Microgreen Seed Types India | Complete Guide 2026

Microgreen Seed Types India | Complete Guide 2026

Key Takeaways: The 15 most widely grown microgreen seed types in India span growing times from 6 days (radish, mustard) to 18 days (coriander, beetroot). Nutritional profiles vary dramatically: broccoli for sulforaphane, sunflower for vitamin E, fenugreek for diosgenin and iron, amaranth for betacyanin antioxidants. All varieties in this guide are available as NPOP-certified organic seeds from SAGreens with pan-India delivery.

India has one of the richest microgreen seed catalogues in the world — from the globally popular sunflower and broccoli to distinctly Indian varieties like fenugreek (methi), coriander (dhania), and amaranth (rajgira). This guide covers every commonly available microgreen seed type in India, with growing time, flavour profile, nutritional highlights, ideal Indian season, and current pricing.

Whether you are a home grower choosing your next variety, a restaurant chef planning a seasonal menu, or a commercial grower optimising your production mix, this reference covers the complete Indian microgreens seed landscape.

India Growing Time Note: All growing times in this guide are calibrated for Indian ambient temperatures of 23–32°C. Standard guides written for temperate climates (15–22°C) show timelines 2–5 days longer than what Indian growers experience. In peak summer (April–May), timelines can be 1–2 days shorter than listed here. In the cooler north Indian winter (Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur in December–January), allow 1–2 extra days for slower-germinating varieties.

How to Read This Guide

Variety Selection Framework: For flavour in Indian cooking — choose fenugreek (methi), coriander (dhania), mustard (rai), or radish (mooli). For nutrition density — choose broccoli (sulforaphane), sunflower (vitamin E), amaranth (complete protein), or fenugreek (iron + diosgenin). For beginners — choose sunflower, radish, or mustard. For commercial plating and garnish — choose sunflower, pea shoot, radish, or purple sango radish. For wellness and juice shots — choose wheatgrass or broccoli.

Each variety is described with:

1. Sunflower Microgreens

Growing time: 7–10 days | Germination: 24–48 hours | Soak: 8–12 hours | Blackout: 2–3 days

Flavour: Rich and nutty, with a satisfying crunch. Mildly sweet.

Nutritional highlight: Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), magnesium, healthy monounsaturated fats.

Indian use: Scattered over dal, poha, rice bowls, Onam sadya. Blended into green smoothies. Used as a premium garnish in restaurant plating.

Best Indian season: Year-round. Particularly excellent in October–February.

Mould resistance: Excellent. Large canopy establishes quickly. Recommended for monsoon growing.

Organic Sunflower Seeds (50g) – ₹69

2. Radish Microgreens

Growing time: 6–8 days | Germination: 24–36 hours | Soak: 4–6 hours | Blackout: 2–3 days

Flavour: Peppery, with mild to moderate heat. Clean finish.

Nutritional highlight: Vitamin C, sulphur compounds, digestive enzymes.

Indian use: Garnish on meen curry, dal tadka, rice bowls. Contrast element in avial. Mixed into salads.

Best Indian season: Year-round. Best mould resistance of all varieties — ideal for monsoon.

Mould resistance: Excellent. India's most beginner-friendly variety.

Organic Radish Seeds (50g) – ₹89

3. Broccoli Microgreens

Growing time: 7–10 days | Germination: 36–60 hours | Soak: none | Blackout: 2–3 days

Flavour: Mild, slightly cabbage-like. Clean and neutral.

Nutritional highlight: Sulforaphane at up to 100x concentration vs mature broccoli. Also glucoraphanin, vitamin C, vitamin K.

Indian use: Blended into green smoothies and coconut water juices. Garnish on vegetable preparations. Increasingly popular in Ayurvedic wellness menus in Kerala and Goa.

Best Indian season: October–May. Tolerates warmth but performs best below 30°C ambient.

Mould resistance: Good.

Organic Broccoli Seeds (20g) – ₹200

4. Fenugreek Microgreens (Methi / Uluva)

Growing time: 8–10 days | Germination: 36–48 hours | Soak: 6–8 hours | Blackout: not required

Flavour: Mildly bitter, warm, and distinctly fenugreek. Familiar to every Indian kitchen.

