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As an urban gardener, you may be looking for ways to maximize the space you have available for growing vegetables. One way to do this is by growing microgreens using hydroponics.
Hydroponic microgreens are grown using only water and without soil. This makes them ideal for indoor gardening, as there is little mess.
Additionally, hydroponic microgreens tend to grow more quickly than other types of vegetables, so you can enjoy fresh greens all year round.
Plus, they are packed with nutrients, making them a healthy addition to your diet. If you are looking for a way to make the most of your indoor gardening space, consider growing hydroponic microgreens.
Overview of the 10 Best Hydroponic Microgreens
Before we do a deep dive into the various microgreens, for those of you who want the basic details, here’s a list of the 10 best hydroponic microgreens, along with a brief summary:
1. Daikon radish microgreens are substantial and crunchy, with a fast and easy growth cycle. They have a peppery radish flavor that is delicious, but can be too intense for children or to use in fruit smoothies.
2. Broccoli microgreens are easy to grow and have a mild, fresh flavor. They are healthy and nutritious but can have an unpleasant smell.
3. Red garnet amaranth microgreens are high in protein and have a stunning color. They have a robust flavor that is similar to mustard, but less spicy.
4. Pea shoots microgreens are high in calcium, fiber, iron, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C. Additionally, they have a unique texture, and sweet flavor.
5. Purple Vienna kohlrabi microgreens are easy to grow and have a flavorful, colorful leaf. Additionally, they are great in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish.
6. Spicy salad mix microgreens are a colorful blend of different types of seeds. They are quick and easy to grow and make a great base for any microgreen salad.
7. Purple radish microgreens are fast, easy to grow, and delicious. They make a great garnish or salad addition.
8. Ultimate hydroponic mix is made specifically for growing hydroponically. All of the seeds in the mix grow at the same rate, making it easy to achieve a uniform crop. Additionally, the mix is very colorful, so your microgreens will be visually appealing.
9. Clover microgreens are easy to grow and have a mild flavor. They work well in any microgreen salad. I also like using them in smoothies and on sandwiches
10. Alfalfa microgreens (Amazon) are simple to grow and nutrient-rich. Additionally, they work well in any salad or smoothie or on sandwiches.
Benefits of Growing Hydroponic Microgreens
There are many benefits to growing hydroponic microgreens. First, they are very easy to grow. All you need is water and a container to get started. Additionally, hydroponic microgreens grow very quickly. You can expect to harvest them in less than two weeks.
Plus, since they are grown without soil, there is very little mess.
Additionally, hydroponic microgreens are packed with nutrients. The nutrient profile differs based on the specific microgreen, but many are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Additionally, they contain more chlorophyll than other types of vegetables. This makes them great for fighting cancer, detoxifying the body and boosting the immune system. (Source)
Finally, microgreens are very versatile. They can be used in any recipe that calls for greens, such as salads, or smoothies. Or you can use them as a garnish to add color and flavor to your plate.
The 10 Best Hydroponic Microgreens
Without further ado, let’s get into the 10 best hydroponic microgreens.
#1 Daikon Radish Microgreens
If you’re looking for a slightly spicy and peppery microgreen, daikon radish is a great option. Daikon radish microgreens are packed with nutrients, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
The Best Features of Daikon Radish Microgreens
Here are what I love the most about daikon radish microgreens:
They are substantial and crunchy
Daikon radish microgreens are more substantial than many microgreens, and have a nice crunchy texture.
They are fast and easy to grow
Daikon radish microgreens are an excellent choice for beginner gardeners or those looking for a fast, easy crop. They mature quickly, in as little as 8 – 10 days, and don’t require much in the way of care or attention.
If you’re looking for a fast, easy way to add some extra nutrition to your diet, daikon radish microgreens are a great option.
They have a peppery, radish flavor
Daikon radish microgreens have a peppery radish flavor that can add a zesty kick to any dish. They are also a good source of calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and Vitamin A and C. As a result, daikon radish microgreens are an excellent way to add flavor and nutrition to your diet.
Drawback of Daikon Radish Microgreens
The biggest drawback to daikon radish microgreens is that their flavor can be too intense to use in smoothies, especially if you are going for sweet smoothies that include fruit. Children may also dislike them due to their strong flavor.
PROS:
- substantial and crunchy
- fast and easy to grow
- peppery radish flavor
CONS:
The flavor can be too intense to use in smoothies, and children may not like them.
To learn more about growing radish microgreens, read my article, Growing Radish Microgreens in an AeroGarden.
#2: Broccoli Microgreens
Broccoli microgreens are a type of Brassica oleracea that is harvested when the plant is young. The flavor of broccoli microgreens is similar to that of full-grown broccoli, but milder and more delicate.
