Top Picks for Getting Started with MICROGREENS
7 Recommendations for the Beginner
from Johnny's Research & Trialing Team
Microgreens are a super-quick crop that can be grown year-round. They are also relatively easy to grow, but not entirely foolproof.
For beginners, some are more dependable than others. Out of the dozens of different varieties we offer, we chose these 5, plus 2 carefully curated mixes, as our top recommendations for those new to growing this crop.
Whether you're looking to add diversity and profitability to your operation or simply to give them a try, here are the best microgreens for getting off to a successful start.
If you're feeling adventuresome, start off by growing one or more of the following 5 varieties.
We've selected these varieties because, in our experience, they reliably produce dense, uniform stands that are easy to harvest. They also offer a pleasing diversity of flavors, from mild to spicy, and an attractive range of colors, shapes, and textures.
If you're ready to get started but prefer to keep things simple, premixed microgreens blends are the way to go.
Micro mix can consist of many different kinds of vegetables — amaranth, arugula, beets, broccoli, cabbage, kale, mizuna, mustards, pac choi, radishes, to list a few — as well as tender herbs such as basil, fennel, and cutting celery.
At Johnny's, careful selection and trialing have gone into the development of our premixed blends, so they reliably provide the advantages of uniform, compatible growth rates, a range of textures and colors, and well-balanced flavors.
Our two favorite blends are represented by our Mild Micro Mix, in which we combine sweet, mild-tasting brassicas, and the Spicy Micro Mix, featuring a complement of sharper-tasting varieties. You can offer these mixes individually or combine the mild product with the spicy one post harvest, according to preference.
Next Steps to Success
These are just 7 out of dozens of micros that can be grown year-round. Once your program is up and running and you've mastered these easy varieties, you may decide to take it to the next level by trying new varieties, diversifying and customizing your mixes.
Over time, you can experiment and develop your own signature mix based on what grows well and what you like best.
If you'd like to get started now, the following resources will show you how.