Nutritional highlight: Diosgenin (phytoestrogen), iron, fibre, compounds associated with blood sugar management in Ayurvedic tradition.

Indian use: Morning kanji, methi paratha, sambar, dal. Health shots with warm water and honey. Postpartum recovery preparations in traditional Indian families.

Best Indian season: Year-round. No blackout phase required — simpler growing process than most varieties.

Mould resistance: Good.

Organic Fenugreek Seeds (100g) – ₹69

5. Mustard Microgreens (Sarson / Kaduku)

Growing time: 6–8 days | Germination: 12–24 hours | Soak: none | Blackout: 2 days

Flavour: Sharp, peppery, with genuine mustard heat.

Nutritional highlight: Vitamin C, vitamin K, glucosinolates — detoxification compounds.

Indian use: Rice kanji, curd rice garnish, dal, kootu, and any preparation benefiting from a peppery fresh element. Familiar tempering flavour in seedling form.

Best Indian season: Year-round. One of the most heat-tolerant and mould-resistant varieties.

Mould resistance: Excellent.

Organic Mustard Seeds (50g) – ₹49

6. Pea Shoot Microgreens

Growing time: 10–14 days | Germination: 48–72 hours | Soak: 8–12 hours | Blackout: 3–4 days

Flavour: Sweet, fresh pea. Mildly vegetable. Universally liked.

Nutritional highlight: Plant protein (28% by dry weight), vitamin C, folate.

Indian use: Salads, sandwiches, whole-wheat parottas, vegetable stir-fry, morning oats bowls. One of the most versatile flavour profiles for Indian cooking.

Best Indian season: October–February. Struggles in pre-monsoon heat (April–May). Best in cooler north Indian winters.

Mould resistance: Moderate. Use bottom watering strictly.

Organic Pea Shoot Seeds (50g) – ₹49

7. Coriander Microgreens (Dhania / Kothamalli)

Growing time: 12–18 days | Germination: 72–96 hours | Soak: 12 hours (crush seed before soaking) | Blackout: 3–4 days

Flavour: Intense coriander aroma — more concentrated than mature leaves.

Nutritional highlight: Vitamin K, manganese, volatile oils (linalool, geraniol) with antimicrobial properties.

Indian use: Garnish on virtually every Indian savoury preparation. Curries, chutneys, rice, dal, street food.

Best Indian season: October–March. Avoid peak monsoon (slow germination + mould risk).

Mould resistance: Moderate. Slower establishment means higher mould risk — experienced growers only during monsoon.

Beginner tip: Crush the round seed hull before soaking to release the two seeds inside. This single step improves germination rate from ~60% to 85%+.

Organic Coriander Seeds (50g) – ₹69

8. Wheatgrass

Growing time: 8–12 days | Germination: 24–48 hours | Soak: 8–12 hours | Blackout: 2–3 days

Flavour: Strongly green and grassy. Best consumed as juice rather than eaten raw.

Nutritional highlight: Chlorophyll, iron, vitamin K, trace minerals. 30ml daily shots popular in Indian wellness culture.

Indian use: Wheatgrass juice shots at gyms, yoga studios, juice bars, Ayurvedic wellness centres. Popular in Kottakkal, Kerala and urban wellness communities across India.

Best Indian season: Year-round. Tolerates humidity well.

Mould resistance: Good.

Organic Wheatgrass Seeds (50g) – ₹50

9. Spinach Microgreens (Palak)

Growing time: 10–14 days | Germination: 48–72 hours | Soak: 6–8 hours | Blackout: 3–4 days

Flavour: Mild spinach, clean and earthy. Familiar to every Indian household.

Nutritional highlight: Iron, folate, vitamin K, vitamin A (as beta-carotene).

Indian use: Blended into green smoothies and juices. Palak-based recipes benefit from concentrated microgreen addition. Mixed into salads.

Best Indian season: October–February. Cooler temperatures produce better flavour and colour.

Mould resistance: Moderate.