The Best Features of Broccoli Microgreens:
Easy to grow
Broccoli microgreens are an excellent choice for beginners who want to try their hand at growing their own food. These greens are easy to grow and only require a few basic supplies. Additionally, these greens can be harvested in as little as 8-10 days, so you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all year round.
Mild, fresh flavor
Broccoli microgreens have a mild, fresh flavor that is both slightly sweet and slightly spicy. The flavor is a cross between cabbage and broccoli. Since the flavor is mild, you can use broccoli microgreens in a variety of recipes.
Healthy and nutritious
Best of all, broccoli microgreens are packed with nutrients, including sulforaphane, Vitamin A, B-Complex, C, E, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, fiber, chlorophyll. So not only are they easy to grow, but they are also good for you!
PROS
- easy to grow
- mild, fresh flavor
- healthy and nutritious
CONS
- unpleasant smell
#3: Red Garnet Amaranth Microgreens
Red garnet amaranth is a highly nutritious microgreen that has been cultivated for centuries. It is a staple food in many parts of the world and is known for its deep red color. Amaranth is a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals, and it has a nutty flavor that makes it versatile in recipes.
Best Features of Red Garnet Amaranth Microgreens
Here are the best features of red garnet amaranth microgreens, and why they made it in my list of the top 10 hydroponic microgreens.
High protein microgreen with stunning color
Red garnet amaranth is a striking microgreen that is known for its deep red color. The color of red garnet amaranth microgreens is the primary reason I grow this particular microgreen.
In addition to being beautiful, red garnet amaranth is also a nutritional powerhouse. It is very high in protein, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans.
Red garnet amaranth is also a good source of iron, calcium, beta-carotenes, and Vitamins C, K, and E.
All of these nutrients are important for maintaining good health. For example, iron helps to prevent anemia, while beta-carotenes improves eye health, the function of the brain, and the reduces the risk of lung, pancreatic, and breast cancer. (Source)
Its stunning color can brighten up any salad.
Robust flavor, similar to mustard, but much less spicy
Red garnet amaranth has a robust flavor, similar to mustard but much less spicy. This makes it a great addition to salads that need a little extra flavor without being overpowered by spice.
Great garnish or addition to any microgreen salad
The deep red color of garnet amaranth makes it a striking garnish for any dish, and a colorful addition to any salad. Use it to add a pop of color to salads, soups, and anything else you’re serving that you want to pretty up a bit.
PROS
- High protein microgreen with stunning color
- Robust flavor, similar to mustard, but much less spicy
- Great garnish or addition to any microgreen salad
CONS
- More expensive than many microgreen seeds.
#4: Pea Shoot Microgreens
Pea microgreens are a type of edible green that is harvested from pea seeds. They are known for their sweet, yet slightly grassy flavor, and are often used as a garnish or salad ingredient. Pea microgreens are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, fiber, iron, and phosphorus . They are delicious in salads and stir fries.
Best Features of Pea Shoot Microgreens
Here are the best features of pea shoot microgreens, and why I consider them to be among the best hydroponic microgreens.
Good for heart health and weight loss
Pea microgreens are full of vitamins and antioxidants, making them a great addition to any healthy diet. Pea microgreens are especially high in fiber, which is important for weight loss because it helps you feel full and satisfied after meals.
In addition, pea microgreens are a good source of antioxidants and phytochemicals, which can help protect against cardiovascular disease. So, if you’re looking to improve your heart health, adding pea microgreens to your diet is a great place to start.
Unique texture, crunch and sweet flavor
Pea microgreens have a unique texture, crunch and sweet flavor that sets them apart from other greens. They are a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, soups, sandwiches and stir-fries. Pea microgreens are a delicious and nutritious way to add more greens to your diet.
PROS
- Good for heart health
- High in fiber and therefore good for weight loss
- Unique texture, crunch and sweet flavor
CONS
- Some find this more challenging to grow hydroponically, but many people have success with it.
#5: Purple Vienna Kohlrabi Microgreens
Purple Vienna kohlrabi microgreens is a member of the cabbage family and is native to Europe. Kohlrabi has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Purple Vienna kohlrabi microgreens are a nutritious option that can be added to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Plus, you can’t beat the beautiful purple color!
Best Features of Purple Vienna Kohlrabi Microgreens
Here are the best features of purple Vienna kohlrabi microgreens.
Easy to grow
Purple Vienna kohlrabi microgreens are one of the easiest microgreens to grow. They’re also relatively quick to harvest, so you can get a crop in a matter of days. If you’re looking for an easy-to-grow microgreen that offers a wealth of benefits, purple Vienna kohlrabi is a great option.
Flavorful, colorful leaves
The Purple Vienna kohlrabi microgreen has flavorful, colorful leaves that are packed with nutrients. The bright purple leaves really pop in anything you add them to.
