreens have a mild, slightly peppery flavor. They’re a great way to enjoy the health benefits of broccoli in a more concentrated form. Broccoli microgreens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K and the antioxidant sulforaphane. To grow broccoli microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about a week.

Ever thought about broccoli microgreens juice? Explore more broccoli microgreens nutrition in my post, “The Ultimate Guide to Broccoli Microgreens Nutrition including Nutrition Data, Facts, Info, and Recipes.”

Celery Microgreens

Celery microgreens are fresh, slightly bitter, and perfect for salads and soups. They’re also packed with vitamins A, C, and K. To grow celery microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Chia Microgreens

Chia microgreens have a mild, slightly nutty flavor. They’re a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. To grow chia microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Chicory Microgreens

Chicory microgreens have a slightly bitter flavor, perfect for salads and soups. They also contain vitamins A, C, and K and several essential minerals. To grow chicory microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Cilantro Microgreens

Cilantro microgreens have a fresh, citrusy flavor for Mexican and Asian dishes. They’re also packed with vitamins A and K and several essential minerals. To grow cilantro microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Collard Green Microgreens

Collard green microgreens are mild, slightly bitter, and perfect for salads and soups. They’re also packed with vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and iron. To grow collard green microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Dill Microgreens

Dill microgreens have a fresh, slightly tangy flavor, perfect for salads, soups, and fish dishes. They’re also packed with vitamins A and C and several essential minerals. To grow dill microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Endive Microgreens

Endive microgreens have a slightly bitter flavor, perfect for salads and soups. They also contain vitamins A, C, and K and several essential minerals. To grow endive microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Fennel Microgreens

Fennel microgreens have a sweet, licorice-like flavor, perfect for salads, soups, and fish dishes. They also contain vitamins A, C, and K and several essential minerals. To grow fennel microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Explore fennel microgreens nutrition in my post, “Fennel Microgreens: The Ultimate Guide to Their Nutrition.”

Leek Microgreens

Leek microgreens have a mild, onion-like flavor, perfect for salads, soups, and stir-fries. They also contain vitamins A, C, and K and several essential minerals. To grow leek microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Lettuce Microgreens

Lettuce microgreens are mild, slightly sweet, and perfect for salads and sandwiches. They’re also packed with vitamins A, C, and K. To grow lettuce microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about a week.

Kale Microgreens

Kale microgreens have a sweet, mild flavor and contain nutrients, including vitamins A, C, K, and B6, calcium, iron, and potassium. To grow kale microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about a week.

Kohlrabi Microgreens

Kohlrabi microgreens have a mild, slightly sweet flavor, perfect for salads and stir-fries. They also contain vitamins A, C, and K and several essential minerals. To grow kohlrabi microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about a week.

Mint Microgreens

Mint microgreens have a fresh, minty flavor for salads, desserts, and drinks. They’re also packed with vitamins A and C and several essential minerals. To grow mint microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Mustard Microgreens

Mustard microgreens have a spicy flavor that can add a kick to any dish. They’re also packed with vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and iron. To grow mustard microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about a week.

Parsley Microgreens

Parsley microgreens are fresh, slightly peppery, and perfect for salads, soups, and Mediterranean dishes. They also contain vitamins A, C, and K and several essential minerals. To grow parsley microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Pea Microgreens

Pea microgreens, also known as pea shoots, have a sweet, slightly grassy flavor. They’re delicious in salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries and can even be blended into smoothies or juiced. Pea microgreens are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K and folic acid. To grow pea microgreens, soak the seeds overnight, then spread them out on your soil or growing medium. Cover them with a thin layer of soil, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Radish Microgreens

These spicy little greens are a great way to add a kick to your salads and sandwiches. Radish microgreens nutrition content is incredible. They’re packed with vitamins A, B, C, E, and K and essential minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. To grow radish microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about a week.

Red Cabbage Microgreens

Red cabbage microgreens are peppery and slightly bitter, perfect for salads and sandwiches. They also contain vitamins A, C, and K and several essential minerals. To grow red cabbage microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about a week.

The red cabbage microgreens were the first microgreens ever studied.[1] Discover the facts in my post, “The Ultimate Guide to Cabbage Microgreens Nutrition including Nutrition Data, Facts, Info, and Recipes.”

Sorrel Microgreens

Sorrel microgreens are tangy and lemony, perfect for salads and soups. They’re also packed with vitamins A and C. To grow sorrel microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Spinach Microgreens

Remember those old Popeye cartoons that sold spinach to a generation of children in the 70s?

Spinach microgreens have a mild, slightly sweet flavor, perfect for salads, smoothies, and more. They’re also packed with vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and calcium. To grow spinach microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Discover the true power of spinach microgreens in my post, “Supercharge Your Health: Discover the Nutritional Magic of Spinach Microgreens.”

Swiss Chard Microgreens

Swiss chard microgreens are mild, slightly earthy, and perfect for salads, soups, and more. They also contain vitamins A, C, and K and several essential minerals. To grow Swiss chard microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Explore the benefits of magnesium in my post, “Swiss Chard Microgreens: Health Benefits and Nutritional Facts.”

