Choosing the right type of microgreens can make your first growing experience much easier. Some microgreens grow fast, taste mild, and are perfect for beginners. Others have stronger flavors, slower germination, or need more careful watering and airflow.
If you are new to microgreens, the number of options can feel confusing. Should you start with broccoli, radish, pea shoots, sunflower, basil, arugula, cilantro, or something more unusual like amaranth or beet microgreens?
This guide will help you understand the most popular types of microgreens, how they taste, how difficult they are to grow, and how to use them in meals. If you are completely new to the topic, start with our full guide to what microgreens are.
What Are the Main Types of Microgreens?
Microgreens can be grown from many vegetable, herb, legume, and grain seeds. Penn State Extension lists common microgreen crops such as beet, Swiss chard, spinach, amaranth, lettuce, chicory, endive, carrot, celery, parsley, basil, cilantro, radish, broccoli, kale, mustard, cabbage, peas, sunflower, wheat, barley, oats, and buckwheat.
For beginners, it is easier to group microgreens by type:
- Brassica microgreens — broccoli, radish, mustard, kale, cabbage, kohlrabi.
- Herb microgreens — basil, cilantro, parsley, dill, fennel.
- Legume microgreens — pea shoots, lentil, mung bean, chickpea, alfalfa, clover.
- Grain microgreens — wheatgrass, barley, oats, rye, buckwheat.
- Leafy and colorful microgreens — beet, amaranth, chard, spinach.
Each group has different flavors, textures, and growing habits.
Best Microgreens for Beginners
If this is your first time growing microgreens, start with varieties that germinate quickly and are forgiving.
Good beginner choices include:
- radish microgreens;
- broccoli microgreens;
- mustard microgreens;
- arugula microgreens;
- pea shoots;
- sunflower microgreens.
These varieties are popular because they grow relatively fast and give clear results. Oregon State University Extension notes that large seeds such as sunflower and peas can be pre-soaked overnight for quicker, more even sprouting.
Recommended guide:
How to Grow Microgreens at Home
Quick Comparison of Popular Microgreens
| Microgreen | Flavor | Difficulty | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | Mild, fresh, slightly cabbage-like | Easy | Salads, sandwiches, smoothies |
| Radish | Spicy, sharp, peppery | Easy | Tacos, salads, bowls, garnish |
| Pea shoots | Sweet, fresh, crunchy | Easy/Medium | Stir-fries, salads, sandwiches |
| Sunflower | Nutty, crunchy | Medium | Salads, wraps, sandwiches |
| Basil | Sweet, aromatic, herbal | Medium | Pasta, pizza, salads, garnish |
| Arugula | Peppery, bold | Easy | Salads, eggs, pizza |
| Cilantro | Citrusy, fresh, herbal | Medium/Hard | Mexican, Asian, Indian dishes |
| Beet | Earthy, colorful | Medium | Salads, garnish, bowls |
| Mustard | Spicy, hot, sharp | Easy | Sandwiches, meat dishes, garnish |
| Amaranth | Mild, earthy, colorful | Medium | Garnish, salads |
Brassica Microgreens
Brassica microgreens are some of the most popular and beginner-friendly types. This group includes broccoli, radish, mustard, kale, cabbage, arugula, kohlrabi, and daikon.
Gardenary notes that brassica family crops such as kale, mustard, radish, arugula, broccoli, and kohlrabi can be grown indoors as microgreens.
Broccoli Microgreens
Broccoli microgreens are one of the best choices for beginners. They have a mild flavor and are easy to use in many meals.
They work well in:
- salads;
- sandwiches;
- wraps;
- smoothies;
- grain bowls.
Main article:
Growing guide:
How to Grow Broccoli Microgreens
Radish Microgreens
Radish microgreens are fast-growing, spicy, and easy to grow. They are a great choice if you want quick results and strong flavor.
Use radish microgreens in:
- tacos;
- sandwiches;
- salads;
- eggs;
- rice bowls;
- soups as garnish.
Main article:
Growing guide:
How to Grow Radish Microgreens
Mustard Microgreens
Mustard microgreens have a spicy, sharp flavor. They are good for people who like bold greens.
They pair well with:
- sandwiches;
- roasted vegetables;
- eggs;
- meat dishes;
- salads.
Mustard is usually easy to grow and can be a good beginner crop if you enjoy spicy greens.
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Arugula Microgreens
Arugula microgreens have a peppery flavor similar to mature arugula, but often more delicate.
They are good for:
- salads;
- pizza;
- sandwiches;
- pasta;
- egg dishes.
