When it comes to growing microgreens in a container farm, the possibilities are endless. These fast-growing plants, often harvested within 10 to 14 days of seeding, are a perfect choice for anyone looking to grow nutritious, flavorful vegetables and herbs at home. The recent development of container farming has made it easier than ever for health-conscious consumers to access microgreens in even the smallest spaces, such as apartment balconies or window sills. Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced green thumb, growing microgreens (Organic Seed Sprouting Jar) like sprouts and seedlings requires minimal effort and offers an abundance of benefits.
When choosing varieties to grow, you’ll want to select plants that thrive in a hot, humid environment, ideal for germinating and producing true leaves. For instance, arugula, radish, and cilantro are popular options that grow well in containers. They tend to flourish in these conditions and provide a range of flavors to enhance dishes like appetizers, salads, or even as a garnish on fine dining plates. The 1 to 3 inches of growth that these microgreens achieve adds a fresh, vibrant touch to any meal. It’s important to note that the soil or growing medium you use plays a critical role in their success—opt for a well-draining, rich medium to avoid issues with bacteria and poor growth.
Despite being a recent trend, microgreens have been around since the 1990s in places like California, where chefs quickly recognized their culinary potential. With their nutrient-dense profile, these greens pack a punch of vitamins and minerals that offer significant health benefits to those looking to boost their diet. Whether you’re harvesting sprout seeds or seedlings, the satisfaction of growing your own greens is a rewarding experience.
Top 10 Best Microgreens to Grow in Containers
When it comes to growing microgreens in containers, there are several varieties that stand out due to their ease of cultivation and broad taste appeal. Among the best microgreens to grow are arugula and mustard, both known for their peppery and potent flavors. These two are especially popular for adding a punch to salads, sandwiches, and even as garnishes. Arugula brings a mild, peppery flavor with a hint of nuttiness, perfect for enhancing various dishes, while mustard packs a punch with its intense, zesty kick that excites the taste buds. The beauty of these microgreens is that they not only thrive in containers, but they grow rapidly and can be harvested in just a few weeks. When looking for microgreens to cultivate in small spaces, these two varieties should definitely make it to the top of your list, thanks to their versatility and robust flavors.
1. Arugula
If you’re looking for microgreens that offer a peppery kick, arugula is an excellent choice to grow quickly in your container farm. These greens are known for their bold flavor, making them perfect for adding a zesty crunch to salads, eggs, and sandwiches. What’s great about arugula is that it starts germinating within just two days, and in about 10 days, they’re ready to harvest. Packed with essential nutrients like calcium, vitamins, and iron, they provide a healthier alternative to iceberg lettuce. The rapid growth and the ability to thrive in a small space make arugula one of the easiest microgreens to grow, even for beginners.
2. Beets
Beets make an excellent option for microgreens, requiring a little more time to mature, but the wait is truly rewarding. With their mild earthy flavor and vibrant vivid red stems, they can truly add color to any dish, especially a fresh salad. The process starts by planting the seeds after soaking them in cold water for eight hours, which helps to sow them effectively. Unlike some microgreens, beets require a thick layer of growing medium to ensure the seeds develop properly. Though they take a little longer to reach maturity than others, their stunning color and rich flavor make them an excellent addition to your container farm. The effort is truly rewarded as these greens can grow in a space as small as a window sill and still thrive.
3. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the fastest-growing microgreens you can cultivate in your container farm. Known for being incredibly nutritious, it’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that are proven to decrease malnutrition and ease digestion. A recent study highlighted that consuming broccoli microgreens can even help lower the risk of heart disease. They’re also one of the best options if you want quick results: broccoli microgreens can be ready to harvest in as little as six days. The best time to harvest them is when the first true leaves begin to form, offering a rich, fresh taste that complements a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re adding them to a salad or as a garnish, these varieties of broccoli microgreens are sure to enhance both the flavor and nutritional value of your meals.
4. Collards
Collard microgreens are a great choice for those who appreciate a strong flavor that can really elevate a dish. With their intense taste, they pack a punch, much like the fully grown vegetable but in a much quicker form. These greens grow quickly, and within just 10 days, they are ready for harvest. When harvested as microgreens, they offer a thick, flavorful addition to salads or sandwiches, providing a hearty, nutritious kick to any meal. The bold taste of collards makes them an ideal choice for anyone looking to bring a robust, savory element to their container farm. Growing them is easy, and their versatility in various dishes makes them a must-try for any gardener.
