Which microgreen varieties should I start with?

Radish is the single best variety for first-time growers. It germinates fast, tolerates temperature fluctuations, resists mold better than most varieties, and can be harvested in as few as 5-7 days.

Never grow or consume microgreens from the nightshade (Solanaceae) family. Their young shoots contain toxic alkaloids like solanine that cause adverse digestive and nervous system symptoms.

Broccoli microgreens are a nutritional powerhouse and nearly as easy to grow as radish. They contain sulforaphane, a compound studied extensively for anti-cancer properties, and 5x more glucosinolates than mature kale.

Sunflower microgreens and pea shoots are the two highest-yielding varieties, producing large, substantial greens that work as standalone salad ingredients rather than just garnishes.

Some microgreen seeds form a gel-like coating when wet, making them clump together and prone to mold. These "mucilaginous" seeds need different handling than standard varieties.

Microgreen seeds are genetically identical to regular garden seeds, but they must be untreated and food-safe since you eat them raw within days of sprouting. Garden seeds are often coated with fungicides unsafe for consumption.