Organic Spinach Seeds (50g) – ₹59

10. Kohlrabi Microgreens (Khol Khol)

Growing time: 8–12 days | Germination: 36–60 hours | Soak: 4–6 hours | Blackout: 2–3 days

Flavour: Mild, slightly sweet, brassica-like. Gentler than broccoli and mustard.

Nutritional highlight: Vitamin C (95–120mg per 100g), glucosinolates, potassium.

Indian use: Salads, dal garnish, smoothies, and chaat. Used in Maharashtrian and Kashmiri kitchens where kohlrabi (khol khol) is a familiar vegetable.

Best Indian season: Year-round. Tolerates a wide temperature range.

Mould resistance: Good.

Organic Kohlrabi Seeds (50g) – ₹200

11. Red Amaranth Microgreens (Lal Rajgira)

Growing time: 8–12 days | Germination: 24–48 hours | Soak: 4–6 hours | Blackout: 2–3 days

Flavour: Mild, slightly earthy with a subtle sweetness. The stunning magenta colour is the primary appeal.

Nutritional highlight: Betacyanin and betalain antioxidants — the same pigment compounds that make mature beetroot and amaranth valued in Indian health traditions.

Indian use: Premium garnish on restaurant plates, Onam sadya, wedding catering. Adds visual drama to any plating.

Best Indian season: Year-round. Excellent in monsoon — fast canopy establishment.

Mould resistance: Excellent.

Red Amaranth Microgreen Seeds (50g) – ₹110

12. Beetroot Microgreens (Chukander)

Growing time: 12–18 days | Germination: 48–72 hours (pre-soak essential) | Soak: 8–12 hours | Blackout: 4–5 days

Flavour: Mild earthy-sweet beetroot note. Less intense than mature beetroot.

Nutritional highlight: Folate (critical for pregnancy), iron, potassium, betalain antioxidants.

Indian use: Garnish on salads and restaurant plates. Blended into red smoothies. Added to chukander-based dishes for colour intensification.

Best Indian season: October–February (slower varieties benefit from cooler temperatures).

Mould resistance: Moderate. Longer cycle requires careful moisture management.

Organic Beetroot Seeds (50g) – ₹99

13. Swiss Chard Microgreens (Rainbow Chard)

Growing time: 10–14 days | Germination: 48–72 hours | Soak: 8–12 hours | Blackout: 3–4 days

Flavour: Mild, earthy, slightly beet-like. The coloured stems (red, yellow, white, orange) make it visually striking.

Nutritional highlight: Vitamin K, magnesium, vitamin C.

Indian use: Premium restaurant garnish. Coloured stems add visual interest to hotel buffet presentations and high-end plating.

Best Indian season: October–February. Produces best colour development in cooler months.

Mould resistance: Moderate.

Organic Swiss Chard Seeds (50g) – ₹99

14. White Radish Microgreens (Mooli)

Growing time: 6–8 days | Germination: 24–36 hours | Soak: 4–6 hours | Blackout: 2 days

Flavour: Milder than standard radish. Clean, fresh, with gentle heat.

Nutritional highlight: Vitamin C, sulphur compounds, digestive enzymes.

Indian use: Mooli-based dishes, rice bowls, dal garnish. Works well for diners who find standard radish microgreens too spicy.

Best Indian season: Year-round.

Mould resistance: Excellent.

Organic White Radish Seeds (50g) – ₹79

15. Purple Sango Radish Microgreens

Growing time: 7–10 days | Germination: 24–48 hours | Soak: 4–6 hours | Blackout: 2–3 days

Flavour: Mild radish, slightly sweeter than standard radish.

Nutritional highlight: Anthocyanins — the purple pigment with antioxidant properties.

Indian use: Premium restaurant garnish. The vivid magenta stems make Sango radish one of the most visually distinctive microgreens available.

Best Indian season: Year-round.

Mould resistance: Excellent.

Purple Sango Radish Seeds (25g) – ₹160

Quick Comparison Table

Choosing the Right Variety Combination for Your Growing Goals

With 15 varieties to choose from, a structured approach to selection is more effective than growing everything at once.

