Microgreens are one of the easiest and fastest crops you can grow at home—no matter your experience level or garden size. Packed with flavour, colour, and nutrients, these tiny greens are harvested just days after sprouting, making them perfect for windowsills, balconies, or kitchen benches across Australia. Whether you’re a home cook, gardener, or curious beginner, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to grow microgreens successfully—from choosing the best varieties to sowing, lighting, harvesting, and storing. We’ve also included a free downloadable growing chart to help you get started.
🌱 What Are Microgreens?
Microgreens are tiny seedlings of edible plants—harvested once their cotyledons and first set of true leaves appear, typically when they’re 2–7 cm tall. Unlike sprouts (grown in water and eaten whole), microgreens are grown in soil or a soilless mix and harvested using scissors just above the soil line.
They offer concentrated flavour, vivid colours, and significantly higher nutrient density—some varieties delivering up to 5–40× more vitamins and antioxidants than their mature counterparts. In Australia, microgreens are popular for home kitchens, urban gardens, and chef garnishes.
🛠 Equipment & Setup
- Seed trays: Shallow trays (3–5 cm deep) with drainage.
- Growing medium: Seed-raising mix, coconut coir with perlite, or organic potting mix.
- Seeds: Choose untreated seeds labelled for microgreen use (not animal feed).
- Lighting: Bright indirect sunlight or LED grow lights.
- Watering: Use a spray bottle to mist lightly and evenly.
- Air circulation: Ensure ventilation to avoid mold and damping off.
Timeline & Growing Care
- Seed prep: Optional soak (especially peas and sunflowers) for 6–12 hours.
- Sowing: Spread seeds evenly over moist growing medium. Press gently.
- Cover & dark phase: Cover for 2–3 days to encourage germination.
- Uncover & light: Expose to light once green shoots appear.
- Mist daily: Keep soil moist, not soaked.
- Harvest: Cut when true leaves appear, usually 7–21 days depending on variety.
Read more about growing microgreens here.
Health Benefits & Food Safety
Microgreens are nutrient-dense superfoods—rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, and antioxidants like sulforaphane. Some varieties, like broccoli and red cabbage, contain many times the nutrients of their mature counterparts.
To ensure food safety, use clean trays, food-safe seeds, and maintain air circulation to prevent mould. Avoid overwatering and harvest into clean containers. Rinse before eating and store microgreens in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Microgreens Growing Table
| Variety | Days to Harvest | Flavour Profile | Growing Notes (AUS Zones) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | 7–10 | Mild, fresh, slightly mustardy. | Reliable year-round; best in moderate light; harvest quickly for sweetness. |
| Radish | 5–8 | Spicy, peppery kick. | Fastest growing; ideal in cooler months; thin before harvest for airflow. |
| Pea Shoots | 10–14 | Sweet, crisp, grassy. | Needs deeper soil; protect from frost; harvest just before tendrils elongate. |
| Sunflower | 12–16 | Nutty, crunchy, mild sweetness. | Requires thick seeding and warm soil; sensitive to heat; rinse well. |
| Red Cabbage | 8–12 | Mildly peppery, vibrant colour. | Best colour in cool climates; high in anthocyanins. |
| Kale | 8–12 | Earthy, bitter-sweet. | Best in spring and autumn; tolerates cooler temperatures well. |
| Basil | 9–12 | Sweet, aromatic basil flavour. | Heat-loving; best in summer or under grow lights; thin early. |
🌿 Microgreen Variety Profiles
Broccoli Microgreens
Ready in just 7–10 days. Mild mustard flavour and packed with sulforaphane, a powerful antioxidant. Grows well in all seasons and ideal for beginner growers. Harvest before true leaves yellow.
Radish Microgreens
Fastest to harvest—only 5–8 days. Spicy and crisp, perfect for stir-fries, salads, and sandwiches. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Strong growth makes them excellent for outdoor trays.
Pea Shoots
Harvest in 10–14 days when tendrils appear. Sweet and crunchy with a clean, green taste. Prefers cooler weather and deeper trays. Soak large seeds overnight before sowing.
Sunflower Microgreens
Hearty and nutty. Require excellent drainage and spacing. Soak seeds for 6–12 hours before planting. Grown widely across QLD and NSW. Harvest with sharp scissors and rinse before eating.
Red Cabbage Microgreens
High in vitamin C and anthocyanins. Grow well in winter or under partial shade. Colour is best preserved if harvested and consumed fresh. Ideal for garnishing bowls and cold dishes.
Kale Microgreens
Strong flavour and earthy finish. Packed with vitamin K and lutein. Performs well in autumn and spring. May require longer germination in winter; ideal under lights in colder regions.
Basil Microgreens
Aromatic, sweet, and ideal for Italian dishes. Warmth-loving—best sown from late spring to early autumn. Use grow lights or heat mats to germinate in cooler areas. Thin heavily to allow airflow.
❄ Seasonal Growing Tips (Australia)
- Winter: Broccoli, cabbage, and kale thrive. Use heating mats or grow lights for basil and sunflower.
- Summer: Shade cloths help protect trays from heat stress. Mist more frequently.
- Coastal Areas: Manage humidity with spacing and airflow. Avoid overwatering in Brisbane and Darwin.
✅ Microgreen FAQs
Do microgreens regrow after cutting?
No. Most microgreens are harvested once and will not regrow. Replant for another crop.
Are sprouts the same as microgreens?
No. Sprouts grow in water and are eaten root and all. Microgreens grow in soil or medium and are harvested at the stem.
What are the healthiest microgreens?
Broccoli, red cabbage, kale, and radish microgreens rank highest in antioxidants and vitamins.
🧾 Summary
Microgreens are one of the fastest, easiest, and most rewarding crops for home growers in Australia. With just a few supplies, you can harvest flavourful, nutrient-rich greens year-round—even in small spaces. Whether you’re growing indoors on a windowsill or outdoors in a greenhouse, microgreens offer flexibility, fast turnaround, and excellent value for your kitchen and health.
Explore our full range of microgreen seeds here and download the printable growing chart for a quick-reference guide.
📥 Download the Free Microgreens Growing Guide
Want a printable version of this guide? Download our free PDF growing chart, including sowing tips, harvesting timelines, and the best varieties to grow in Australian conditions.