Main article:
Herb Microgreens
Herb microgreens are grown from herb seeds such as basil, cilantro, parsley, dill, mint, and fennel.
They are usually grown for flavor rather than bulk. Many herb microgreens are slower than brassica microgreens, but they can add strong aroma and taste to food.
Basil Microgreens
Basil microgreens are sweet, aromatic, and tender. They are excellent for Italian-style dishes and fresh garnish.
Use basil microgreens with:
- pasta;
- pizza;
- tomato dishes;
- salads;
- eggs;
- sandwiches.
Basil microgreens usually grow slower than radish or broccoli microgreens, so they are better after you have some basic growing experience.
Main article:
Growing guide:
Cilantro Microgreens
Cilantro microgreens have a fresh, citrusy flavor. They are popular in Mexican, Asian, and Indian-style dishes.
Use them in:
- tacos;
- rice bowls;
- curries;
- soups;
- salads;
- salsa.
Cilantro can be slower and more sensitive than beginner crops, so it is usually better for growers with some experience.
Main article:
Parsley Microgreens
Parsley microgreens have a fresh, green flavor. They are useful as garnish and can be added to salads, soups, eggs, and potatoes.
Parsley seeds can be slower to germinate, so patience is important.
Main article:
Legume Microgreens
Legume microgreens include peas, lentils, mung beans, chickpeas, alfalfa, and clover. Some of these are also commonly discussed as shoots or sprouts, so it is important to understand the difference.
Microgreens are usually grown in a tray with a growing medium and harvested above the surface. Sprouts are typically grown in water and eaten earlier.
Related guide:
Pea Microgreens / Pea Shoots
Pea microgreens are often called pea shoots. They have a sweet, fresh flavor and a crunchy texture.
They are great in:
- stir-fries;
- salads;
- sandwiches;
- soups;
- noodle dishes.
Pea seeds are larger and usually benefit from soaking before planting.
Main article:
Growing guide:
Lentil Microgreens
Lentil microgreens have a mild, earthy flavor. They can be used in salads, bowls, and wraps.
They are less common than pea or sunflower microgreens, but they can be a useful variety if you want to experiment beyond the basics.
Main article:
Mung Bean Microgreens
Mung beans are often used for sprouts, but they can also be grown as young greens. They have a fresh, crisp texture.
Because mung beans are often associated with sprouts, make sure your article clearly explains whether you are discussing sprouts, shoots, or microgreens.
Main article:
Nutty and Crunchy Microgreens
Some microgreens are popular because they add texture and substance to meals. Sunflower is the best example.
Sunflower Microgreens
Sunflower microgreens are thick, crunchy, and nutty. They are very popular in salads and sandwiches.
They usually require soaking and careful rinsing because the seeds are large.
Use them in:
- wraps;
- sandwiches;
- salads;
- grain bowls;
- smoothies;
- fresh side dishes.
Main article:
Growing guide:
How to Grow Sunflower Microgreens
Colorful Microgreens
Colorful microgreens are often used for garnish, plating, and visual appeal. They can make simple meals look more professional.
Beet Microgreens
Beet microgreens have colorful stems and an earthy flavor. They are attractive in salads and bowls.
Use them in:
- salads;
- grain bowls;
- sandwiches;
- garnish;
- vegetable plates.
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Amaranth Microgreens
Amaranth microgreens are delicate and colorful. They are often used as garnish because of their bright appearance.
They can be more sensitive than beginner varieties, so they may require more careful watering and light.
Main article:
Red Cabbage Microgreens
Red cabbage microgreens have a mild flavor and attractive color. They are a good option for salads, bowls, and garnish.
Main article:
Grain Microgreens
Grain microgreens include wheatgrass, barley, oats, rye, and buckwheat.
Some of these are used differently from typical salad microgreens. Wheatgrass, for example, is often juiced rather than used as a garnish.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is one of the most well-known grain-based microgreens. It is usually grown for juice.
Use it for:
- wheatgrass shots;
- smoothies;
- juice blends.
Main article:
Buckwheat Microgreens
Buckwheat microgreens have a mild, slightly tangy flavor. They can be used in salads and sandwiches.
Main article:
Best Microgreens by Flavor
Choosing microgreens by flavor is often easier than choosing by plant family.
Mild Microgreens
Good for beginners and everyday meals:
- broccoli;
- cabbage;
- kale;
- pea shoots;
- sunflower;
- lettuce microgreens.
Spicy Microgreens
Good for bold flavor:
- radish;
- mustard;
- arugula;
- daikon;
- cress.