For home growers (1–4 trays per month). Start with sunflower and radish. These two cover the full beginner skill set — sunflower teaches patience and water management over 7–10 days; radish teaches speed and mould prevention in 6–8 days. Add fenugreek as a third variety once both are running consistently. A three-variety home setup covers flavour range (nutty, peppery, earthy-bitter), nutritional spread (vitamin E, antioxidants, iron and diosgenin), and growing time variation to keep a continuous harvest cycle running.

For restaurant and hotel kitchen supply. Build your core range around sunflower (universal plating appeal), radish (garnish volume and fast cycle), and one premium visual variety. Purple sango radish or broccoli adds colour contrast and nutritional premium at a price point that justifies higher seed cost for restaurant accounts. Rotate a seasonal fourth variety — pea shoot in the cooler months, mustard in summer — to maintain menu variety across the year.

For wellness and juice bars. Prioritise broccoli (sulforaphane for health claims and functional positioning), wheatgrass (detox and alkalising narrative, deeply embedded in Indian wellness culture), and fenugreek (diosgenin content, direct Ayurvedic association, familiar Indian flavour). These three varieties align with Indian wellness market demand and support premium pricing. All three are available from SAGreens with NPOP certification.

For commercial farming operations. High-volume varieties — sunflower, radish, pea shoot, mustard — deliver the tray turnover and yield consistency needed for reliable revenue. Maintain 2–3 premium varieties (broccoli, red amaranth, purple sango radish) for high-margin restaurant accounts and to differentiate your offering from commodity microgreen suppliers.

Seasonal rotation strategy. Indian seasons affect variety performance significantly. In the April–June heat peak, fast-cycling, heat-tolerant varieties (radish, mustard, sunflower) perform best. In the October–February cooler period, pea shoot, broccoli, and fenugreek produce their best quality. A commercial operation that rotates variety emphasis seasonally maintains more consistent quality year-round than one trying to grow all varieties at peak density regardless of season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which microgreen seed type is best for a complete beginner in India?

Sunflower for most Indian climates — large seed, fast germination, forgiving canopy, universally liked flavour. Radish for humid coastal cities (Mumbai, Chennai, Kerala) where its 6–8 day cycle reduces mould risk. See our complete beginners seed guide.

Which seed type has the most nutritional value?

Broccoli microgreens for sulforaphane content (up to 100x mature broccoli). Red amaranth and beetroot for antioxidant betacyanin compounds. Fenugreek for iron and diosgenin. Pea shoot for plant protein. Different varieties excel in different nutrient categories — growing a rotation of 3–4 varieties ensures comprehensive nutritional coverage.

Which seed type grows fastest in India?

Radish and mustard at 6–8 days. Both are also the most mould-resistant, making them the top choice during India's Southwest Monsoon (June–September).

Where can I buy all these seed types online in India?

SAGreens carries the complete range listed in this guide. Browse our seed catalogue with pan-India delivery. For bulk commercial quantities, contact us for wholesale pricing.

Which seeds should not be used for microgreens?

Avoid field-grade agricultural seeds (which may be fungicide-treated), seeds past their germination date, and varieties with known toxicity concerns in seedling form (nightshade family — tomato, potato, eggplant — are not consumed as microgreens in any serious growing culture). Stick to the 15 varieties in this guide for safe, proven results.

Can I mix different microgreen seed types in one tray?

Not recommended for most combinations. Varieties with the same growing time (radish and mustard, both 6–8 days) can be mixed, but you get a blend rather than a single variety harvest. Varieties with different growing times will result in one being over- or under-developed at harvest. Growing each variety separately and combining at the plate gives better quality control than mixing in the tray.

What is the difference between brassica microgreens and other seed types?

Brassica microgreens (broccoli, kale, mustard, radish, cabbage, kohlrabi) share key characteristics: small seed size (5–8g per 6x6-inch tray), fast germination (24–48 hours), growing time of 6–10 days, and peppery or mildly bitter flavour from glucosinolates. Non-brassica types (sunflower, pea, fenugreek, coriander) have larger seeds, milder flavours, and slightly longer growing times. Brassicas are generally the most mould-resistant group in India's humid climate.