Sunflower Microgreens

Sunflower microgreens have a sweet, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture, making them a great addition to salads, wraps, and stir-fries. They’re also a good source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. To grow sunflower microgreens, soak the seeds overnight, then spread them out on your soil or growing medium. Cover them with a thin layer of soil, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Thyme Microgreens

Thyme microgreens are fresh, slightly lemony, and perfect for salads, soups, and Mediterranean dishes. They’re also packed with vitamins A and C and several essential minerals. To grow thyme microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Watercress Microgreens

Watercress microgreens are peppery, slightly tangy, and perfect for salads, soups, and sandwiches. They also contain vitamins A, C, and K and several essential minerals. To grow watercress microgreens, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about two weeks.

Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a popular microgreen known for its sweet, earthy flavor and high nutrient content. It’s often juiced or added to smoothies. To grow wheatgrass, scatter the seeds over your soil or growing medium, mist them with water, and cover them with a lid or tray. They should sprout within a few days and be ready to harvest in about a week.

Innovative Ways to Incorporate Microgreens into Your Daily Meals

Now that you know the top 30 microgreens you can easily grow indoors, let’s explore practical ways to incorporate these nutrient-packed greens into your meals.

Salads

Microgreens can add a burst of flavor and color to salads. Try mixing different types of microgreens for a variety of flavors and textures. For example, you could combine the spicy radish microgreens with the sweet sunflower microgreens and the slightly bitter beet microgreens for a salad that’s packed with flavor.

Check out my FREE book, “Eat Now! 15 Savory Microgreen Salad Recipes,” available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085ZCFK7B.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Microgreens can add a fresh, crunchy element to sandwiches and wraps. Add radish microgreens to a turkey sandwich for a spicy kick or sunflower microgreens to a wrap for a sweet, nutty flavor.

A soup is always great with a sandwich. Check out my book, “Eat Now! Microgreen Soups: 15 Savory Low-Fat Pocket Recipes,” available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Now-Microgreen-Soups-Microgreens-ebook/dp/B087BXQSDT/.

Garnishes

Microgreens are a favorite garnish in gourmet restaurants and for good reason. They can add a pop of color and flavor to any dish. Try garnishing a soup with cilantro microgreens for a fresh, citrusy flavor or a steak with arugula microgreens for a peppery kick.

Stir-Fries

Microgreens like pea shoots and sunflower microgreens can add a fresh, crunchy element to stir-fries. Add the microgreens at the end of cooking to retain their flavor and texture.

Smoothies

Microgreens like kale, spinach, and wheatgrass are perfect for adding a nutrient boost to your smoothies. Add a handful of microgreens, favorite fruits, and liquid like water, milk, or yogurt to your blender.

Juices

Microgreens like wheatgrass are often juiced for their health benefits. You can also try juicing other microgreens like kale and spinach for a nutrient-packed drink. Want to try some of the best microgreens juice recipes?

Check out my book, “Eat Now! Microgreen Juices: 25 Savory Pocket Recipes,” available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Now-Microgreen-Juices-Microgreens-ebook/dp/B08DQLLGYS/.

Remember, experimenting with different varieties and finding your favorites is the key to enjoying microgreens. The possibilities are endless, with so many types of microgreens to choose from!

In the next section, we’ll provide some tips on how to care for your microgreens to ensure a successful harvest.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Growing microgreens indoors is a relatively simple process, but there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure a successful harvest.

Choose the Right Growing Medium

Microgreens can be grown in various mediums, including soil, coconut coir, and hydroponic mats. The best choice depends on your personal preference and the specific needs of the microgreens you’re growing.

Want to explore how to grow microgreens without soil? Check out my post, “Growing Microgreens Without Soil: A Sustainable Approach.”

Provide Adequate Light

Microgreens need plenty of light to grow. Place them near a sunny window or under a grow light if you’re growing them indoors.

Keep the Growing Medium Moist

Microgreens need a consistently moist (but not waterlogged) growing medium to sprout and grow. Mist the seeds daily to keep the growing medium moist.

Harvest at the Right Time

Most microgreens are ready to harvest after developing their first true leaves. This is usually about 1-2 weeks after planting, but the exact timing can vary depending on the type of microgreen.

Use a Sharp Knife or Scissors to Harvest

When your microgreens are ready to harvest, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut them just above the soil line. This will help prevent plant damage and ensure a clean cut.

Store Properly

After harvesting, rinse your microgreens and pat them dry. Store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week.

Remember, the key to successful microgreen gardening is experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try different types of microgreens, growing mediums, and care techniques until you find what works best for you.

For more Care & Maintenance tips, read my post, “How Soil pH Impacts Your Microgreens: A Must-Read for Indoor Garden.”

Some Final Thoughts: The Benefits of Growing Microgreens Indoors

I hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Happy microgreen gardening!

