In 2020, I finally got into growing microgreens. The idea of fresh, nutrient-packed greens right from my windowsill had me sold. So, I splurged on pricey “microgreen-specific” seeds, expecting premium results.
But then I stumbled on something that stopped me cold: some growers online claimed these expensive seeds were no different from regular, untreated garden seeds.
Had I been duped by marketing? I had to find out.
Microgreen Seeds vs. Garden Seeds: More Alike Than You’d Think
To my surprise, the first thing I discovered was that genetically, microgreen and garden seeds are the same. Seriously! Whether you’re growing microgreens or full-sized garden vegetables, they come from the exact same species.
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For example, radish microgreens and garden radishes both come from Raphanus sativus. There’s no botanical difference. That fancy “microgreen” label? Mostly marketing.
But before you start swapping seeds, there’s more to consider.
The Hidden Danger: Seed Treatments Matter
While the seeds might share the same genes, how they’re treated makes a world of difference—especially for home growers like us who harvest microgreens early. Many garden seeds are coated with fungicides like thiram or captan.
I assumed this wasn’t a big deal until I found a 2024 RSC Advances study showing carrot microgreens grown from thiram-treated seeds had residue levels of 0.8–1.2 ppm.
Since microgreens are harvested young, these residues don’t break down. That finding made me rethink things .
Microbial Risks: The Dirty Truth
Another risk I hadn’t considered was microbial contamination. A Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems study found that borage seeds carried coliform counts of 3.77 log CFU/g—compared to peas, which had zero.
For home growers, simple sanitization routines can make a huge difference. I now soak all my seeds in a hydrogen peroxide solution. This quick step gives me peace of mind, knowing my microgreens are safe and healthy. Here is some quick tips if you want to do this:
Dilution: The Perfect Balance for New Life
Start with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution—the kind you find at any drugstore, a humble bottle holding quiet power.
But here’s where intention matters: dilute it. Measure out 1 ounce of this 3% solution and stir it gently into 1 pint of water. This dilution creates a nurturing environment, sanitizing without harming, softening without overwhelming.
It’s balance—delicate but essential.
Soaking Time: A Lesson in Patience
Every seed has its rhythm, its own story to tell.
- Small seeds—like broccoli and radish—ask for only 4 to 6 hours of soaking. Short, sweet, and just enough to awaken them.
- Larger seeds—the sunflowers, the peas, with their thicker shells and deeper dreams—need more time. 8 to 12 hours gives them the space to soften, to prepare.
Let them rest, let them dream. Growth is always quiet before it becomes visible.
Rinse Thoroughly
After soaking, comes the cleansing—a fresh start. Rinse the seeds thoroughly with clean water, washing away any lingering hydrogen peroxide.
Picture it: you’re clearing away the last remnants of resistance, leaving only potential. This step is essential; it’s the final breath before the seeds begin their upward journey.
Which Seeds Crave This Treatment?
Not all seeds need this ritual. But those with thicker shells—sunflower, pea, beet—they benefit the most. They are prone to mold, to struggle. This gentle soak reduces mold risks and ensures healthy germination, giving them the best chance to burst through the soil with strength.
Precautions: Respect the Process
Like all good things, balance is key.
- Never use undiluted hydrogen peroxide. It’s too harsh, too strong. Growth needs nurturing, not force.
- And always—always rinse well. This ensures that when the seeds begin to sprout, their tender shoots aren’t damaged.
Because every sprout, every green shoot of life, deserves the best beginning.
Saving Money on Microgreen Seeds: My Best Hack
Let’s be honest—part of why I started growing microgreens was to save money (aside from the huge nutritional difference compared to store bought greens). Here’s what I found: microgreen seeds in bulk cost $0.08–$0.15 per gram, while seeds in small packets can cost $0.30–$0.50 per gram.
Those “microgreen-specific” labels often come with a hefty markup. Once I realized this, I switched to buying bulk seeds meant for microgreens, or just organic garden seeds (whatever I can find cheaper that seem quality) and haven’t looked back.
My wallet—and my kitchen windowsill—have never been happier.
My Foolproof Growing Process
After plenty of trial and error, I developed a foolproof process:
- Seed Check: Always confirm your garden seeds are untreated and organic.
- Sanitize: Soak in 3% hydrogen peroxide for time based on seed type.
- Germinate: Place them in a warm spot and let nature take its course.
This routine has given me lush, healthy microgreens every single time.
Crowding and Growth: A Surprising Lesson
Not all seeds handle crowding well. Microgreen varieties like Hong Vit Radish are designed for dense planting, which helps them thrive.
Regular garden seeds, however, might struggle. Here’s a trick I learned: soak them in kelp extract. It will enhance germination and seedling vigor thanks to the natural growth hormones and nutrients present in seaweed. Small tweak, big growth.
What I Learned (So You Don’t Overpay)
After all the research, testing, and trial runs, here’s my takeaway: microgreen and garden seeds are genetically identical. The differences that matter come down to how the seeds are treated and how you grow them.
Curtis says the same here, but makes a great point that you should be aware that microgreen seeds are selected more for germination. So, you wouldn’t want to use them as garden seeds.
For home growers like us, untreated, organic seeds plus a few simple safety steps are all you need for safe, delicious microgreens. Go with whatever you can get your hands on that is cheaper and gives you good results.
So next time you’re adding seeds to your online cart, remember: you’re not just buying seeds—you’re investing in fresh, homegrown goodness. Microgreen seeds will often give you a bit better result, but organic garden seeds could also work and save you money. Choose wisely.
This article was first published on Grow Eat and Repeat.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.