How to Choose the Right Microgreens — A Practical Guide for Professionals, Chefs & Home Growers

Not all microgreens are created equal. The best varieties for your farm, restaurant, or home kitchen depend on what you need them to do — fast-growing and high-yield for profit, visually stunning for plating, or foolproof for first-time growers. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the perfect microgreens based on your goals, experience level, and taste preferences. Plus: why your choice of seed supplier matters more than you might think.

Table of Contents:

• Not All Microgreens Are Created Equal
  

• How Professionals Choose Microgreens for Profit
  

• Top Microgreens for Chefs — Appearance, Flavour & Shelf Life
  

• Best Microgreens for Home Growing — Simple & Reliable
  

• The Importance of Flavour Profiles — Mild, Spicy & More
  

• Choosing the Right Seed Supplier — Why It Matters

 

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1. Microgreens Are Not One-Size-Fits-All

Microgreens may all look tiny and green — but choosing the right ones depends a lot on who you are and what you want to achieve. Whether you’re growing for sale, using them in your kitchen, or just starting a fun home hobby, the best choice will be very different for each grower 👩‍🌾. Let’s break it down:

1.1 Different Growers, Different Needs

Microgreens can be:

• a high-margin crop for professional farms

• an eye-catching ingredient for chefs

• an easy, nutritious addition to home kitchens

That’s why choosing the right variety isn’t just about taste or looks — it’s about how quickly they grow, how much work they require, and what kind of experience you want your customers (or your family) to enjoy.

1.2 Variety Selection Drives Success

With over 40 countries supplied, we’ve seen one thing again and again: your choice of microgreens variety directly impacts your success — both in terms of profit and customer satisfaction. A professional grower focusing on large volumes will value very different traits than a chef searching for bold flavor and visual impact. And for beginners, simple-to-grow varieties rich in vitamins are key to early success.

In the following sections, we’ll guide you through how to choose the perfect microgreens for:

• professional farms

• chefs and restaurants

• home growing

And we’ll show you which varieties are best — depending on your goals.

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2. Choosing Microgreens for Professionals — It’s All About Profit

If you’re growing microgreens to sell — whether it’s to restaurants, wholesalers, shops, or direct to consumers — your number one goal is simple: profitability. Every choice you make, from seed to harvest, affects your bottom line.

That’s why selecting the right varieties, and the right seeds, makes all the difference.

2.1 Tested Varieties Mean Reliable Results

When you’re growing at scale, there’s no room for guesswork. You need seeds that will deliver consistent results — tray after tray, batch after batch. That’s why experienced growers always choose tested varieties with verified germination rates.

Poor-quality seed can lead to uneven growth, patchy trays, or total crop loss — which can quickly add up to lost revenue. With professional-grade seeds, you know exactly what to expect, and you can plan your production with confidence, especially knowing the health benefits they provide.

At MP SEEDS, every batch is tested multiple times for germination and sprouting ratio before being offered for sale, and our seeds come with full safety certifications — so you can grow with peace of mind.

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2.2 Fast Growth = More Profit

Time is money — and nowhere is that more true than in commercial microgreens production. The faster your crops grow and turn over, the more harvests you can produce in a given space.

Choosing quick-growing varieties helps you maximise production cycles and free up valuable space for the next crop. Less downtime means more trays moving through your grow room — and more product heading out the door.

Some of the fastest and most reliable growers from our range include:

• Broccoli — ready to harvest in just 6–8 days, great for tight production schedules
  

• Kohlrabi — crisp texture and fast-growing, harvested in 6–8 days
  

• Daikon Radish — bold flavour and quick turnaround — typically 6–8 days
  

• Red Cabbage — beautiful colour and rapid growth, harvestable in 7–8 days
  

• Mustard Red Frills — spicy punch and fast cropping in about 7 days

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2.3 High Yield, Low Cost

Of course, it’s not just about speed — it’s about efficiency. You want varieties that:

• produce high yields per tray, so you get more product from each batch

• have a low seed cost relative to their sale price, so your margins stay healthy

It’s this balance — low input cost, high market value — that defines a truly profitable variety.

• Sunflower — excellent yield, fast and reliable; a must-have for any commercial grower
  

• Pea shoots — quick returns, big volume, and great demand from restaurants and retailers
  

• Daikon Radish — fast-growing, low seed cost, strong flavour — a hit on both flavour and margins
  

• Broccoli — popular, nutrient-packed, and efficient to grow with high tray output

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2.4 Proven Winners for Professional Growers

Some varieties are clear standouts when it comes to commercial success. Among the most popular for pro growers:

• Broccoli — fast, reliable, highly marketable thanks to its nutritional benefits

• Radish — quick-growing, beautiful colours, punchy flavour

• Pea Shoots — large yield, highly versatile, always in demand

• Kohlrabi — striking appearance, mild flavour, easy to sell to chefs

These are the workhorses of many successful microgreens farms.

