They are small, colourful and suddenly seem to be everywhere: on toast, in salads, on restaurant plates or even growing on a windowsill at home. We are talking about microgreens. But what exactly are microgreens? Are they simply tiny vegetables? And why are so many people growing them? Let’s take a closer look.


From seed to tiny plant

Microgreens are young plants that are harvested when they are still small, usually only a few centimetres tall. They can be grown from the seeds of many different plants, including radish, broccoli, mustard, peas, sunflower and red cabbage. After the seeds germinate, the plants develop their first leaves. This is when they are ready to harvest.

And it can happen surprisingly quickly. Some varieties can be harvested in about a week. So instead of waiting for months, you can see the results of your growing in just a few days. That makes microgreens interesting for both experienced growers and people who are growing something for the very first time.


Microgreens or sprouts?

Although they are often mentioned together, microgreens and sprouts are not exactly the same. Sprouts are usually eaten shortly after the seed has germinated. Microgreens are allowed to grow a little longer, giving them a stem and their first leaves.

This means you can discover different flavours, colours and shapes depending on which seeds you choose.


Why are microgreens so popular?

  • They grow quickly

One of the most exciting things about microgreens is how quickly you can see results. While some plants need weeks or even months to grow, many microgreens start changing within just a few days. From a tiny seed to a tray full of green plants. That is pretty amazing.

  • They need very little space

No big garden? No problem. Microgreens can grow in a relatively small space. A windowsill, kitchen counter or small corner in your home can be enough to get started. This makes them a great option for people living in an apartment or simply without much outdoor space.

  • They are fun to grow

Maybe this is the biggest reason of all: they are simply fun. You sow a few tiny seeds, give them some water and watch something change every day. It is a simple and very direct way to see how a plant grows. And perhaps the best part? You can eventually eat what you have grown yourself.

Sow. Grow. Enjoy.

  • They are easy to add to your meals

Microgreens are often used as a topping or a way to add extra flavour to a meal. Think of a handful of radish microgreens on a sandwich, pea microgreens in a salad or sunflower microgreens with your lunch. Different varieties also have different flavours, so you can experiment and find your favourites.

Radish microgreens, for example, can have a fresh and slightly spicy taste, while pea microgreens are often milder and fresh.


Small plants, big curiosity

One of the best things about microgreens is that they show us that growing plants does not have to be complicated. You do not need a large garden. You do not need to know everything about plants. You can simply start with a few seeds and see what happens. And that is exactly what makes microgreens so accessible.

They are small enough to grow at home, fast enough to follow the process from day to day, and they give you something you have grown yourself.


Ready to give it a try?

Start small. Choose one or two varieties, find a good spot and give them some time to grow. And don't forget to take a few pictures along the way. Because once you see how quickly a tiny seed can turn into a real little plant, you might find yourself checking on them every day.

From tiny seed to tiny harvest — growing can start anywhere.