🌿 Introduction
If you’re new to growing microgreens, you’re in for a treat! These tiny, nutrient-packed greens are easy to grow, quick to harvest, and incredibly rewarding. Even if you don’t have a garden or any prior experience, you can grow a tray of fresh microgreens right on your kitchen windowsill.
But with so many varieties available, where should you start? In this post, we’ll share the top 5 easiest microgreens for beginners — the ones that grow fast, taste great, and require minimal effort.
🥬 What Makes a Microgreen “Easy” to Grow?
Before diving in, let’s quickly look at what makes a microgreen beginner-friendly:
✅ Fast germination – Seeds sprout quickly (usually within 2–3 days).
✅ Low maintenance – No need for special lights or fertilizers.
✅ High success rate – Grows well in most indoor conditions.
✅ Consistent results – Even if you forget to water once, they recover easily.
🌱 1. Radish Microgreens
Germination Time: 1–2 days
Harvest Time: 7–10 days
Flavour: Peppery and bold
Radish microgreens are one of the fastest and most forgiving greens to grow. They sprout in just a day or two and are ready to harvest within a week.
They add a crisp, spicy kick to salads, sandwiches, and wraps. You can grow them in soil or hydroponically, and they thrive even in low light conditions.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the seeds — give them space to grow tall and leafy.
🌿 2. Broccoli Microgreens
Germination Time: 2–3 days
Harvest Time: 8–10 days
Flavour: Mild, slightly earthy
Broccoli microgreens are not only easy to grow but also one of the most nutritious. They’re rich in sulforaphane — a compound known to support detoxification and fight inflammation.
They have a mild flavour, making them great for smoothies, soups, or as a salad base.
Pro Tip: Rinse daily to prevent mould and ensure proper airflow.
🌻 3. Sunflower Microgreens
Germination Time: 2–3 days (pre-soak seeds for 8 hours)
Harvest Time: 10–12 days
Flavour: Crunchy and nutty
Sunflower microgreens are perfect for those who want something crunchy and protein-rich. They’re packed with zinc, magnesium, and healthy fats.
They grow quickly, but make sure to give them plenty of light — it helps keep them strong and green.
Pro Tip: Use unhulled black oil sunflower seeds for best results.
🌾 4. Pea Shoots
Germination Time: 2–4 days (pre-soak seeds overnight)
Harvest Time: 10–14 days
Flavour: Sweet and fresh
Pea shoots are another beginner favourite. They grow tall, leafy, and have a pleasantly sweet taste. They’re great for stir-fries, omelettes, and salads.
These greens are quite forgiving — even if you forget to water them for a day, they bounce back easily.
Pro Tip: Cut them just above the soil line and enjoy their tender, sweet flavour.
🌿 5. Mustard Microgreens
Germination Time: 1–2 days
Harvest Time: 7–9 days
Flavour: Spicy and tangy
Mustard microgreens are bold and beautiful — they come in shades of green, purple, and red, adding both colour and flavour to your dishes.
Their spicy, wasabi-like taste makes them perfect for sandwiches, sushi rolls, and Asian-inspired dishes.
Pro Tip: Use a spray bottle to water gently; mustard seeds are tiny and can wash away easily.
🪴 Quick Comparison Chart
| Microgreen | Germination | Harvest | Flavour | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radish | 1–2 days | 7–10 days | Spicy | Very Easy |
| Broccoli | 2–3 days | 8–10 days | Mild | Easy |
| Sunflower | 2–3 days | 10–12 days | Nutty | Easy |
| Pea Shoots | 2–4 days | 10–14 days | Sweet | Easy |
| Mustard | 1–2 days | 7–9 days | Spicy | Very Easy |
🌞 Simple Tips for Success
Use good quality seeds (preferably untreated and labelled for microgreens).
Maintain consistent moisture — don’t overwater.
Place trays in bright, indirect sunlight or under LED grow lights.
Harvest on time — usually when the first true leaves appear.
With these steps, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown microgreens in less than two weeks!
💚 Final Thoughts
If you’re just starting out, these five varieties — radish, broccoli, sunflower, pea, and mustard — are the best to begin your microgreen journey.
They’re fast-growing, low-maintenance, and full of flavour, making them perfect for home growers who want to enjoy fresh superfoods every day.
Once you get comfortable, you can explore more varieties like basil, cilantro, or arugula microgreens for fun and flavour diversity!