2.5 Work with a Specialist Supplier

One final tip — and it’s an important one: choose a seed supplier who focuses on microgreens. Many general gardening suppliers offer seeds that aren’t intended for microgreens production. They may not be properly tested for sprouting, and they often lack the quality or consistency needed for commercial success.

Working with a specialist guarantees that you’re getting seeds that have been cleaned, graded, and tested specifically for microgreens — giving you the best possible foundation for your business.

3. Microgreens for Chefs — Looks, Flavour & Longevity

If you’re a chef, you don’t choose microgreens the same way a farmer does. You’re not thinking about yield per tray — you’re thinking about the plate 👨‍🍳.

For kitchens, the priorities are:

• visual impact

• bold flavours

• long shelf life

Let’s take a closer look:

3.1 It’s All About Presentation

Microgreens add colour, texture, and movement to dishes. Whether it’s a deep purple radish, delicate nasturtium leaf, or vibrant green sunflower shoot — the right microgreen can elevate a dish from good to unforgettable ✨.

When choosing varieties, consider:

• leaf shape

• stem colour

• size and structure

• how it complements your plating style

3.2 Flavour Makes the Difference

Chefs also want microgreens with bold, clear flavour profiles — whether that’s spicy, sweet, citrusy, or herbaceous. Used in the right way, microgreens aren’t just garnish — they’re an ingredient that brings real impact.

Examples of chef favourites:

• Nasturtium — both edible flower & leaf, peppery bite, stunning appearance

• Rambo Radish — intense purple with a spicy kick

• Sorrel — sharp, citrusy notes; prized but more demanding to grow
  Basil — aromatic and flavourful, but needs careful handling and longer growing cycle

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3.3 Shelf Life After Harvest

For restaurants and catering, shelf life is critical. You need microgreens that hold up well in the fridge — staying fresh, crisp, and vibrant for several days after harvest.

This reduces waste, keeps food costs under control, and ensures every dish leaves the kitchen looking perfect.

3.4 Why Chefs Pay More for Wow Factor

Chefs and restaurants are often willing to pay a premium for microgreens that deliver a strong visual and flavour “wow”. It’s not just about yield — it’s about the experience on the plate.

If you’re growing for chefs, select varieties that give them something they can’t easily get anywhere else — unique colours, punchy flavours, and nutritious excellent post-harvest life.

 

You can find more informations about miicrogreens for chefs here: 📚 ,,Microgreens for Restaurants: Why They're Used in Dishes and Top 5 Varieties Chefs Prefer"

4. Microgreens for Home Growers — Keep It Simple

If you’re growing microgreens at home — for yourself or your family — your priorities will be very different from a professional grower or chef.

Home growers want easy, fast success — without needing special equipment or advanced techniques. And of course, great flavour and nutrition are always a plus!

Here’s what to look for:

4.1 Choose Varieties That Are Easy & Forgiving

For beginners, the best microgreens are:

• zero-experience friendly

• fast to germinate

• ready to harvest in just days

• able to thrive with simple home setups (no fancy lights needed)

Great starter varieties include:

• Sunflower — big seeds, quick to sprout, delicious nutty flavour

• Pea Shoots — fun to grow, mild & sweet

• Radish — spicy, colourful, very fast-growing

• Broccoli — reliable, packed with nutrients (more on that below!)

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4.2 Fast, Simple and Packed with Nutrition

One of the best things about growing microgreens at home is how quick and easy it is. You don’t need a greenhouse or any special equipment — a bright windowsill or kitchen counter is often enough. Many varieties are ready to harvest in just 7 to 10 days, making them a perfect choice for busy home cooks who want fresh greens on hand.

And if you’re looking for a nutritional boost, broccoli microgreens are hard to beat. They’re rich in antioxidants, sulforaphane, and key vitamins like C and K. Just a small handful tossed into a salad or sandwich can add serious health benefits — which is why broccoli is such a favourite among health-conscious home growers.

5. Flavour Profile Matters — From Mild to Spicy

One of the great things about microgreens is their huge range of flavours — much broader than most people expect. Depending on the variety, you can add anything from a light crunch to a bold, spicy punch to your dish. For chefs, this opens up endless creative possibilities. For commercial growers, understanding flavour profiles helps in choosing varieties that will appeal to your market.

