5 plants to grow as microgreens
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Grow Nutrient-Rich Greens Anywhere, Anytime
Looking for a fast, fun and nutrient-dense way to green up your meals? Microgreens are the perfect place to start. These tiny powerhouses are easy to grow, require very little space and pack a punch when it comes to flavour and nutrition.
Whether you’re gardening with kids, experimenting in the kitchen, or creating an urban balcony farm, these five microgreens are our favourites for taste, simplicity and nutrient content.
You don’t need a garden or a green thumb to grow microgreens. In fact, you can grow them indoors all year round with just a few simple tools. Read more about balcony gardening here. Here’s how to get started:
1. Broccoli – The Microgreen Superstar
Broccoli microgreens are a nutrition bomb. They contain up to 40 times the nutrients of mature broccoli, including sulforaphane—a compound celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. Also a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fibre. With a mild, slightly peppery flavour, they’re perfect in smoothies, salads and sandwiches.
🕒 Ready in: 7–10 days
🌞 Grows well in: Indirect sunlight or under grow lights
💡 Pro tip: Harvest when the first true leaves appear.
2. Radish – A Spicy Kick
Radish microgreens bring a peppery zest that wakes up any dish. They grow quickly and are great for beginners. Plus, their pink stems and green leaves make them visually striking.
High in vitamin E, C, potassium, and folate. Radish microgreens stimulate digestion and support skin health thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties.
🕒 Ready in: 5–7 days
🌞 Grows well in: Bright light or windowsill
💡 Pro tip: Use sparingly in wraps or sushi for a flavour punch.
3. Sunflowers – Crunchy and Nutty
Sunflower microgreens are a favourite for kids. Their thick stems and nutty flavour make them fun to eat, like a fresh garden snack. They’re rich in protein and loaded with zinc, making them excellent for immunity.
Loaded with zinc, iron, protein and healthy fats. Sunflower microgreens boost immunity, aid in cell repair and support brain function.
🕒 Ready in: 7–10 days
🌞 Grows well in: Bright light, preferably outdoors
💡 Pro tip: Pre-soak the seeds for 8–12 hours before planting.
4. Peas – Sweet and Crisp
Pea shoots are sweet, juicy, and crisp—like springtime on your plate. They’re rich in vitamin C and folate and are an ideal crop to involve little hands in the process.
Rich in vitamin C, A and folate. Pea shoots promote skin health, immune resilience and provide a natural energy boost.
🕒 Ready in: 10–14 days
🌞 Grows well in: Partial to full sunlight
💡 Pro tip: Keep them moist and harvest when they’re 7–10 cm tall.
5. Kale – Tiny Leaves, Big Benefits
Kale microgreens offer the classic deep green of mature kale, with a milder taste and softer texture. High in antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K—essential for bone health, blood clotting, and immune defence.
🕒 Ready in: 8–12 days
🌞 Grows well in: Light shade to indirect sun
💡 Pro tip: Pair with citrus or vinegar-based dressings to enhance absorption of nutrients.
DYI Microgreens
You can use shallow trays, recycled salad containers, takeaway boxes (with drainage holes), or seedling flats. Just make sure they’re around 3–5 cm deep. If you’re growing microgreens with children, let them decorate the containers to make it fun!
Select the Right Soil
Use a light, organic seed-raising mix or a finely sifted compost. Avoid dense garden soil—it can compact and cause mould. Coconut coir or a mix of compost and vermiculite also works beautifully.
Water Wisely
Moisten the soil before planting—damp but not soggy. Use a spray bottle to mist daily. Microgreens thrive in consistent moisture, but they dislike wet feet.
Light and Warmth
Place your trays in a well-lit spot, such as a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Most microgreens thrive at room temperature (18–24°C). If it’s too hot, seeds may struggle to sprout. If it’s too cold, growth will slow down.
Planting Steps:
- Pre-soak larger seeds (like peas and sunflower) for 8–12 hours.
- Scatter seeds evenly across the soil—don’t worry if they’re close.
- Gently press them into the soil but don’t bury them too deep.
- Cover with a thin layer of soil (only for larger seeds) or a breathable cloth for the first 2 days to help with germination.
- Mist daily and uncover once you see green shoots.
Time to Harvest
Once your microgreens are approximately 5–10 cm tall and have developed their first set of true leaves, they’re ready. Use clean scissors to snip just above the soil line. Rinse gently and eat fresh.
