Ready to start growing your own microgreens but not sure which ones to start with? No worries, in this post I’m going to break down the best microgreens for beginners—varieties that are easy to grow, super rewarding, and packed with flavor. Let’s get you off to a great start!
Pea Shoots: Sweet and Crisp
Pea shoots are one of the easiest microgreens to grow, and they taste amazing. They have a slightly sweet, crisp flavor, which makes them perfect for adding to salads, stir-fries, or even just snacking on by themselves. They grow fast and tall, so you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Plus, they are one of the few microgreens that can regrow after you harvest them! Pea shoots microgreens usually take about 8 to 14 days to grow. Harvest them when they are about 3 to 4 inches tall. The exact time can depend on factors like light, temperature, and moisture, but within two weeks, you should have some tasty pea shoots ready to enjoy. And after your first harvest, you can regrow them for a second and even a third crop from the same seeds. These are my absolute favorite microgreens!
Sunflower: Nutty and Versatile
Sunflower microgreens are another beginner-friendly favorite. Their nutty flavor and crunchy texture make them perfect for sandwiches, smoothies, and salads. Plus, they’re a bit heartier than some other varieties, so they’re pretty forgiving if you’re still figuring things out. Sunflower microgreens usually take about 8 to 12 days to grow, and you’ll see them sprouting quickly. When they reach about 3-4 inches tall, they’re ready to harvest. By then, you’ll have a fresh, crunchy addition to your meals that’s packed with flavor!
Radish: Quick and Spicy
If you’re into a little spice, radish microgreens are definitely for you. They have this peppery kick that instantly amps up whatever you toss them on—think salads, sandwiches, or even tacos! The best part is they grow really fast, so if you’re impatient like me, you won’t have to wait long. From planting to harvest, it’s usually around 6 to 10 days. When they hit about 2-3 inches tall, they’re ready to harvest. Before you know it, you’ve got a fresh, spicy addition for your meals. Perfect for when you want to add a little extra zing!
Broccoli: Nutrient Powerhouse
Broccoli microgreens are very easy to grow, and they’re a total powerhouse when it comes to nutrients. They have a mild, slightly earthy flavor that’s perfect in smoothies, salads, or sprinkled on top of your favorite dishes. The best part is that they’re loaded with vitamins like C and K, so they’re healthy and delicious. They take around 8 to 12 days to grow, so they’re a little slower than radish but still pretty quick. Once they’re about 1 to 2 inches tall, they’re ready to harvest and enjoy!
Salad Mix: A Little Bit of Everything
If you want variety right from the start, a salad mix is a great choice. It’s typically a blend of different microgreens, giving you a range of flavors and textures in one easy-to-grow mix. It’s perfect for adding color and depth to your salads or sandwiches, and it’s a fun way to experiment with different types of greens. A basic salad mix of microgreens usually takes about 8 to 12 days to grow. This mix includes arugula, broccoli, kale, kohlrabi and cabbage, which sprout quickly and grow at a similar pace. You’ll have a lovely mix of flavors and textures ready to harvest in just about 10 days. Enjoy your fresh, homegrown salad greens!
Why These Microgreens Are Perfect for Starters
All of these microgreens are fast-growing, forgiving, and don’t require a lot of fuss. They’re perfect for getting your feet wet with microgreen gardening, especially if you’re using a self-watering kit like ours (seriously, it makes things so easy). You’ll be harvesting fresh, nutrient-packed greens in no time, and you’ll get that satisfying “I grew this!” feeling.
Tips for Your First Harvest
Here are a few quick tips to make sure your first batch of microgreens is a success:
- Light: Make sure they’re getting plenty of natural light from a windowsill, or use a grow light if needed. An inexpensive LED light that is 6500K can help if you don’t get enough natural light in your home.
- Watering: With our self-watering kits, you don’t have to worry much about this—just keep an eye on the water reservoir and let the napkin wick do the work! I generally check on them once a day but can go at least 2 days if needed.
- Temperature: Microgreens like a comfy room temperature, so keep them somewhere between 60-75°F for best results.
Get Growing!