Microgreens are a fun and simple way to grow something nutritious in the comfort of your own home. Microgreens are young vegetables, herbs or edible flowers that are typically harvested right after their true leaves have formed. Although small, these greens pack an abundance of nutrients and pair well with salads, sides and even pizza.
Why Grow Microgreens?
The process of growing microgreens suits new gardeners as well as gardeners with a little more experience. Growing microgreens is simple because unlike other plants that grow to maturity, they do not need special spacing. Microgreen seeds can be planted extremely close together, in clusters even, and they're quick and satisfying to harvest! They’re easy to grow indoors in containers, making them a fun first-time crop or winter garden project.
Best Microgreens to Grow
The beauty and simplicity of microgreens is that you can really grow any of them at home with the proper growing conditions. Choosing plants for microgreens is up to your preference and creative freedom! However, if you’re looking for recommendations for which microgreens to grow at home, there are some specific vegetables and herbs that yield the best results.
Here are 10 great crops to try growing as microgreens:
1. ‘Dwarf Blue Curled Vates’ Kale
Kale is one of our favorite crops to make into a microgreen because it germinates quickly and has a robust flavor when harvested. Perfect in its small nature, ‘Dwarf Blue Curled Vates’ kale is delicious sprinkled on pasta or savory avocado toast.
2. ‘Red Russian’ Kale
Another notable kale is Burpee’s heirloom ‘Red Russian’ kale. This kale is sure to impress you with its tender leaf and cool, crisp flavor. With its stunning purplish-red color, ‘Red Russian’ makes an unforgettable garnish.
3. ‘Mizuna’ Mustard
With its punchy flavor and “peppery zing”, ‘Mizuna’ microgreens make a tasty topper to any salad, stir fry or sandwich. Harvest them in as few as 7 days from sowing!
4. ‘Salad Delight’ Cabbage
‘Salad Delight’ microgreens enhance the nutrition of any meal they are in! Enriched with beta carotene, an essential antioxidant, and an abundance of vitamins such as C and E, young cabbage seedlings give your daily diet a healthy boost.
5. ‘Purple Vienna’ Kohlrabi
Not only are ‘Purple Vienna’ kohlrabi microgreens delicious and unique in color, but they also pack a plethora of vitamins in their tiny figure. Kohlrabi microgreens are an excellent source for essential vitamins such as vitamins A and C.
6. ‘Konan Hybrid’ Kohlrabi
One kohlrabi just wasn’t enough. ‘Konan Hybrid’ kohlrabi microgreens are similarly packed with necessary elements for a well-balanced diet, including calcium, potassium and copper. They’re also a great source of fiber!
7. ‘Spicy Mix’ Mesclun
Add some “spice” to your life with ‘Spicy Mix’ mesclun microgreens! Not only will these little guys add immense flavor to anything you pair them with, but they will also look colorful and delicious on any plate.
8. ‘Calypso’ Cilantro
Who said herbs could be microgreens? We did! ‘Calypso’ cilantro microgreens pack loads of flavor in any dish you put them in. Pair these tiny powerhouses with salsa, tacos or any dish that needs an extra kick of cilantro flavor.
9. ‘Garden Sweet’ Pea
From harvest to plate, 'Garden Sweet' pea shoots are a treat. With their delectable flavor, they are excellent on sandwiches or even sauteed alone for a dinner side.
10. ‘Burpee White’ Radish
Typically, radishes are grown to eat the edible root of the plant. Lucky for you, ‘Burpee White’ radishes are delicious both in their older stages of life as well as in their young stages. Radish microgreens are special because they are a great source of fiber, certain essential vitamins, and carbohydrates.
Written by Caranne Ingram
Born and raised in upstate New York, Caranne Ingram received her Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, PA. Her love for nature, the outdoors, and the plant-human connection is what motivates her to change the world, one seed at a time.