Complete Guide to Microgreen Seed Types in India 2026

Complete Guide to Microgreen Seed Types in India 2026

Key Takeaways: India's most popular microgreen seed types include: radish (fastest, 5–7 days), sunflower (most satisfying beginner crop), broccoli (most nutritious — sulforaphane), mustard (most Indian flavour — rai), fenugreek/methi (blood sugar support), pea shoots (sweetest), and kale (mineral-rich). Varieties are grouped into brassica family (broccoli, radish, mustard, kale, cabbage, cauliflower), legume family (pea, alfalfa), and grain family (sunflower, corn, amaranth). All available from SAGreens with pan-India delivery and tested germination rates.

India's microgreen market now offers over 20 distinct seed varieties — from the household staples like fenugreek and mustard to specialty crops like garnet red amaranthus and green pak choi. Choosing the right variety for your purpose (nutrition, flavour, growing ease, or Indian cuisine compatibility) requires understanding what each type of seed produces, how it behaves in Indian growing conditions, and what nutritional and culinary value it brings.

This complete guide covers every major microgreen seed type available in India with the key facts you need to make an informed choice.

The Brassica (Crucifer) Family

The brassica family dominates microgreen production worldwide because its members share a common characteristic: high glucosinolate content that converts to health-active isothiocyanates. All brassica microgreens are easy to grow without pre-soaking, germinate in 24–48 hours, and share a mild-to-pungent flavour profile.

Broccoli Microgreens

Germination: 85%+ | Days: 8–12 | Difficulty: Easy

The most nutritionally studied microgreen. Contains 40× more sulforaphane than mature broccoli. Mild, fresh flavour. Sow dry. See our dedicated broccoli microgreens guide for complete nutrition details. Seeds available at our broccoli seeds page.

Radish Microgreens

Germination: 95% | Days: 5–7 | Difficulty: Very Easy

The fastest microgreen and the best beginner crop. Bold, peppery flavour. 40× more vitamin C than mature radish. Sow dry. Read our radish seeds guide. Fresh microgreens at our product page.

Mustard Microgreens

Germination: 90%+ | Days: 6–8 | Difficulty: Very Easy

Three varieties: yellow (mild), brown (rai flavour), black (intense). The most Indian-kitchen-compatible microgreen. Sow dry. Rich in glucosinolates and vitamins A, C, E, K. See our mustard seeds guide.

Kale Microgreens

Germination: 85%+ | Days: 8–10 | Difficulty: Easy

Similar to broccoli but with higher calcium and vitamin K content. Mild, slightly sweet flavour. Sow dry. Excellent for bone health and kidney function. Available at our kale microgreens page.

Cabbage Microgreens

Germination: 90%+ | Days: 7–10 | Difficulty: Easy

Red cabbage microgreens contain exceptionally high concentrations of anthocyanins (antioxidant pigments) and 40× more vitamin E than mature red cabbage. Purple-green colour makes them visually striking. Available at our cabbage microgreens page.

Cauliflower Microgreens

Germination: 85%+ | Days: 8–12 | Difficulty: Easy

Similar growing profile to broccoli, with slightly milder flavour. High in vitamin C. Useful where broccoli flavour is too intense. Available at our cauliflower microgreens page.

Brassica family growing tip: All brassica microgreens benefit from a weighted cover during the blackout phase. The pressure encourages strong, upright stem growth. Sow dry (no pre-soaking for any brassica variety). Most brassicas germinate in 24–48 hours at 22–28°C.

The Legume Family

Legume microgreens are characterised by sweet flavour, higher protein content, and the requirement for pre-soaking before sowing.

Pea Shoot Microgreens

Germination: 85%+ | Days: 10–12 | Difficulty: Easy

Sweet, fresh pea flavour. Pre-soak 8–12 hours. The sweetest microgreen variety. Particularly good in Indian winters (October–February). Rich in protein, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Available at our pea shoots page.

Alfalfa Microgreens

Germination: 90%+ | Days: 7–10 | Difficulty: Easy

Alfalfa sprouts/microgreens are among the most researched legume microgreens. Very mild flavour, delicate texture — primarily used as a salad green and sandwich filling. Rich in saponins, vitamin K, and magnesium. Available at our alfalfa page.

Affila Peas Microgreens

Germination: 85%+ | Days: 10–14 | Difficulty: Easy

A specialty pea variety with tendrils that curl attractively — popular for restaurant plating. Sweet flavour similar to regular pea shoots. Pre-soak 8–12 hours. Available at our affila peas page.

Indian Kitchen Seed Types

These varieties have special significance for Indian cooking because their flavour profiles are already embedded in Indian cuisine.

Fenugreek (Methi) Microgreens

Germination: 85%+ | Days: 7–10 | Difficulty: Easy

Characteristic methi flavour in fresh, tender form. Pre-soak 6–8 hours. Rich in iron, magnesium, and 4-hydroxyisoleucine for blood sugar support. Regular grocery methi seeds work if fresh. See our complete fenugreek seeds guide. Fresh microgreens at our product page.

