The Definitive List: 1,500+ Types of Microgreens You Can Grow

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Most people start with radish or broccoli. That is good advice for a first tray. But once you have grown a few batches and want to try something different, the question becomes: what else can you actually grow?

Scientists have identified over 1,500 plant species that can be grown and eaten as microgreens. Most seed catalogs show you 15 to 20.

That gap is what this post covers.

Not all 1,500 are worth growing. Some taste bad at the seedling stage. Some are toxic as young plants, even though the mature vegetable is perfectly safe. Some just do not perform well in a tray. So we built a classification system to sort them out: Known, High Potential, Low Potential, and Not Suitable. That way, you can see at a glance what is worth trying and what to avoid.

If you are just getting started, the commercially grown varieties in Part I are your best first choices. They are proven, widely available as seeds, and well-documented for flavor and growing conditions. If you have been growing for a while and want to try something your farmers’ market neighbors are not selling, Parts III and IV are where it gets interesting.

The full growing conditions for over 200 of these varieties are in the Edible Plant Catalog. This post gives you the map. The catalog gives you the directions.

Key Takeaways: Microgreens to Grow

Scientists have identified over 1,500 plant species that can potentially be grown as microgreens. Fifteen varieties dominate commercial production. Research covers another 20 to 25 varieties extensively. Plants are classified as Known, High Potential, Low Potential, or Not Suitable based on edibility, growth cycle, and safety at the seedling stage. Fast-growing commercial varieties harvest in 7 to 14 days. Slow-growing herbs take 15 to 30 days.

Beginner's Grow Guide

You Don't Know What You Can Grow. This Guide Fixes That.

Most growers start with whatever seeds are at the hardware store. That is why so many first trays fail. This guide tells you exactly which 20 varieties a beginner can actually grow, what they taste like, and how long each one takes. Pick your variety before you buy your first seed packet.

  • Know which variety suits your setup before you plant
  • Avoid the flavor mismatches that kill repeat buyers
  • Start with a harvest cycle that fits your schedule
  • Walk into any seed store knowing exactly what to ask for

Takes 30 seconds.

The 20 Best Microgreens for Beginners

Flavor. Grow Time. Yield.

20
varieties with full
grow data included
20-Variety Grow Guide

How Do You Classify 1,500+ Plants as Potential Microgreens?

As you start growing microgreens, it’s okay to think about trying out plants that aren’t usually grown this way. This approach isn’t just for those who sell microgreens, do research, or garden at home. It also makes you more informed in terms of nutrition and taste. By choosing a variety of microgreen plants, you’re helping to make the industry more sustainable and flavorful.

Let’s break it down. Our process involves applying a set of rules based on the plant’s type and known uses, recognizing that without specific knowledge of every plant’s edibility and growth characteristics, some classifications may be generalized.

To classify each row in our database for its potential or suitability as a microgreen, we’ll rely on the following criteria.

ClassificationDescription
KnownPlants that are commonly grown as microgreens, such as certain herbs (e.g., basil, cilantro), vegetables (e.g., lettuce, cabbage, radishes), and greens (e.g., kale, arugula).
High PotentialPlants that share characteristics with known microgreens, such as being leafy greens, herbs, or vegetables with edible leaves or stems, and have a short growth cycle (e.g., broadleaf false carrot, Buffalo-Spinach, cutleaf bur cucumber, garden cucumber, icecream bean, and raspberry).
Low PotentialPlants that might be technically growable as microgreens but are less commonly used in this way due to factors like flavor, texture, or growth requirements.
Not Suitable for ConsumptionPlants that are toxic or harmful if ingested.
Not applicable for traditional microgreens productionPlants that do not fit the typical profile for microgreens because they are woody take too long to grow, or do not have edible leaves or stems at the seedling stage.
Not applicable for edible microgreensPlants whose mature forms are edible but whose sprouts or young seedlings are toxic or not palatable.
Not suitable for microgreensPlants that cannot be grown successfully or safely in the microgreen stage due to growth characteristics, toxicity, or other reasons.
Not typically grown as microgreensPlants that, while possibly edible at the microgreen stage, are not commonly grown as such for various reasons, including but not limited to commercial viability, taste preferences, or cultural practices.