Great in salads, sandwiches or as a garnish
Purple Vienna kohlrabi microgreens are a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal. They can be used in salads, sandwiches or as a garnish, and their vibrant color is sure to brighten up any dish.
So, if you’re looking for a way to add some extra nutrition AND color to your diet, Purple Vienna kohlrabi microgreens are a great option.
PROS
- Easy to grow
- Flavorful, colorful leaves
- Great in salads, sandwiches or as a garnish
CONS
- None that I know of
#6 Spicy Salad Mix Microgreens
Spicy salad mix microgreens are a blend of broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, arugula, red cabbage, and mustard. This mix of microgreens is a great way to add some flavor and nutrition to your meals.
The greens in this mix are all packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In addition, the mix of greens provides a variety of flavors and textures that are sure to please.
Best Features of Spicy Salad Mix Microgreens
Here are the best features of spicy salad mix microgreens, and why they made it on my list of top 10 hydroponic microgreens.
Colorful blend
Spicy salad mix microgreens are a colorful blend of broccoli, arugula, and mustard greens and more. Their vibrant colors add visual appeal to any dish.
Quick and easy to grow
Spicy salad mix microgreens are a microgreens mix that is quick and easy to grow. Because of this, they are a great hydroponic microgreens mix for beginners
Great base for any microgreens salad
Spicy salad mix microgreens make a great base for any microgreens salad. They are packed with nutrients and have a range of health benefits. In addition, spicy salad mix microgreens add flavor and interest to any salad.
PROS
- Colorful blend
- Quick and easy to grow
- Great base for any microgreens salad
CONS:
- Due to the variety of seeds in this mix, it sometimes is out of stock
#7: Purple Radish Microgreens
Purple radish microgreens are a type of edible miniature greens that are harvested from the leaves and stems of purple radish plants. These microgreens are a popular ingredient in salads and other dishes, and are also known for their nutritional content. Purple radish microgreens are a good source of vitamins A, and C, as well as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
Best Features of Purple Radish Microgreens
Here are the best features of purple radish microgreens, and why they made it on my list of my favorite hydroponic microgreens.
Fast, easy to grow
Purple radish microgreens are particularly easy and fast to grow, making them a great option for beginning gardeners. Because they are so easy to grow, purple radish microgreens are a great way to add fresh, healthy greens to your diet year-round.
Delicious and crunchy
Purple radish microgreens are deliciously crunchy and have a host of benefits. They are also low in calories, making them a healthy choice for those watching their weight. So not only do they taste great, but they are also good for you.
Pretty garnish or salad addition
Purple radish microgreens are a beautiful garnish and a terrific addition to any salad. They are especially pretty and have several health benefits.
So next time you’re looking for a way to add a little bit of color and flavor to your meal, consider using purple radish microgreens.
PROS
- beautiful garnish
- great addition to any salad
- has many health benefits
CONS
- none experienced
#8 Ultimate Hydroponic Microgreens Mix
This is the best hydroponic microgreens mix for those looking to get the most out of their grow.
This mix is perfect for growing a variety of microgreens, including amaranth, mustard, arugula, and broccoli.
Best Features of the Ultimate Hydroponic Microgreens Mix
The Ultimate Hydroponic Microgreens Mix is one of the best hydroponic microgreens for obvious reasons. The name says it all! Here are some of the specific benefits of growing this mix hydroponically.
All seeds grow at the same rate
All seeds in a packet of Ultimate Hydroponic Microgreens mix germinate and grow at the same rate. This is an advantage because it means that the microgreens will be ready to harvest at the same time.
Additionally, this uniformity makes it easier to predict how much space is needed for each packet of seeds.
As a result, the Ultimate Hydroponic Microgreens mix is an efficient and hassle-free option for growing microgreens hydroponically.
Unique and colorful mix
This microgreen mix is packed with a variety of nutrient-rich and colorful microgreens that are sure to add visual appeal and flavor to any dish.
From traditional favorites like broccoli and arugula to more unique options like amaranth, this mix offers something for everyone. Also, due to the variety in this mix, there are many nutritional benefits.
Made specifically for growing hydroponically
This microgreen mix is the perfect blend of ingredients for growing healthy and nutritious microgreens in water.
The mix contains a variety of microgreen seeds that all grow well hydroponically.
If you like growing microgreens without the hassle, mess, or expense of soil, this is a great microgreen seed mix.
PROS
- all seeds grow at the same rate
- unique and colorful mix
- made specifically for growing hydroponically
CONS
- Mix is often out of stock due to the variety of seeds included in this mix.
#9: Clover Microgreens
Clover microgreens have a mild, sweet flavor, similar to alfalfa sprouts. They are a good source of iron, protein, fiber, folate, calcium, and Vitamin C.
Clover microgreens can be used in salads, sandwiches, and soups.
Best Features of Clover Microgreens
Here are the best features of clover microgreens, and why I included them in my list of the best hydroponic microgreens.