Coriander (Dhania) Microgreens

Germination: 70–80% | Days: 10–14 | Difficulty: Medium

One of the most requested Indian microgreens — the fragrant dhania flavour in fresh green form. Lower germination rate than most varieties. Slow to establish. Use a split seed (crack the husk gently) for better germination. Worth growing once you have experience. Available at our coriander microgreens page.

Corn Microgreens

Germination: 80%+ | Days: 10–14 | Difficulty: Easy-Medium

Sweet, corn flavour microgreens unusual in texture — eaten as whole young sprouts rather than cotyledon-stage. Pre-soak 8–12 hours. A novelty crop with interesting flavour. Available at our corn microgreens page.

Specialty and High-Nutrition Varieties

Sunflower Microgreens

Germination: 90%+ | Days: 7–10 | Difficulty: Easy

Complete plant protein (all 9 essential amino acids). Sweet, nutty flavour. Pre-soak 8–12 hours. Rich in vitamin E, zinc, selenium. The most satisfying beginner crop. See our sunflower seeds guide. Fresh at our product page.

Basil Microgreens

Germination: 75–85% | Days: 10–14 | Difficulty: Medium

Fragrant, sweet basil flavour. Mucilaginous seeds (become gel-coated when wet) require dry sowing and specific technique. Popular for Italian and fusion cooking. Available at our basil microgreens page.

Garnet Red Amaranthus Microgreens

Germination: 80%+ | Days: 8–12 | Difficulty: Easy-Medium

Striking deep red colour from betacyanin pigments (same antioxidant as beetroot). Mild, slightly earthy flavour. Requires bright light after blackout to develop full colour. Available at our amaranthus page. See our red amaranth growing guide.

Beetroot Microgreens

Germination: 70–80% | Days: 10–14 | Difficulty: Medium

Deep red stems and green leaves with earthy, sweet-bitter beetroot flavour. Rich in betacyanin, nitrates, and vitamins A and C. Lower germination rate requires experience. Available at our beetroot microgreens page.

Green Pak Choi Microgreens

Germination: 85%+ | Days: 8–10 | Difficulty: Easy

Asian green with mild, slightly mustardy flavour. Popular in Asian cooking and fusion preparations. Sow dry. Available at our pak choi page.

Microgreen Seed Types: Complete Comparison Table

Choosing the Right Seed Type for Your Goals

For maximum nutrition:

Broccoli (sulforaphane) + radish (vitamin C) + sunflower (complete protein). This trio covers the widest nutritional spectrum of any three-variety combination.

For Indian cooking:

Fenugreek (methi) + mustard (rai) + coriander (dhania). The three flavours most embedded in Indian cuisine, in fresh microgreen form.

For beginners:

Start with radish, add sunflower once you're comfortable. See our complete beginner seed guide.

For monsoon growing:

Mustard and radish are the most mold-resistant varieties. See our monsoon growing guide.

For blood sugar support:

Fenugreek (4-hydroxyisoleucine) + broccoli (sulforaphane). See our fenugreek seeds guide and our PCOS microgreens guide.

Where to Buy Microgreen Seeds in India

SAGreens carries all the varieties listed in this guide, grown and germination-tested at our Pune farm.

*Written by the SAGreens team — Ajay Toradmal's three-generation farming family growing microgreens in Keshav Nagar, Pune. We've grown all 20+ varieties on this list in Indian conditions and share what we've learned from daily production.*

Advanced Varieties for Experienced Growers

Once you have mastered the basics — radish, mustard, sunflower, broccoli, pea — a world of more complex varieties opens up. These advanced varieties require more attention but reward growers with unique flavours, colours, and nutritional profiles:

Black oil sunflower (Helianthus annuus var.):

This is the sunflower variety used for bird feed and oil production. The seeds are smaller and have thinner hulls than the striped variety, resulting in less hull-attachment problem and higher oil content. Black oil sunflower microgreens have a nuttier, richer flavour with higher fat-soluble vitamins. They are harder to source as dedicated microgreen seeds but worth finding.

Purple basil:

Regular sweet basil is already an advanced microgreen (temperature-sensitive, slower). Purple basil adds beautiful colour — deep violet leaves with a spicy-sweet aroma. Ideal for garnishing premium dishes. Requires 25°C+ consistently; struggles below 22°C. Growing time: 12–16 days.

Lemon basil:

A lemon-citrus aromatic variety of basil. The flavour profile is uniquely fresh — lemon, mint, and basil combined. More delicate than sweet basil and shorter shelf life once harvested. Used in Southeast Asian cuisine but increasingly popular in Indian fine dining and cocktail garnishes.

Komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach):

A brassica variety that produces mild, slightly sweet microgreens. More tender than mustard, less bitter than kale. Grows in 8–10 days. High in calcium and iron. An excellent gateway to Japanese microgreen varieties for Indian growers interested in expanding beyond familiar greens.

Shiso (Perilla frutescens):

Red or green shiso microgreens are widely used in Japanese cooking. Green shiso has a unique combination of basil, mint, and anise. Red shiso is striking visually. Growing time: 12–16 days. Temperature requirement: 20–25°C. Harder to source seeds in India — look for specialty microgreen seed suppliers.

Chia:

Yes, the same chia seeds used in puddings and smoothies can grow into microgreens. Chia microgreens are delicate, mucilaginous (gel-like when wet), and require a different growing approach (no blackout phase; press seeds onto substrate surface; mist very gently). Growing time: 5–7 days. Mild flavour; used primarily as a nutritional addition.

Creating Your Own Custom Microgreen Mix

Growing multiple varieties simultaneously and harvesting together creates microgreen mixes — popular for salads and restaurants. Here is how to design your own:

Principles of a good mix:

Classic Indian salad mix:

Nutrition maximiser mix:

Restaurant garnish mix:

Seasonal Seed Buying Guide for India

Matching seed purchases to upcoming seasons ensures you always have the right varieties in stock:

February–March (pre-summer stocking):

Buy: Sunflower, amaranth, radish, mustard

Reasoning: Heat-tolerant varieties for the March–May growing season

May–June (pre-monsoon stocking):

Buy: Radish (large stock), mustard, fenugreek, sunflower

Reasoning: Mold-resistant fast varieties for monsoon growing; avoid slow varieties during this period

September–October (post-monsoon and pre-winter stocking):

Buy: Pea shoots, kale, broccoli, coriander, basil

Reasoning: Cool weather varieties for the best growing season (Oct–Feb)

December–January (mid-winter supplementary order):

Buy: Pea shoots, sunflower, fenugreek

Reasoning: Top up stocks for peak growing season; plan for January Republic Day harvest

Germination Troubleshooting by Variety

Commercial Seed Buying Guide: Scaling Up

For those growing commercially (50+ trays/month), purchasing strategy changes significantly:

Volume thresholds and pricing:

Quality criteria for commercial seed sourcing:

Commercial variety selection strategy:

Commercially, choose varieties where you can command premium pricing relative to seed cost. Broccoli microgreens sell for Rs 200–400 per 100g but seeds cost only Rs 8–15 per 100g growing portion. Sunflower sells for Rs 100–180 per 100g with seeds at Rs 5–10 per portion. Radish has lower margins but highest volume and fastest turnover.

Evaluating a Microgreen Seed Supplier in India

When choosing a seed supplier, assess them on:

SAGreens meets all seven criteria and is happy to answer questions about our seed sourcing. Contact us for sourcing documentation on any variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most expensive microgreen seed per kilogram?

Specialty varieties like purple basil, shiso, and lemon basil command the highest prices — sometimes Rs 2,000–5,000 per 100g for retail seed packs. Common varieties like radish and mustard are among the cheapest at Rs 200–500 per 100g.

Can I save seeds from my microgreen crops?

No. Microgreens are harvested before the plant flowers or sets seed. You are consuming the seedling, not allowing it to mature. For seed saving, you would need to grow the same variety to full maturity and allow it to set seed — a separate horticultural process.

Are hybrid seeds worse than open-pollinated for microgreens?

For microgreens (which are not grown to maturity), hybrids and open-pollinated seeds often perform similarly. The main difference matters only if you want to save seeds from mature plants (hybrids do not breed true). For purchasing microgreen seeds, prioritise germination rate and freshness over hybrid vs OP status.

Which seeds should I never buy from an agricultural seed company?

Avoid seeds from farm supply stores (agricultural seeds) unless you can confirm they are untreated. Agricultural sunflower, broccoli, radish, and crucifer seeds are almost universally fungicide-treated with captan or thiram in India. These are not safe for consumption as microgreens.

How do I store seeds across India's humid monsoon months?

Seal seeds in airtight glass jars. If your home gets very humid in monsoon (>75% relative humidity), add a small silica gel packet to the jar. Store in the coolest room. Avoid the refrigerator door (temperature fluctuates when opened). A dedicated shelf in a kitchen cabinet away from the stove works well.

Is there an Indian microgreen seed variety catalogue?

SAGreens maintains a growing catalogue at microgreen seeds India. We stock 20+ varieties and update seasonal availability regularly.

Explore all seed varieties at microgreen seeds India and our seeds product page. For buying seeds online, visit our buy microgreen seeds online guide. Interested in sunflower, mustard, or fenugreek specifically? Visit sunflower microgreen seeds, mustard microgreen seeds, and fenugreek microgreen seeds pages. Questions about custom orders or bulk buying? Contact SAGreens.