Which microgreen type is most popular in Indian restaurants in 2026?

Sunflower remains the most ordered variety — neutral flavour works across cuisine types, high yield, and visually appealing canopy height. Pea shoot is second for similar reasons. Radish and purple sango radish are growing for their peppery flavour and visual contrast on modern Indian plating. Broccoli is the top choice for health-focused menus and Ayurvedic resort dining rooms across Kovalam, Varkala, and Kumarakom.

What is the difference between microgreen seeds and sprouting seeds?

Sprouting seeds are germinated in water or jars (no growing medium) and consumed within 2–4 days including the root. Microgreen seeds are grown in a medium (coco peat) and harvested at the cotyledon stage (6–14 days) without the root. Some varieties — radish, mustard, fenugreek — work for both sprouts and microgreens. The food safety requirement is the same: untreated, food-grade seeds for any edible germination method.

Which seed types are most valued in Ayurveda and Indian traditional medicine?

Fenugreek (methi) is most valued — warming (ushna veerya), supports digestion, traditionally used to manage blood sugar. Wheatgrass is used in Ayurvedic naturopathy for its alkalising effect. Amaranth (rajgira) provides concentrated iron and plant protein aligned with Ayurvedic vegetarian nutrition. Coriander (dhania) microgreens are used as a cooling garnish (sheeta veerya) in Pitta-balancing diets.

How do growing times change between Indian summer and winter?

In Indian summer (March–June, 30–36°C): growing times shorten by 1–3 days — sunflower at 7 days rather than 10, radish at 5–6 days. In north Indian winter (Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur in December–January, 10–18°C): growing times extend by 2–4 days. In coastal south India (Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi), winter temperatures remain 20–28°C — minimal change from standard timelines. Always judge readiness by canopy development, not the calendar.

Which microgreen type has the strongest flavour?

Mustard (rai) microgreens have the most intense pungent flavour — similar to wasabi at their peak. Radish microgreens are second in intensity with genuine peppery heat. Fenugreek (methi) has the strongest distinctive bitter-sweet flavour. Coriander microgreens have an extremely concentrated aroma — more intense than fresh coriander leaves. Sunflower and pea shoot are the mildest varieties, suitable for people new to microgreens or those who prefer subtle flavour additions.

Are all seed types available year-round from SAGreens?

Most varieties are available year-round: sunflower, radish, mustard, broccoli, fenugreek, coriander, pea shoot, wheatgrass, spinach, amaranth, beetroot. Seasonal availability may apply to specialty varieties (purple sango radish, Chinese pink radish, Swiss chard, basil) depending on the harvest cycle. Contact SAGreens before planning a large commercial order of specialty varieties to confirm current stock.

What is the shelf life of harvested microgreens by type?

Stored dry in an airtight container in the refrigerator: sunflower 6–8 days, radish 5–7 days, mustard 4–6 days, pea shoot 5–7 days, broccoli 5–7 days, fenugreek 4–6 days, coriander 4–5 days, basil 2–3 days (most delicate), wheatgrass 5–7 days as cut grass. Wet or improperly dried microgreens deteriorate 50–60% faster. In India's ambient temperatures outside the refrigerator, most varieties wilt within 2–4 hours.

Which seed types produce the highest yield per tray?

Highest yield per 6x6-inch tray: pea shoot (100–130g), sunflower (80–120g), fenugreek (80–110g). Medium yield: radish (60–90g), spinach (60–85g), broccoli (50–75g). Lower yield but high value: mustard (50–70g), coriander (40–60g), basil (30–50g). Purple sango radish produces similar yield to standard radish but commands 3–4x the price at premium restaurants — making it the highest revenue-per-tray variety in the range.

About SAGreens

SAGreens is Pune's microgreens farm and seed supplier, founded by Ajay Toradmal — representing the three-generation farming family — a third-generation farming family with decades of agricultural experience in Maharashtra. We carry the complete range of microgreen seed types described in this guide, all NPOP-certified organic and guaranteed for germination.

Browse our seed catalogue, read our microgreen seed safety guide before sourcing, or contact us for bulk orders and growing support.