Microgreens are the seedlings of vegetables and herbs, harvested about one to two weeks after sprouting. A 2012 USDA and University of Maryland study of 25 varieties found that many contained several times the concentration of certain vitamins and carotenoids as the mature leaves. They're also simply tasty: a handful adds crunch and flavor to eggs, sandwiches and salads.
Growing them at home is easy once you have the right setup: a tray that holds moisture, a dark period for germination, then plenty of light. Kits package that up. The main question is light: a bright window works for most of the year, and an LED grow light makes it work anywhere.
| Model | Light Included? | Grow Medium | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZestiGreens Self-Watering Kit | No (needs a bright window) | Hydroponic tray + grow mats | ~$40 | Check price |
| SunBlaster LED Micro Growlight Garden | Yes (11W LED strip) | Wicking mat, self-watering base | ~$90 | Check price |
| Back to the Roots DIY Microgreen Kit | No | Soil-based, 6 varieties | ~$25 | Check price |
Only if you don't have a bright window. After the dark germination stage, microgreens need strong light to grow sturdy and green; in dim light they stretch, turn pale and flop. A south- or west-facing window is usually enough from spring through fall. In winter, or in a darker apartment, a small full-spectrum LED solves it. That's why the SunBlaster is the alternative pick: its 11W 6400K LED strip sits on a raised platform over a self-watering base.
The ZestiGreens kit has the most owner reviews among dedicated microgreens kits on Amazon (4.4 stars from 1,000+). It includes a reusable 12×6-inch tray with a hydroponic insert and a bamboo surround, a blackout felt lid that keeps seeds dark while they germinate, grow mats and seed packs. The seller notes that some larger seeds, such as sunflower, do better in a growing medium than fully hydroponic, so start with the included broccoli and salad mixes.
A soil-free start to growing microgreens at home.
Check the ZestiGreens Kit on Amazon →The SunBlaster is an all-in-one indoor garden: an 11W full-spectrum 6400K LED strip on a raised platform over a heavy base with an auto-watering wicking mat. It works anywhere with an outlet, which makes it the pick for dark kitchens and winter growing. It costs more than twice the ZestiGreens kit and has far fewer owner reviews (93), and it's sold by a third-party seller.
Broccoli microgreens are the nutritional gold standard — extremely high in sulforaphane, a compound extensively researched for its potential health benefits. Mild taste, grows quickly, produces dense harvests.
Sunflower microgreens have a nutty, fresh flavor and a satisfying crunchy texture — excellent on salads and grain bowls. Larger seeds mean slightly longer germination.
Pea shoots are sweet, mild, and versatile — work in almost anything. One of the most prolific producers and fastest-growing varieties.
Radish microgreens are spicy and peppery — add punch to bland dishes. Quick-growing and visually striking with magenta stems.
Fresh microgreens from your own counter, year-round.
Shop Microgreens Kits on Amazon →Most microgreen varieties are ready to harvest in 7–14 days. Fast-growing varieties like radishes and sunflowers are ready in 7–8 days. Slightly slower varieties like broccoli and kale take 10–14 days. The ZestiGreens kit's blackout lid handles the dark stage; after that, give them strong light. It's calibrated to this growth timeline.
Most varieties do not reliably regrow after harvesting — once you cut them, the tray is done. Some growers get a smaller second crop from certain varieties (sunflower and pea shoots are the most reliable for second harvests), but plan on replacing pads or soil and seeds for each new crop.
Research from the USDA and University of Maryland found that many microgreens contain significantly higher concentrations of vitamins and antioxidants than their mature counterparts — in some cases several times more by weight. They're a nutritionally dense way to add variety to a diet, particularly for households where vegetable intake is otherwise limited.
Microgreens are best eaten raw to preserve their nutritional content and delicate texture. Common uses: on eggs, avocado toast, sandwiches, and wraps; in salads mixed with other greens; on top of soups or grain bowls; blended into smoothies (they add nutrition without strong flavor when paired with fruit); as a garnish on virtually any plated dish.
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