TABLE 1. PLANT CLASSIFICATION AS MICROGREEN

Now, we’re stepping into a space where the kinds of microgreens go beyond what we usually know. This includes both the easiest ones to grow, which are perfect for beginners, and the more challenging ones that need extra care. We open up a whole new world of possibilities for what we can grow and eat, making our diets more exciting and healthier.

Important Disclaimer

Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, neither the author, Microgreens World, nor its subsidiaries shall be held liable for any errors or omissions. The author, Microgreens World, and its subsidiaries cannot be held responsible for any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the misidentification or improper use of plants mentioned herein, including any adverse effects resulting from the consumption or use of these plants. It is the reader’s responsibility to consult with expert scientists or experienced local plant users to verify the correct identification and proper preparation of any plants before consumption or use. By using the information in this post, the reader acknowledges and accepts full responsibility for the outcomes of their actions.

This post is a work in progress and is regularly being amended.

Part I: Which Microgreens Are Already Commercially Proven?

Microgreens Galore, Part I: The “Known” - Commercially Grown Microgreens

Starting your journey into the world of commercially grown microgreens is like opening a book to a chapter that reveals important secrets about today’s food and health scene. These tiny greens aren’t just a trend; they’re packed with nutrients and have become significant players in kitchens and health diets worldwide.

This part of your exploration will introduce you to the most popular types of microgreens and give you a peek into what people want from them today. This information will help you understand why these small but mighty greens are such a big deal in the business of food.

First off, microgreens are baby plants, just a few inches tall. Think of them as infants in the plant world, children of the soil, full of taste and vitamins. Chefs love them for adding color, flavor, and nutrition to dishes. People who care about eating healthy are big fans, too.

Now, let’s talk about the most common types you’ll find. There are many, from peppery arugula to sweet pea shoots, each with its unique taste and benefits. Knowing which ones are in demand helps growers decide what to plant.

You can click on any one of the highlighted microgreens to get information on how to grow it, its nutritional profile, and, of course, some great recipes:

Commercial nameFamilyScientific namePlant color
ArugulaBrassicaceaeEruca sativa Mill.Green
BroccoliBrassicaceaeBrassica oleracea var. italicaGreen
Bull’s Blood BeetChenopodiaceaeBeta vulgaris L.Reddish-Green
CeleryApiaceaeApium graveolens L.Green
China Rose RadishBrassicaceaeRaphanus sativus L.Purplish-Green
CilantroApiaceaeCoriandrum sativum L.Green
Common SunflowerAsteraceaeHelianthus annuus L.Yellowish-Green
Garnet AmaranthAmaranthaceaeAmaranthus hypochondriacus L.Red
Golden Pea TendrilsFabaceaePisum sativum L.Yellow
Green BasilLamiaceaeOcimum basilicum L.Green
Green Daikon RadishBrassicaceaeRaphanus sativus L.var. longipinnatusGreen
Magen SpinachChenopodiaceaeSpinacia oleracea L.Red
MizunaBrassicaceaeBrassica rapa L. ssp. nipposinicaGreen
Opal BasilLamiaceaeOcimum basilicum L.Greenish-Purple
Opal RadishBrassicaceaeRaphanus sativus L.Greenish-Purple
Pea TendrilsFabaceaePisum sativum L.Green
PeppercressBrassicaceaeLepidium bonariense L.Green
Popcorn ShootsPoaceaeZea mays L.Yellow
Nutrient Purple KohlrabiBrassicaceaeBrassica oleracea L. var. GongylodesPurplish-Green
Purple MustardBrassicaceaeBrassica juncea (L) CzernPurplish-Green
Red BeetChenopodiaceaeBeta vulgaris L.Reddish-Green
Red CabbageBrassicaceaeBrassica oleracea L. var. capitatPurplish-Green

TABLE 2. POPULAR COMMERCIALLY GROWN MICROGREENS (Xiao et al., 2012)

Here are the most popular selection of types of microgreens worldwide for their health benefits and how they can improve a meal:

  • Broccoli: This microgreen is loaded with a powerful substance called sulforaphane, which helps fight cancer.
  • Radish: Known for its spicy taste and quick growing time, radish microgreens add a kick to dishes.
  • Pea Shoots: These are packed with vitamins A, C, and folate, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.
  • Sunflower: These microgreens are loved for their crunchy texture and taste, which reminds you of nuts.

