How to Grow Different Types of Microgreens: Looking to grow something tiny, healthy, and totally adorable in your kitchen? Microgreens are your new best friend! These small-but-mighty greens pack a nutritional punch and grow super fast—some are harvest-ready in just 7 days!
But here’s the thing: not all microgreens grow the same way. Each variety has its own little personality when it comes to soaking, sprouting, and thriving.
So if you’re wondering “Where do I start?”, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—whether you’re growing for fun, health, or even a mini business!
🍀Quick Look: Popular Microgreens to Grow
| Variety | Germination | Harvest Time | Flavor | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Shoots | 2–3 days | 7–10 days | Sweet & crisp | Soak before planting for faster growth |
| Sunflower | 2 days | 8–10 days | Nutty | Best grown in coco coir for sturdy roots |
| Broccoli | 2–3 days | 6–8 days | Fresh & mild | Grows well with medium light |
| Red Shiso | 4–5 days | 12–15 days | Earthy & colorful | Needs plenty of sunlight for best color |
| Mustard | 2–3 days | 6–9 days | Spicy kick | Don’t mix with sweet-flavored greens |
💡Not sure where to start? Peas or broccoli are super beginner-friendly and super forgiving—great first picks!
🌿Basic Steps to Grow Different Types of Microgreens
- Choose your tray & growing medium: Try a shallow tray with drainage + coco coir for easy roots and cleanup.
- Soak (if needed) & sow seeds: Some seeds (like peas and sunflower) prefer a pre-soak.
- Cover for darkness (germination phase): Use a blackout lid or tray for 2–3 days to help sprouting.
- Add light for growth: Move to a sunny spot or use grow lights (12–16 hours daily).
- Mist daily: Keep the medium moist—but never soggy!
- Harvest : Snip when you see the first true leaves or cotyledons—yum!
🗓️ Want to time your greens perfectly? Check out this guide to microgreen growing times with detailed harvest windows by variety.
❓Top 5 Questions About Growing Microgreens
1. Are microgreens the same as sprouts?
Nope, they’re like cousins! Sprouts grow in water, no light, and are eaten whole. Microgreens grow in soil (or media) with light and are harvested above the root.
Still a bit confused? This comparison guide breaks it down with clear visuals.
2. Why are my microgreens getting moldy?
You’re not alone—this is super common. Causes include:
- Overcrowded seeds
- Overwatering
- Poor airflow
✅ Try spacing seeds better, using a fan, or switching to sterile coco coir. Game changer!
3. Can I grow microgreens without sunlight?
Absolutely! A full-spectrum LED grow light is your best friend in low-light homes.
Not sure which light to get? We’ve got a light setup guide to help you pick one that works best for your space.
4. Can I mix different seeds together?
You can, but only mix varieties with similar growth speeds. For example: broccoli + radish = good mix. Peas + shiso = probably not (one grows much slower than the other).
5. Is there money in growing microgreens?
Yes—especially with restaurants, health shops, and salad bars looking for fresh local greens.
Thinking about starting a mini farm? Here’s our microgreen business potential guide with some real-world inspiration.
✅ Quick Recap: How to Grow Different Microgreens
Every microgreen variety has its own vibe, but they’re all relatively easy to grow with the right setup and timing. Once you learn the basics, you can grow your own rainbow of flavors right on your windowsill!
🌟 Don’t miss:
- 🕒 Curious when to harvest? Read the Microgreen Timing Guide
- 🌱 Still confused about sprouts vs. greens? Here’s a helpful comparison
- 💼 Want to turn your hobby into income? Start here → Microgreen Business Starter Tips
🌱 Explore our easy-to-grow microgreen kits for beginners: www.ingreenfuture.com
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📸 Follow us on Instagram: @greenfuture.farm for a peek behind the scenes, growing tips, and endless microgreen inspiration.
Let’s nurture something fresh, vibrant, and full of nutrients — one tiny green at a time. 💚
If this guide helped, consider sharing it with a friend who’s into home gardening 🧺 or saving it for your next grow session.
Grow smart. Grow fresh. Grow green. 🌱
