Types Of Micro Greens

If you’re looking for a quick and nutritious boost for your meals, you should consider the many types of micro greens. These tiny powerhouses are not only packed with flavor and vitamins but are also incredibly simple to grow right on your windowsill, making them perfect for gardeners of any skill level.

Micro greens are the young seedlings of vegetables and herbs, harvested just after the first true leaves have developed. They are not sprouts, which are germinated seeds eaten root and all. Micro greens are grown in soil or a soil substitute and cut above the soil line. In just 7 to 21 days, you can go from seed to harvest, gaining a product that often contains higher nutrient levels than their mature counterparts. This makes them a fantastic addition to your diet and your gardening routine.

There is a wonderful variety of micro greens you can choose from, each with its own unique taste and nutritional profile. You can mix and match to create beautiful, flavorful blends. Here are some of the most popular and easy-to-grow categories.

Brassica Family Micro Greens

This family is known for its peppery, sometimes spicy kick. They are very fast-growing and reliable.

Broccoli: Mild and fresh-tasting, with high levels of sulforaphane, a compound studied for its health benefits.
Radish: Offers a crisp, spicy flavor similar to a full-sized radish. It germinates very quickly.
Kale: Has a mild, slightly earthy cabbage flavor. Red Russian kale is a particulary beautiful variety.
Arugula: Delivers a distinct, peppery punch that is great in salads and on sandwiches.
Mustard: Comes in many varieties, like Ruby Streaks, and provides a hot, sinus-clearing heat.

Amaranthaceae Family Micro Greens

These greens are often prized for their stunning color and mild, sweet taste.

Beet: Beautiful red stems and green leaves with a sweet, earthy flavor. The seeds are actually seed clusters, so they need a bit more space.
Swiss Chard: Similar to beet, with a mild, sweet taste. Rainbow chard varieties produce stunning red, yellow, and pink stems.
Spinach: Tender and mild, tasting just like baby spinach leaves. It can be a bit slower to germinate.

Asteraceae Family Micro Greens

This group includes some of the most uniquely flavored and textured micro greens.

Sunflower: Thick, crunchy stems and a nutty, sunflower seed flavor. They need to be soaked before planting.
Lettuce: Very tender and mild. Great for adding bulk to a microgreen mix without overpowering other flavors.
Endive & Chicory: These have a pleasant, bitter note that can balance richer dishes.

Herb Micro Greens

Growing herbs as micro greens gives you intense flavor in a small package.

Basil: Aromatic and flavorful, with varieties like Genovese or Lemon basil. It’s slower growing but worth the wait.
Cilantro: The full, citrusy flavor of cilantro leaves, without the need to grow a whole plant.
Dill: Feathery and aromatic, tasting just like the mature herb.

Allium Family Micro Greens

These offer a gentle onion or garlic flavor, perfect for garnishes.

Onion: A mild, fresh onion taste. They have thin, grass-like leaves.
Garlic Chives: Provide a subtle garlic flavor. They grow straight and tall.

How to Grow Micro Greens: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

You don’t need fancy equipment to start. Here’s how you can grow your own in just a few steps.

What You’ll Need

Seeds: Buy seeds labeled for microgreens or sprouting. Regular garden seeds can work, but ensure they are untreated.
Containers: Shallow trays with drainage holes. Recycled clamshell containers or takeout containers with holes poked in the bottom work perfectly.
Growing Medium: A shallow layer of potting mix, coconut coir, or a specialized microgreen mat. Don’t use garden soil, as it can compact and may contain pathogens.
Light: A sunny south-facing window or a simple LED grow light.
Water: A clean spray bottle for misting and a small watering can with a fine rose.

The Planting Process

Prepare Your Tray: Fill your container with about 1-1.5 inches of pre-moistened growing medium. Level it gently but don’t compress it tightly.
Sow the Seeds: Scatter your seeds evenly across the surface. They should be close together but not piled on top of each other. For larger seeds like sunflower or pea, you can sow them more sparingly.
Cover and Weight (Optional): Lightly sprinkle a thin layer of soil over the seeds to cover them. For better germination, you can place a second tray or a book on top for 2-3 days. This presses the seeds into the soil and encourages strong roots.
Initial Watering: Mist the surface thoroughly with your spray bottle. Keep the medium moist but not soggy during germination.