Understanding what people want is also vital. Today, folks are looking for food that’s not only good for them but also good for the planet. So, microgreens grown in eco-friendly ways are especially popular.

In simple terms, it’s all about matching what farmers grow with what people want to eat. Keeping an eye on these trends allows us to anticipate what you’ll find in your salads tomorrow. It’s important because it shows us how our food choices are changing and how farmers respond to those changes, ensuring we always have tasty, healthy options on our tables.

But how are these microgreens grown for so many people to enjoy? It’s not just about throwing seeds into the soil and hoping for the best. Growers use technology to raise lots of healthy plants fast, in small spaces, even in big cities. They control light, water, and temperature to get the perfect crop every time.

Fast-growing vegetables (7 to 14 days)cabbage, corn, cress, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, radish
Slow-growing vegetables (15 to 25 days)amaranth, arugula, beet, carrot, Swiss chard, scallion
Slow-growing herbs (15 to 30 days)anise, basil, cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley, saltwort, shisho and sorrel.

Table 3 MICROGREENS GROWTH RATES

And there’s a science to picking them at just the right moment for the best flavor and nutrition.

Part II: What Does Current Research Say About Growing Microgreens?

Microgreens Galore, Part II: Research Frontiers in Microgreen Growing

Welcome to the exciting field of microgreens research. Here, experts are working hard to make these small plants better in many ways. Scientists are doing three significant things.

  • First, they’re trying to grow more microgreens in less space and with less water. This is important because it means we can have more fresh greens without needing a lot of resources.
  • Second, they’re figuring out how to make these tiny greens even healthier and taste better. This way, more people will want to eat them, which is excellent for our health.
  • Lastly, they’re making sure that growing microgreens is good for our planet and for the farmers.

This means finding ways to grow them that don’t harm the environment and that can help farmers earn a good living.

What Are the Latest Findings on Microgreen Yield and Quality?

People in the Microgreens World community are always trying to grow more and better microgreens. They’re trying to find ways to get more and better-quality plants by using new methods. Recent studies are looking at the best ways to do this.

  • They’ve looked at different kinds of light to see which one helps plants grow best and make more food for themselves (Cowden et al., 2024; Demir et al., 2022; Flores et al., 2024; Ntsoane et al., 2024; Vrkić et al., 2024).
  • They’ve compared growing plants in water to growing them in the soil to see which one gives more plants (Singh, 2023; Christofi et al., 2024; Fabek Uher et al., 2023).
  • They’ve checked how putting seeds closer or farther apart affects how well the plants grow and stay healthy (Cowden et al., 2024; Betina Luiza Lerner et al., 2024; Signore et al., 2024; Ntsoane et al., 2023).
  • They’ve also looked at whether feeding plants with natural or artificial food makes them taste better and be better for you (Ornprapa Thepsilvisut et al., 2023; Yanfang Li et al., 2024; Tongyin Li et al., 2024; Giordano et al., 2023; Toscano et al., 2023).

This research helps us learn how to get more and better plants from every batch we grow.

Save on Seeds

How Is Research Improving Microgreen Flavor and Nutrition?

Scientists are seeking the secrets of microgreens’ distinctive flavor and health benefits. By studying the genes of these plants and experimenting with how they’re grown, they aim to boost what these greens can do for us.

Microgreens research is all about finding ways to make these tiny plants more delicious and safe to eat.

  • By improving sensory qualities, scientists are making sure microgreens taste even better (Michell et al., 2020; Renna et al., 2016; Caracciolo et al., 2020).
  • They’re also working on boosting nutritional benefits, which means these small greens could help keep us healthier (Kyriacou et al., 2015).
  • Looking into new kinds of microgreens gives chefs more options for creating yummy dishes.

This research is vital because it could help us all enjoy our food more while getting more health benefits from it.

Here’s the scoop: Scientists are finding intelligent ways to make microgreens better. They’re focusing on making them safer and yummier. This means our soups and salads could taste better and be better for us.

Plus, with new types of microgreens being studied, we might see exciting new flavors on our plates soon.