5. Kale
Kale is one of the most popular microgreens to grow, and for good reason. It offers a microgreen form that provides all the delicious taste of fully grown kale in a much smaller, quicker-to-harvest package. With a flavor that’s similar to romaine or leaf lettuce, but with a more robust bite, kale microgreens bring a nutritious boost to any dish. They are packed with nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants, making them an extra healthy addition to salads, smoothies, or sandwiches. One of the best parts about growing kale is its shelf life—these microgreens can be stored easily in the refrigerator for up to a week, as long as they are kept dry. The ability to harvest and store them for lasting freshness makes kale a fantastic choice for home gardeners looking to enjoy their greens over time.
6. Peas
Peas are another fantastic option for microgreens, especially if you’re looking for something that offers a tasty and beany taste with a range of health benefits. These microgreens are particularly well-suited for growing in containers, thriving in small spaces. One of the great things about peas is their ability to regrow after harvest, making them a sustainable choice for home gardeners. In just a few weeks, they can be replanted, ensuring a steady supply of fresh greens. However, their short shelf life means you’ll want to use them quickly for maximum flavor and nutrition. Packed with antioxidants and carotene, pea microgreens can help diabetic patients control their blood sugar levels, making them an excellent addition to any health-conscious diet. Even if you enjoy mature peas, these microgreens offer a quicker way to enjoy their flavor and benefits.
7. Radish
Radishes are among the fastest-growing microgreens, often ready to harvest in as little as six days. Their crisp spicy flavor adds a delightful kick to any dish, whether you’re sprinkling them over a salad or adding them to sandwiches. While mature radishes offer a more robust version of the flavor, the microgreens bring a milder, yet still zesty, bite. There are several varieties to choose from, including opal and green daikon, each offering a unique twist on the classic taste. Packed with high concentrations of vitamin E, radish microgreens are excellent for helping to slow cell damage and prevent clots in heart arteries, making them a healthy, flavorful addition to your container farm.
8. Red Cabbage
Red cabbage microgreens stand out due to their stunning purple coloring, adding a vibrant touch to any dish. These microgreens offer a milder cabbage taste compared to their fully-grown counterpart, with subtle notes of sweetness that make them an excellent addition to a salad mix or as a garnish. While they share many of the same health benefits as mature cabbage, such as being rich in vitamins and antioxidants, they offer a more delicate flavor, perfect for those looking for a lighter, more versatile green. Red cabbage is one of the best microgreens to grow, as it’s easy to cultivate and provides a nutritious, flavorful burst to any meal. Whether you’re tossing them into a salad or using them as a garnish, these microgreens will elevate your dishes both in taste and appearance.
9. Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is a popular microgreen version of the traditional wheat crop, known for its nutrient content and wide range of health benefits. While it’s commonly seen growing on farms, it’s incredibly easy to grow in containers at home. Like peas, wheatgrass can continue growing after harvest, making it a great choice for replanting and enjoying multiple batches. Once the first batch is ready, you can easily begin a second, guaranteeing a nonstop flow of fresh greens. Wheatgrass has gained significant popularity as a superfood, especially among healthy consumers looking to boost their nutrient intake. It’s packed with over 100 nutrients, making it perfect for juices and smoothies, or even for blending into sauces, soups, and gazpacho. As one of the best microgreens to grow, it’s no wonder this green has become a favorite for those looking to add a healthy boost to their daily diet.
10. Sunflower
Sunflower microgreens offer a delightful crunch paired with a subtle, sweet, and nutty taste, making them a perfect addition to any dish. Known for their high nutrient content, they are rich in protein and vitamin B, making them an ideal snack when eaten raw. These microgreens bring a strongest flavor among other varieties, offering a robust flavor profile that complements a wide range of meals. They make an excellent base for a salad, adding a vibrant crunch to every bite. Sunflower microgreens, grown from black sunflower seeds, are packed with healthy oils and can even be used as a garnish or to enhance the flavor of soups and sandwiches. Whether you’re looking to boost the flavor or the nutritional value of your meal, these microgreens are a perfect addition to your container farm.
Cultivating microgreens in a container farm is a fulfilling and efficient method to incorporate fresh, nutrient-rich greens into your meals. From the peppery bite of arugula to the crunchy texture of sunflower microgreens, there is a wide variety of options to suit different tastes and health needs. Many of these greens, such as wheatgrass, radish, and broccoli, not only grow quickly but are also loaded with essential nutrients like vitamins, protein, and antioxidants. The ability to replant and continuously harvest makes them sustainable, ensuring a steady supply of fresh greens in even the smallest spaces. Whether you’re adding collards or kale to your salads or using beets as a garnish, these microgreens offer a delicious and healthy way to enhance your meals while supporting overall wellness.