Fast and easy to grow
Clover microgreens are fast and easy to grow, making them a great choice for microgreen growers of all levels of experience.
These nutrient-packed greens can be harvested less than two weeks after planting, and they require very little care or maintenance.
Mild, fresh flavor
Clover microgreens have a mild, fresh flavor. Their mild flavor makes it easy to add clover microgreens to many foods without the taste being overpowering.
I especially like adding them to the green smoothies I make every morning. They have such a nice sweet flavor that when I first used them in smoothies, my mom asked what was different, and commented that the smoothie was sweeter than usual.
Works well in any microgreen salad, smoothies, or sandwiches
Clover microgreens are a lovely addition to any salad, smoothies or sandwiches. Since the flavor of clover microgreens is so mild, you can use these microgreens without worrying about the flavor overpowering the other ingredients.
PROS:
- Fast and easy to grow
- Mild, fresh flavor
- Works well in any microgreen salad, smoothies or sandwiches
- Packed with vitamins and minerals
- Good source of fiber
CONS
- Becomes bitter if allowed to grow too long
#10: Alfalfa Microgreens
Alfalfa microgreens (Amazon) have a crisp, nutty flavor that is perfect for salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. These tiny greens are packed with nutrients, making them a great way to add extra nutrition to your diet. Alfalfa microgreens are easy to grow, and they can be harvested in less than two weeks.
Best Features of Alfalfa Microgreens
Alfalfa microgreens are one of my favorite hydroponic microgreens because you can use them in so many ways. They are also very fast and easy to grow, and packed with nutrients.
Simple to grow
Alfalfa microgreens are an excellent crop for beginner growers. They are simple to grow and only require a small amount of space. In less than two weeks, you can harvest a fresh crop of alfalfa microgreens.
Nutrient rich
These nutrient-packed greens are an excellent addition to any diet. They are high in Omega-3, chlorophyll, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, Vitamin A, B Complex, and C.
Works well in any salad or sandwich
In addition to their nutritional benefits, alfalfa microgreens have a mild, nutty flavor that is perfect for salads, sandwiches, and wraps. So, if you’re looking for a nutritious, delicious and versatile microgreen to add to your diet consider alfalfa microgreens.
PROS:
- Packed with nutrients
- Easy to grow
- Can be harvested in less than 2 weeks
- 4. Mild, nutty flavor
CONS:
There aren’t really any drawbacks to growing alfalfa as a microgreen, even though it’s most commonly thought of as a sprout.
How to choose the best hydroponic system for microgreens
When it comes to growing microgreens, there are a number of different hydroponic systems to choose from.
The type of system you choose will depend on a number of factors, including the amount and type of microgreens you want to grow.
I’m personally a big fan of growing microgreens in my AeroGarden, because it’s so easy. You can learn more about this through my article, The Ultimate Guide to Growing Microgreens Using the AeroGarden Microgreens Kit.
I also have used the following for growing hydroponic microgreens:
- Stainless Steel Hydroponic Microgreens Grower
- Sectional Hydroponic Microgreens Starter Kit
- Hamama Microgreens Starter Kit
- Self-Watering Microgreens Kit
Regardless of which system you choose, it is important to make sure that you have all the necessary equipment and supplies before getting started
The best hydroponic media for growing microgreens
Here are a few of the different types of growing medium I use for hydroponic microgreens:
- Handy Pantry Micro Mats – small (I use in my AeroGarden these when growing microgreens with small seeds)
- Micro Mats – large (use these when growing hydroponic microgreens in a tray)
- Micro Mats Confetti (I like these for growing hydroponic microgreens in any size or shape container)
In addition to the above recommendations, I’ve also made my own hydroponic growing medium for using in my AeroGarden. I share all about that in this article, AeroGarden Microgreen Growing Medium Alternatives.
The best hydroponic nutrients for microgreens
Thankfully, there are a lot of nutrients that work well when growing hydroponic microgreens. Here are a few of my favorites:
- AeroGarden nutrients (Amazon)
- FloraGro Hydroponic Nutrients
- MaxiGro (Amazon0
It should also be noted that some claim you don’t need to use any nutrients when growing hydroponic microgreens. I personally take a middle of the road approach with this, and add nutrients on day 5 of growing hydroponic nutrients.
Harvesting and storing microgreens
Microgreens are typically ready to harvest within about 10 days of planting. When the time comes, cut the greens at the base of the stem using sharp scissors. Be sure to handle the greens carefully, as they are delicate and easily bruised. Once the greens are cut, rinse them thoroughly with clean water. Store the microgreens in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for up to a week.
For more tips on how to store sprouts and microgreens, check out my article How to Store Sprouts | Keep Sprouts Fresh Longer. You may also enjoy, Microgreens Vs. Sprouts.