Part III: Which Underused Plants Show High Potential as Microgreens?

Microgreens Galore, Part III: Uncharted Territory – “High Potential” Microgreens Not Widely Grown or Researched

Let’s explore some new ground, shall we? I mean, looking at plants you can eat that haven’t been given much attention for growing as microgreens. These plants might be tasty, good for you, or even pretty to look at. Our goal is to find those plants that haven’t been used much or studied a lot for growing in small, indoor spaces. Knowing more about these overlooked plants could lead to new, exciting foods and ways to make our meals healthier.

For example, Muchjajib, U. et al. published a paper, “Production of Microgreens from Local Plant Species in Thailand.” Dagmar Janovska et al., in their paper, “Evaluation of Buckwheat Sprouts as Microgreens.” concluded that “microgreens of both common and tartary buckwheat represent potential nutritional sources for alternative vegetable in the Czech Republic.”

 How Do You Find Edible Plants Worth Testing as Microgreens?

So, what are we doing exactly? First, we’re making a list of plants that you don’t see every day as microgreens. These could be plants that are really nutritious or have a unique flavor that could make our dishes more interesting. Or, they might just be nice to look at and add a splash of color to our plates or windowsills.

    • Edible microgreens: We look for plant families that aren’t well-known but are very healthy.
    • Nutritional value: We search for plants that have a lot of vitamins and minerals.
    • Culinary versatility: We find plants with different tastes that can make our food more exciting.
    • Innovative cultivation: We learn how to grow some unusual microgreens that might be a bit tricky to grow.

Why does this matter? Well, finding and using these plants could help us discover new tastes and add more nutrition to our diets. It’s like being food detectives, searching for hidden gems in the plant world. By bringing these plants into the spotlight, we can make our meals more exciting and healthy.

Exploring the world of unique and local plants opens up new opportunities for microgreens that haven’t been fully explored or grown before.

  • Rare microgreens offer unique flavors and health benefits you can’t find in more common varieties.
  • Microgreens from the area bring the benefits of using plants that naturally grow nearby, which is good for the environment.
  • Trying out new kinds of microgreens helps us learn more and get creative with these tiny plants.
  • Getting to know different kinds of microgreens can make our meals more exciting with new tastes and textures.
TABLE 4. PLANTS WITH “HIGH POTENTIAL” MICROGREEN POTENTIAL (FILTER BY HIGH POTENTIAL)

Diving into the world of unusual and local plants for microgreens is a win-win. We get to learn about new commercial opportunities, enjoy new tastes, and support the environment, all while learning and having fun with our food.

Save on Seeds

In Part V: Microgreens Innovation and Experimentation, I recommend some resources in your local community about specific information on testing services such as “soil testing,” “water analysis,” or “plant sample testing” to help you identify the suitability of your microgreens for commercial or personal use.

Growing these less common microgreens is like going on an adventure. It would be best if you were ready for anything, knowing that you might face problems like figuring out the right way to grow them, understanding what customers want, or proving why they’re good to eat. But, if you can find solutions, you could end up bringing something new and exciting to the table.

Part IV: What Makes a Plant Low Potential but Still Worth Testing?

Microgreens Galore, Part IV: Experimental Avenues - Low Potential but Interesting Microgreens

As you dive into the world of unusual microgreens, you’re exploring new ground. It’s like being a plant detective, looking for hidden gems. But remember, it’s super important to make sure these plants are safe to eat. You wouldn’t want to find out the hard way that something isn’t good for you. The section, Resources for Further Exploration, shows you how.

Here, we’re keeping things simple and easy to understand. Even though we’re talking about a pretty specific topic, we want everyone to get it, whether you’re a plant pro or just curious. We’re sticking to the facts and keeping our opinions out of it. We want to share what we know in a way that’s straight to the point.

Which Low-Potential Plants Are Worth the Experiment?

These plants mightn’t be everyone’s first choice because they’re not as well-known. Still, they’re really interesting for science or for selling to unique markets. The world of less common plants brings exciting opportunities for science and unique markets, particularly in the realm of microgreens.

  • We find new uses for crops that aren’t often grown.
  • We create new ways to grow plants.
  • We learn about the different nutrients and tastes these plants can offer.
  • We discover small, unique markets eager for these new plants.

