Growing microgreens

You know that feeling of pride and wonder when your seeds sprout and reach up through the soil? So tiny, so perfect. If only they stayed that way.

With microgreens, they do. These small but mighty plants are harvested just after they grow their first set of true leaves. At this early stage, they’re flavourful—sweet, spicy, nutty, or citrusy—and packed with nutrients. You may have seen microgreens at a high-end restaurant, used as garnish or salad toppers, but they’re easy to grow at home. In fact, learning how to grow microgreens indoors can bring a constant supply of flavour and freshness to your kitchen.

What are microgreens?

Microgreens are young vegetable greens, typically harvested 7–21 days after germination, when the first true leaves appear. Unlike sprouts, which are eaten root and all, microgreens are grown in soil or a growing medium and harvested above the root line. They’re nutrient-dense, easy to grow, and take up very little space—perfect for indoor gardening.

The best microgreens to grow at home

You can grow any vegetable with edible leaves as a microgreen. Popular and easy options include:

• Herbs: basil, cilantro, parsley, chives, and chervil

• Leafy greens: lettuce, kale, spinach, arugula

• Vegetables: radish, beet, mustard, broccoli, sunflower, peas

• Cereal grains: wheatgrass, barley, oats, rice, and corn

Avoid anything with toxic foliage like tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes or peppers. Always double-check plant safety. For example, kale ‘Rhubarb’ is a microgreen favourite—but actual rhubarb (Rheum) should never be eaten in seedling form.

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Use untreated or organic seeds

When selecting microgreen seeds, always choose seeds that are untreated and preferably certified organic. Standard garden seeds are often coated in fungicides or pesticides, which may not be safe to consume when the plant is still tiny. Look for organic microgreen seeds in Canada from reputable suppliers who package seed specifically for sprouting or indoor growing.

You’ll also need more seeds than for full-sized gardening, since microgreens are densely planted. Seeds sold for microgreens are often more affordable per gram than standard garden packets.

Quick-growing microgreens for beginners

If you’re just starting out, try fast-growing varieties like:

• Radish: ready in 7–10 days, spicy and crunchy

• Peas: sweet and tender, grow in about 10–14 days

• Broccoli: mild and quick to sprout

• Sunflower: hearty, nutty flavour, fun to grow

• Mustard: sharp and zingy

Some microgreens, like celery or parsley, take much longer to reach a usable size, so they’re better once you have a little experience (and patience!).

What do microgreens taste like?

Microgreens have the same flavour profile as their mature plants—but more concentrated. Choose what you already enjoy eating. For example:

• Arugula is peppery

• Radish is zesty and spicy

• Pea shoots are sweet and crisp

• Mustard has a wasabi-like punch

• Cilantro tastes just like the full-grown herb

Nutritional benefits of microgreens

According to studies (Yadav et al., 2019; Xiao et al., 2012), microgreens may contain significantly higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals compared to their mature counterparts. They’re particularly high in vitamins C, E and K, as well as antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds. If you’re looking to boost your intake of a specific nutrient, it’s worth researching which microgreens contain the highest levels.

How to grow microgreens indoors

You can grow microgreens on your kitchen counter, windowsill, or under grow lights. Here’s a basic method using seed-starting mix:

1. Choose a container: A shallow tray with drainage holes works best, placed inside another tray for bottom watering.

2. Prepare the mix: Fill the tray with 2–3 cm (1 inch) of moist seed-starting mix. Avoid overwatering.

3. Sow densely: Sprinkle seeds thickly across the surface. Cover lightly with more mix and mist with water.

4. Create a greenhouse effect: Optional—use a humidity dome or plastic cover until the seeds sprout.

5. Light it up: Place your tray in a sunny south-facing window or under grow lights for at least 12–16 hours a day.

6. Keep it moist: Water gently from the bottom to avoid disturbing seedlings.

7. Harvest: When the microgreens are 5–8 cm tall (2–3 inches) and have developed one or two true leaves, snip them just above the soil line with clean scissors.

Can you reuse the soil?

Yes—up to two or three times. Stir in the roots and replant. If you notice mould, pests, or slow germination, compost the used mix and start fresh.