Growing microgreens indoors is more than just a fun hobby—it’s a way to bring fresh, nutrient-dense food into your home year-round. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, you can start growing your own microgreens with just a few simple tools and a little knowledge.

This guide explored the top 30 microgreens you can easily grow indoors, from spicy radish to sweet sunflower microgreens. We’ve also provided practical tips on incorporating microgreens into your meals and care and maintenance tips to ensure a successful harvest.

Remember, the key to successful microgreen gardening is experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try different types of microgreens, growing mediums, and care techniques until you find what works best for you. The possibilities are endless, with so many types of microgreens to choose from!

So why wait? Start your microgreen gardening journey today and discover the joy of growing fresh, nutritious greens.

Related Questions

Can I grow microgreens without soil?

Yes, microgreens can be grown hydroponically, meaning without soil. Instead, they are grown in water with a growing medium like coconut coir or hydroponic mats. Explore more in my post, “Growing Microgreens Without Soil: A Sustainable Approach.”

How long do microgreens take to grow?

Most microgreens are ready to harvest in 1-2 weeks, but the exact timing can vary depending on the type of microgreen. Get the inside information in my post, “How to Accelerate Growth in Your Microgreens: A Step-by-Step Guide.”

Can I reuse the soil after harvesting microgreens?

Reusing the soil’s generally not recommended, as it can contain root fragments and potentially disease-causing organisms. It’s best to start fresh with each new crop. If you reuse your soil, sterilize it first to kill potential pathogens. Explore more sustainability practices in my post “Driving Sustainability: The Role of Quality Control in Your Microgreens Business.”

Where can I buy microgreens?

If you are looking for where to buy microgreens or “microgreen seeds near me” in a Google search, wait! There is a resource I found a while back called the Microgreens Directory. Just put in your zipcode. Check it out here Microgreen Directory.

If you want more in-depth information, contact Andrew Neves at andrew.neves@microgreensworld.com.

Share the Guide

We hope you found this guide on growing microgreens and their benefits helpful and informative. If you did, we encourage you to share it with your friends, family, or anyone you think might be interested in learning more about microgreens.

And remember, we’re here to help. Email us with your questions or experiences, share this post with and stay tuned for more tips and insights on sustainable microgreens growing.

• For a wealth of knowledge, read the post “The Beginner’s Nutritional Guide to Incredible Microgreens” to explore more about microgreens.
• And to learn how to grow microgreens, read this post “Beyond the Windowsill: Growing Microgreens on Your Balcony or Patio.“

References

These references provide scientific backing for the nutritional benefits of microgreens and offer further reading for those interested in the topic.

1. Xiao, Zhenlei, et al. “Assessment of Vitamin and Carotenoid Concentrations of Emerging Food Products: Edible Microgreens.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, vol. 60, no. 31, 30 July 2012, pp. 7644–7651, pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf300459b, https://doi.org/10.1021/jf300459b.
2. Franks, E and Richardson, J. “Microgreens: A guide to growing nutrient-packed greens.”, 2009, books.google.com, https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=KQVrD5q7oy4C&oi=fnd&pg=PA9&dq=microgreens+and+red+cabbage&ots=KR0XyOcq0I&sig=N0HYveJHLoV4Rkx0GzwqPemE__Q
3. Renna, Massimiliano, and Vito Michele Paradiso. “Ongoing Research on Microgreens: Nutritional Properties, Shelf-Life, Sustainable Production, Innovative Growing and Processing Approaches.” Foods, vol. 9, no. 6, 24 June 2020, p. 826, https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9060826.
4. Ebert, Andreas W. “Sprouts and Microgreens—Novel Food Sources for Healthy Diets.” Plants, vol. 11, no. 4, 21 Feb. 2022, p. 571, https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11040571.
5. Choe, Uyory, et al. “The Science behind Microgreens as an Exciting New Food for the 21st Century.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, vol. 66, no. 44, 20 Oct. 2018, pp. 11519–11530, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.8b03096.
6. Zhang, Yanqi, et al. “Nutritional Quality and Health Benefits of Microgreens, a Crop of Modern Agriculture.” Journal of Future Foods, vol. 1, no. 1, Sept. 2021, pp. 58–66, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfutfo.2021.07.001.
7. Turner, Ellen R., et al. “Microgreen Nutrition, Food Safety, and Shelf Life: A Review.” Journal of Food Science, vol. 85, no. 4, 6 Mar. 2020, pp. 870–882, https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.15049.
8. Demir, K, Sarıkamış, G and Seyrek, GÇ. “Effect of LED lights on the growth, nutritional quality and glucosinolate content of broccoli, cabbage and radish microgreens.” Food Chemistry, 2023, Elsevier, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814622020507
9. Shivani Kathi, et al. Vitamin c Biofortification of Broccoli Microgreens and Resulting Effects on Nutrient Composition. Vol. 14, 3 Mar. 2023, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2023.1145992.
10. P, Lekshmi G, and Bindu R Nair. Microgreens: A Future Super Food. 1 Jan. 2023, pp. 103–122, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-5841-0_5.