This method adds variety to microgreens, making new discoveries in science and food.

Let’s break it down. Sometimes, farmers and scientists look at plants that are not grown by many people. They think, ‘What if we could make these plants popular?’ By studying these plants, they can find out cool things. Maybe a plant has a vitamin we didn’t know about. Or maybe it tastes like nothing we’ve ever tried before. This can be exciting for people who love trying new foods.

Next, they figure out the best way to grow these plants. This part is like a puzzle. They might need to figure out the right amount of water, light, or the type of soil. Once they solve the puzzle, they can grow lots of these new plants.

But why do they do this? Well, finding new plants to eat or use isn’t just fun; it’s also intelligent. Some of these plants could be better for us, taste amazing, or even help farmers make more money. For example, there might be a tiny green plant that’s packed with nutrients or has a unique flavor that chefs love. This could open up a whole new market for farmers.

In the end, exploring these less common plants is about more than just curiosity. It’s about making our food more exciting and maybe even healthier. It shows us that by looking a little closer at the world around us, we can discover amazing things.

Table 5. PLANTS WITH “LOW” MICROGREEN POTENTIAL (FILTER BY “LOW POTENTIAL”)
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How Do You Verify That a New Microgreen Variety Is Safe to Eat?

When exploring new kinds of microgreens, it’s super important to make sure they’re safe to eat and won’t make you sick. This means you should look into trusted science books or articles, and you might even need to do some tests in a lab to be extra sure these new plants are safe.

Doing this helps keep you healthy and also makes sure that growing these microgreens is done the right way.

Here’s how to be sure these little plants are okay:

  • First, look up information about the plant to see if it’s ever been harmful. This is like doing homework to learn as much as you can about the plant.
  • Talk to plant experts or botanists who know a lot about growing plants safely. They can give you good advice.
  • Grow some of the plants in a particular test to watch out for any bad reactions. Think of this like a science experiment where you watch and learn.
  • Check the plants with science tests to make sure they’re safe to eat. This step is like a final check-up to ensure everything is good.

The section, Resources for Further Exploration, shows you how.

Here’s why this matters: Discovering new and nutritious microgreens can contribute to healthier eating habits. Uncovering efficient growing techniques can make microgreen cultivation more accessible to more people. Finding new flavors and textures can enhance our culinary experiences. Focusing on safety ensures that our exploration into new microgreen varieties remains beneficial and harmless.

Part V: How Do Growers and Researchers Test New Microgreen Varieties?

Microgreens Galore, Part V: Microgreens Innovation and Experimentation

Exploring local plants for growing microgreens is a new world of farming and gardening. When farmers and gardeners work with scientists, they can learn the best ways to grow these plants and understand how they’re good for our health.

This partnership helps both gardeners and scientists learn from each other. By sharing this knowledge with people in the community and in schools, we help others learn about and get excited about farming in a way that takes care of our planet.

How Do Local Plant Databases Help You Find New Varieties to Grow?

Exploring local plant databases can help you discover a variety of microgreens that grow well in your area. These databases are packed with information on plants you can eat and are perfect for growing locally.

When you search these databases, think of it as a treasure hunt for your kitchen. You’ll find plants that not only taste great but also are good for you and the planet. This approach is brilliant because it supports the growth of plants that naturally do well in your surroundings, making your gardening efforts more successful and eco-friendly.

The USDA Plant Database, which provides standard information on vascular plants, mosses, liverworts, hornworms, and lichens in the U.S., as well as its territories, is a valuable resource. The database is a plant list of Attributes, Names, Taxonomy, and Symbols, and can be found here: USDA Plants Database.

Exploring local edible plant databases can open up exciting new ways to grow microgreens, which are young plants harvested just after their first leaves appear. Here’s how you can do it:

How Do You Get a New Microgreen Variety Lab Tested?

When I learned that my state university, The University of Georgia, had an Agricultural Extension Service that works with the Georgia Department of Agriculture to provide all sorts of agricultural testing, including “plant tissue analysis”: AESL Plant Tissue Analyses (uga.edu), i jumped on the opportunity!

And the fee schedule is very affordable for any microgreens grower: AESL Fee Schedule (uga.edu).