Germination & Growth Care

Blackout Period: After sowing, keep the tray in a dark, warm place for 2-5 days. This simulates being underground and encourages the stems to stretch.
Provide Light: Once you see the seedlings pushing up, move them to your light source. If using a window, rotate the tray daily for even growth. With a grow light, keep it on for 12-16 hours a day, positioned just a few inches above the plants.
Watering: Now, water from the bottom. Place your tray in a shallow dish of water and let the soil soak it up for about 15 minutes. This keeps the leaves dry and prevents mold. Do this whenever the soil feels dry.

Harvesting Your Micro Greens

When to Harvest: Harvest when the first “true leaves” (the second set of leaves that appear) are fully developed. This is usually 7-21 days after planting, depending on the variety.
How to Harvest: Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors. Cut the stems just above the soil line. Harvest only what you need, as they are best eaten fresh, but you can cut the whole tray at once.
Enjoy: Give them a quick rinse and pat dry. Use them immediately on salads, soups, sandwiches, avocado toast, or as a garnish for almost any dish.

Common Problems and Simple Solutions

Even easy crops can have issues. Here’s how to fix common microgreen problems.

Mold or Fungus: This is usually caused by too much moisture and poor air circulation. Ensure you water from the bottom, don’t over-seed, and provide good airflow with a small fan. If mold appears, remove affected areas immediately.
Leggy, Pale Seedlings: This means they aren’t getting enough light. Move them to a brighter window or bring your grow light closer to the plants.
Slow Germination: Check the temperature. Most micro greens prefer a warm spot (around 70°F) for germination. Also, ensure the seeds are kept moist during this initial stage.
Seeds Not Sticking to Soil: A light press after sowing and a fine mist of water can help. For tiny seeds, mixing them with a little sand before sowing can help with even distribution.

Why You Should Add Micro Greens to Your Diet

The nutritional benefits are a major reason to grow these tiny plants. Research has shown that microgreens can contain up to 40 times higher levels of vital nutrients, like vitamins C, E, and K, compared to mature leaves. They are concentrated sources of antioxidants and polyphenols. Adding just a small handful to your daily meal can contribute significantly to your nutrient intake. Plus, the fresh flavor they provide is far superior to store-bought options that may have been shipped long distances.

FAQ About Micro Greens

What is the difference between microgreens and sprouts?

Sprouts are germinated seeds eaten root, seed, and stem, grown in water. Micro greens are grown in soil or a soil substitute, need light, and are harvested above the soil line, giving them a different texture and flavor profile.

Can I use regular seeds for microgreens?

You can, but it’s best to use seeds marked for sprouting or microgreens. These are tested for high germination rates and are often untreated, which is safer for eating at an early stage.

How many times can you harvest microgreens?

Most micro greens are a “cut-and-come-again” crop, but they typically only produce one good harvest. After cutting, they sometimes regrow, but the second growth is often slower and less vigorous. It’s usually best to start a new tray.

What are the easiest microgreens for beginners?

Radish, broccoli, and sunflower micro greens are among the easiest and most forgiving for your first try. They germinate quickly and are resistant to many common growing issues.

Do microgreens need fertilizer?

Generally, no. The seed contains all the energy and nutrients the plant needs to reach the microgreen stage. The growing medium provides support, not nutrition. Fertilizer is not necessary and can even promote mold growth.

How do you store fresh microgreens?

For the best freshness, eat them right after harvesting. If you need to store them, place dry micro greens in a container lined with a paper towel, seal it, and refrigerate. They should last for 5-7 days this way, though some types are more delicate than others.

Starting your own indoor garden of micro greens is a rewarding project. It gives you a constant supply of fresh, healthy food with minimal effort and cost. By trying different types of micro greens, you can enjoy a rotating palette of flavors and colors on your plate all year round. All you need is a tray, some soil, and a packet of seeds to get started on this simple path to better nutrition.