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Quick answer
The best microgreens for beginners are radish, broccoli, mustard, pea shoots and sunflower. They germinate reliably, grow fast and forgive small mistakes. Buy untreated seed sold specifically for microgreens or sprouting, from a supplier that lists germination rates and lot information.
Your first trays should build confidence. These five crops sprout reliably and are ready in about one to two weeks.
Five easy microgreens to start with
- Radish: fast and peppery. Full radish guide.
- Broccoli: mild and popular, great on hemp mats.
- Mustard: spicy, with leaves that grow quickly.
- Pea shoots: sweet and substantial. Pea shoot guide.
- Sunflower: nutty and crunchy; soak the seeds first.
What to look for when buying seed
- Untreated seed sold for microgreens or sprouting (never seed coated with fungicide for garden planting).
- Clear germination information and lot numbers.
- Bulk sizes once you know which crops you like; small samplers while you experiment.