5.1 Mild & Sweet

If you’re after something soft and approachable — especially for customers new to microgreens — mild and sweet varieties are a great place to start. Pea shoots are a classic choice: tender, sweet, and crisp, they pair beautifully with everything from spring salads to pasta or even fresh cheese.

Sunflower microgreens are another favourite in this category. With their slightly nutty, fresh flavour and satisfying crunch, they’re great for topping grain bowls, sandwiches, and avocado toast — giving texture without overpowering the dish.

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5.2 Nutty & Rich

Looking to add more depth? Broccoli microgreens offer a subtle nuttiness with a pleasant earthy note — they’re extremely versatile and can be used in almost any dish, from hearty salads to elegant appetisers. Plus, they’re packed with nutritional benefits, making them a hit with health-conscious customers.

Kale microgreens bring a similar richness, with a slightly earthy edge that works wonderfully in warm dishes like omelettes, stir-fries, and risottos. They’re also great blended into smoothies for an extra nutrient boost.

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5.3 Spicy & Bold

When it comes to making a statement, nothing beats spicy microgreens. Radish microgreens deliver a bright, peppery heat that immediately lifts a dish. They work especially well in Asian-inspired cuisine, where their sharpness cuts through rich sauces and fatty proteins.

Mustard microgreens bring an even bolder punch — almost wasabi-like in intensity. Just a sprinkle over grilled meats or a rich terrine can transform the entire flavour experience. These are the varieties chefs love when they want to wake up the palate and add excitement to the plate.

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5.4 Unique & Surprising

Finally, for chefs and home cooks who like to get creative, microgreens also offer some truly unique options. Nasturtium leaves — and flowers — have a bold, peppery and floral flavour that’s hard to match. They’re perfect for fine dining presentations or creative canapés, adding both colour and a distinctive taste.

Red basil microgreens are another standout, offering aromatic sweetness with beautiful deep purple tones. They’re fantastic in Mediterranean dishes, desserts, or craft cocktails — anywhere you want to add both flavour and visual impact.

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6. Your Supplier Matters More Than You Think

If you want healthy, reliable microgreens, it all starts with seed quality — and that depends entirely on your choice of supplier. Unfortunately, not all seeds on the market are suitable for microgreens. Some may produce poor germination, uneven growth, or even pose food safety risks if they aren’t prepared properly for sprouting.

6.1 What Makes a Good Supplier?

Every good microgreens supplier should offer a clear sprouting guarantee. If the seeds fail to germinate — even after proper care and following instructions — they should stand behind their product with a replacement or refund, so make sure to check their policies . This shows the supplier has tested the seed lot and is confident in its performance.

Equally important is food safety. Since microgreens are eaten raw, every batch of seed should be tested for harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, with proper certification available. Without this, there’s a risk — especially for those selling to restaurants, shops, or markets.

Just as critical is the type of seed offered. Not all seeds are suitable for microgreens. A trusted supplier will only provide top microgreens-grade seeds, prepared specifically for sprouting and safe consumption. — not bulk farm seed or generic garden seed that can result in poor yields or uneven growth.

And no matter how good the seed, clear growing instructions make a big difference — especially for new growers. The best suppliers provide detailed guides on blackout periods, temperature, germination tips, and harvest timing, so growers can avoid trial and error.

6.2 Certifications and Expertise

If you’re growing organically, check whether your supplier offers certified organic seeds with proper documentation — not just vague eco-friendly labels.

It also helps to choose a supplier with genuine experience in the microgreens world — one who understands the needs of both professional and home growers. At MP SEEDS, for example, microgreens are the entire focus — not an afterthought or side category. Every seed batch is tested, certified, and supported with growing advice to help you get the best results, whether you’re producing at scale or just starting with a tray on your windowsill.

Choosing a good supplier doesn’t just protect your crops — it saves time, prevents frustration, and lets you grow with confidence from the very first tray.

Read more about Microgreens requirements and certification here: 📚,,What Legal Requirements Should You Know?"

 

7. Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the right microgreens, the first step is always the same: know what you need. Are you growing for profit? For the perfect dish? For your own kitchen? Once you’re clear on your goals, it becomes much easier to select the varieties that will help you get there.

But that’s only part of the picture. The next — and often most overlooked — step is choosing the right supplier. A supplier that not only matches your needs, but actually supports your growing success. Look for one that provides reliable sprouting guarantees, food-safe seeds tested for microgreens, clear growing instructions, and if needed, certified organic options. And more importantly — one that understands the world of microgreens, because it’s what they do best.