So when we say “Tray Tested, Science Backed,” we know what we’re talking about!

For specific information on testing services in your locale, I recommend navigating to the respective site of the nearest university with a College of Agriculture or similar Extension department. From their main website or using the website’s search function, search with keywords such as “soil testing,” “water analysis,” or “plant sample testing.”

In addition, the most direct way to obtain specific service information and guidance is to contact the university’s extension service or the agricultural department or use the contact information on their website.

I have compiled universities and research institutions in all 50 states of the USA and the 24 other countries where our community members reside. It is called Microgreens Galore – Testing Your Microgreens. It is FREE when you get The Edible Plant Catalog for Growing Microgreens.

Why Does Collaboration Between Growers and Scientists Matter?

When commercial microgreen growers and scientists work together, it’s a big deal. They are looking for new types of microgreens that might become really popular and are working on improving the way we grow them. This helps ensure that new ideas are actually helpful and based on solid science.

By sharing what they learn in a way that’s easy to grasp, they help everyone understand why growing microgreens in new and better ways is something we should all care about.

This partnership is all about making advances in microgreen farming that aren’t only smart but also shared in a way that makes sense to as many people as possible.

How Does Community Knowledge Advance Microgreen Growing?

You can make a big difference by teaching people about growing microgreens.

This can be done by working with local garden schools and talking to people online. These places are great for showing off different kinds of microgreens, how to grow them, and why they’re good to eat. Talking with others in these settings means everyone can learn together, possibly discovering new things about growing microgreens.

Community gardens give us a space to test out our gardening skills with others. Schools help by making learning about microgreens fun and part of everyday lessons. Online, we can talk to others who are also interested in microgreens, no matter where they are.

This team effort means we all get better at growing these tiny plants, and it makes more people want to start gardening, too.

Beginner's Grow Guide

You Don't Know What You Can Grow. This Guide Fixes That.

Most growers start with whatever seeds are at the hardware store. That is why so many first trays fail. This guide tells you exactly which 20 varieties a beginner can actually grow, what they taste like, and how long each one takes. Pick your variety before you buy your first seed packet.

  • Know which variety suits your setup before you plant
  • Avoid the flavor mismatches that kill repeat buyers
  • Start with a harvest cycle that fits your schedule
  • Walk into any seed store knowing exactly what to ask for

Takes 30 seconds.

The 20 Best Microgreens for Beginners

Flavor. Grow Time. Yield.

20
varieties with full
grow data included
20-Variety Grow Guide

Wrap-up: 1,500+ Types of Microgreens

Wrap Up: Microgreens Galore!

Microgreen growing is really cool because it’s a new way to think about farming that’s good for the planet and can make our food healthier. We can try growing different types of microgreens, not just the usual ones, which is exciting because it means we can eat a bunch of different greens. This isn’t only good for our health but also helps farmers and the Earth.

But there’s a challenge. Growing the same few plants all the time isn’t the best idea because it can be boring for us to eat and could stifle competition. So, here’s where the fun part comes in. We can experiment by growing different kinds of plants as microgreens. This way, our meals can have a variety of flavors, and we’re also helping the environment.

So, let’s get creative with our greens and make our world a better place!

What Makes Microgreens Worth Growing Beyond the Commercial Staples?

Growing microgreens is an exciting venture that mixes new technology with sustainable farming. Microgreens, which include more than 1,500 kinds you can eat, are good for the plant and are packed with nutrients. Here’s what makes them unique:

  • Advanced Techniques: Farmers use intelligent methods to help microgreens grow better and pack more vitamins.
  • Eco-Friendly: Microgreens are great for the Earth. They need very little water and space to grow.
  • Full of Good Stuff: Microgreens are tiny but mighty. They’re full of vitamins, minerals, and things that keep our bodies healthy.
  • Tasty and Versatile: They add new tastes and crunch to meals, making our food more exciting.

When you grow microgreens, you’re not just gardening. You’re taking a step into a world where farming meets the future. It’s about growing food in a way that’s better for our planet and for us.

What Should Growers, Researchers, and Home Gardeners Do Next?