Sweet or Fresh Microgreens
Good for salads and light dishes:
- pea shoots;
- sunflower;
- basil;
- cilantro.
Earthy Microgreens
Good for bowls and garnish:
- beet;
- amaranth;
- chard;
- buckwheat.
Best Microgreens by Use
Best Microgreens for Salads
- sunflower microgreens;
- pea shoots;
- broccoli microgreens;
- radish microgreens;
- beet microgreens;
- arugula microgreens.
Related guide:
Best Microgreens for Sandwiches
- sunflower;
- radish;
- broccoli;
- mustard;
- arugula;
- basil.
Best Microgreens for Smoothies
- broccoli;
- pea shoots;
- sunflower;
- wheatgrass;
- kale microgreens.
Best Microgreens for Garnish
- basil;
- cilantro;
- amaranth;
- beet;
- red cabbage;
- radish.
Best Microgreens for Beginners
If you are growing your first tray, start with:
- Radish microgreens — fast and easy.
- Broccoli microgreens — mild and reliable.
- Mustard microgreens — fast with strong flavor.
- Arugula microgreens — peppery and useful.
- Pea shoots — sweet and satisfying.
- Sunflower microgreens — crunchy and filling.
Avoid starting with slower or more sensitive varieties like cilantro, parsley, and some colorful microgreens until you understand watering, light, and airflow.
Related guide:
Best Microgreens for Beginners
How to Choose the Right Microgreens
Before choosing a variety, ask yourself three questions.
1. Do you want easy or flavorful?
If you want easy, start with radish, broccoli, mustard, or arugula.
If you want strong flavor, try basil, cilantro, mustard, radish, or arugula.
2. Do you want fast harvest or better texture?
For fast harvest, choose radish, mustard, broccoli, or arugula.
For more texture, choose pea shoots or sunflower microgreens.
3. Do you want to eat them raw, cook them, or use them as garnish?
Most microgreens are eaten raw, but some are excellent in cooked dishes as a finishing ingredient. Add delicate microgreens after cooking rather than boiling them for a long time.
For raw salads:
- broccoli;
- sunflower;
- pea shoots;
- radish.
For garnish:
- basil;
- amaranth;
- beet;
- cilantro.
For warm dishes:
- pea shoots;
- sunflower;
- mustard;
- arugula.
Types of Microgreens and Growing Difficulty
| Type | Examples | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Easy brassicas | broccoli, radish, mustard, arugula | Easy |
| Large seeds | pea, sunflower | Easy/Medium |
| Herbs | basil, cilantro, parsley, dill | Medium/Hard |
| Colorful greens | beet, amaranth, chard | Medium |
| Grains | wheatgrass, barley, oats | Easy/Medium |
Are All Microgreens Healthy?
Microgreens are generally valued because they are young edible greens with concentrated flavors and nutrients. Healthline notes that nutrient levels vary by variety, but many microgreens contain minerals such as potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and copper, as well as beneficial plant compounds like antioxidants.
However, this does not mean every type has the same nutrition. Broccoli, radish, sunflower, pea, beet, and basil microgreens all have different nutrient profiles, flavors, and uses.
For a deeper health-focused guide, read:
FAQ
What are the most popular types of microgreens?
Some of the most popular types include broccoli, radish, pea shoots, sunflower, basil, arugula, cilantro, mustard, beet, and wheatgrass.
What microgreens are best for beginners?
Radish, broccoli, mustard, arugula, pea shoots, and sunflower microgreens are good beginner choices.
What are the fastest microgreens to grow?
Radish, mustard, broccoli, and arugula are usually among the faster options.
Which microgreens taste the best?
That depends on your preference. Sunflower and pea shoots are mild and fresh, radish and mustard are spicy, basil is sweet and aromatic, and cilantro is citrusy and herbal.
What are the mildest microgreens?
Broccoli, cabbage, pea shoots, sunflower, and some kale microgreens are usually mild.
What are the spiciest microgreens?
Radish, mustard, arugula, cress, and daikon microgreens usually have a sharper flavor.
Are microgreens the same as sprouts?
No. Microgreens are usually grown in a tray with soil or another growing medium and harvested above the surface. Sprouts are usually grown in water and harvested earlier.
Can you grow different microgreens together?
You can, but it is better to grow each type separately at first. Different seeds have different germination times, soaking needs, and harvest times.
What microgreens should I grow first?
Start with radish or broccoli microgreens. They are fast, easy, and forgiving for beginners.