The Best Microgreens to Start With — For Eating and Growing
Quick answer
For beginners, pea shoots are the easiest microgreens to grow — reliable germination, mild flavor, and complete protein — while broccoli microgreens have the strongest nutritional case for eating, with sulforaphane concentrations up to 100 times higher than mature broccoli.
You don't need to grow your own to benefit from microgreens — but if you're curious where to start eating or growing them, these are the varieties worth knowing first.
Best microgreens for eating — by flavor and nutrition
Pea shoots are the universal beginner recommendation. Mild, slightly sweet, and comparable in flavor to fresh peas — they're as close to a neutral green as microgreens get. They're high in complete protein, vitamins A and C, and beta-carotene. They work in salads, sandwiches, and grain bowls without overpowering other flavors.
Broccoli microgreens are the top choice if nutrition is the primary goal. They contain sulforaphane at concentrations up to 100 times higher than mature broccoli — the most efficient whole-food sulforaphane source available. The flavor is mildly spicy and earthy.
Sunflower microgreens are rich, nutty, and satisfying — more like a filling green than a garnish. They're high in vitamin E and healthy fats. Radish microgreens deliver heat and pepperiness; they're the best choice for adding bite to a dish.
Best microgreens for growing at home
Pea shoots and sunflower microgreens are the most forgiving to grow. Large seeds that germinate quickly and reliably, visible growth within 2–3 days, and a short window from seed to harvest — typically 10–12 days. They need minimal care: shallow trays, moistened grow medium, indirect light.
Radish microgreens are the fastest variety — ready in 5–7 days, which makes them useful for understanding the growth cycle before committing to slower varieties. They're also highly visible; the stems turn red or purple as they develop.
Broccoli microgreens are slightly more demanding — they need consistent moisture and can mold if air circulation is poor. Worth attempting after a successful run with pea shoots or radish.
What the Robby Ds salad blend includes
The five-variety salad blend from Robby Ds Lil Greens includes broccoli, pea shoots, radish, and sunflower microgreens, plus a rotating seasonal variety. It's designed to cover the main flavor profiles and nutritional categories in a single mixed bag — mild, spicy, nutty, and nutrient-dense in one serving.
The blend starts at $5 for local Friday delivery in Front Royal and Winchester, Virginia. Living trays are also available at $27 — a rooted tray you harvest yourself over seven days.
How to get started without growing your own
If you're in the Shenandoah Valley area, local Friday delivery from Robby Ds Lil Greens is the most direct path — fresh-cut microgreens the same morning as delivery, starting at $5. Use the zip code checker at robbydslilgreens.com/delivery to confirm your address.
Outside the local area, the freeze-dried pea microgreen powder ships nationwide — one ingredient, shelf-stable, and a practical way to build the habit before committing to fresh delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What are the easiest microgreens to grow at home?
Pea shoots and sunflower microgreens are the most beginner-friendly — large seeds, reliable germination, fast growth (10–12 days), and forgiving of minor care inconsistencies. Radish is the fastest at 5–7 days and a good first attempt.
Which microgreens taste the mildest?
Pea shoots are the mildest — sweet and fresh, similar to the flavor of fresh peas. Sunflower microgreens are nutty and slightly richer but also mild. Broccoli is earthy and slightly spicy; radish is notably peppery.
What microgreens are best for smoothies?
Pea shoot microgreens blend well and add minimal flavor interference. Freeze-dried pea microgreen powder is the most practical option for smoothies — it dissolves fully, has no gritty texture, and stores at room temperature.
Are sunflower microgreens good for beginners?
Yes — sunflower microgreens are one of the most forgiving varieties to grow. Large seeds, reliable germination, and a satisfying nutty flavor. They're a good second crop after pea shoots.
Which microgreens have the most protein?
Pea shoot microgreens are the highest-protein variety — they contain complete protein (all essential amino acids). Sunflower and hemp microgreens are also relatively high in protein among the common varieties.
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