To help the field grow, whether you are a commercial grower, researcher, or anyone who enjoys gardening at home, you should try growing new types of microgreens. These little plants aren’t only fun to grow but also pack a lot of nutrients and can add new tastes and textures to our food. Everyone needs to focus on safety and use science to guide them as they explore these new plants. This way, we can discover new foods that are good for us and taste great, too.

Commercial growers should think about adding more microgreens to what they already grow. Researchers should look more into what makes these plants so unique. And, if you like to garden or cook at home, why not try growing some microgreens yourself? This team effort can make our food more diverse and sustainable and push the microgreen world into exciting new areas of food and health.

In simple terms, by working together and trying out new small plants, we can make our meals more exciting and healthy. Plus, we’ll learn a lot along the way!

How Do You Keep Learning About New Microgreen Varieties?

As we finish, think of it as we’ve been on a big adventure through the world of microgreens. Some of these tiny plants are like famous cities everyone knows about, while others are like hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Now, you know enough to try new things, grow different types of microgreens, and make your farm, community, and garden even better. Remember, these tiny plants aren’t just food; they’re also good for our health and for the Earth.

Keep learning and trying new things with microgreens. By doing this, you help our planet and add new tastes to our meals. Let’s keep exploring and finding out more about what these tiny plants can do for us and our world.

Types of Microgreens: Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of microgreens can you grow?

Scientists have classified over 1,500 plant species as potentially growable as microgreens. Of those, 15 varieties dominate commercial production. Radish, broccoli, sunflower, pea shoots, kale, arugula, and related brassicas account for the majority of market volume. Another 20 to 25 varieties are studied extensively in published research. The remaining 1,400+ range from high-potential candidates with limited commercial history to plants not yet tested at the seedling stage.

What microgreens grow the fastest?

Cabbage, corn, cress, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, and radish all harvest in 7 to 14 days. Radish is the fastest reliable commercial crop, cycling in as little as 7 days under optimal conditions. Slow-growing vegetables like amaranth, arugula, beet, and Swiss chard take 15 to 25 days. Herbs, including basil, cilantro, dill, and fennel, fall in the 15 to 30-day range and require more careful germination management.

How do you know if an unusual plant is safe to eat as a microgreen?

Start by identifying the plant family and checking whether close relatives are known to be edible at the seedling stage. Some plants are safe as mature vegetables but produce toxic compounds in young seedlings. Cross-reference with established botanical databases like USDA PLANTS or Plants For A Future. For commercial use, submit plant tissue samples to an agricultural extension lab for analysis before selling. The University of Georgia AESL offers plant tissue analysis at accessible rates for small growers.

What is the difference between known, high-potential, and low-potential microgreens?

Known varieties are commercially proven: commonly grown, well-researched, and with established buyer demand. High-potential varieties share characteristics with known crops, such as short growth cycles and edible leaves or stems, but lack commercial track records. Low-potential varieties are technically growable but present challenges in flavor, texture, or growth requirements that limit their commercial viability. Not suitable classifications apply to plants that are toxic or unsafe at the seedling stage.

Can you grow microgreens hydroponically instead of in soil?

Yes. Hydroponic microgreens grow in a nutrient solution rather than soil, which reduces pest and disease risk. The method requires precise management of nutrient solution concentration, pH, and aeration. Research by Christofi et al. (2023) used silicon photonic sensors to measure nutrient content in hydroponically grown microgreens, confirming comparable nutritional profiles to soil-grown crops. The tradeoff is higher technical complexity and upfront setup cost compared to soil or coco coir growing.

What are the most underused microgreen varieties worth trying commercially?

Shiso, purple amaranth, popcorn shoots, and golden pea tendrils all show commercial potential with limited competition in most local markets. Shiso commands premium pricing in Japanese-influenced kitchens. Popcorn shoots carry a sweet corn flavor that chefs use as a garnish with no direct equivalent in the commercial supply chain. The strongest commercial argument for any unusual variety is not the flavor profile. It is the absence of other local suppliers growing it.

References

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Andrew Neves
Andrew Neves

Andrew Neves, MSc, CPHC, CPBC, PCQI is a health and wellness coach, small business coach, researcher, and microgreens enthusiast. Since 2017, he has advanced microgreens' nutritional science and applications, founding Microgreens World to educate and inspire health-conscious individuals

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