Short answer: mix microgreens that grow at the same speed. Fast brassicas (broccoli, kale, cabbage, kohlrabi, radish, mustard, arugula) grow well together in one tray in 8 to 12 days. Big-seed shoots (peas, sunflower, fava, buckwheat) mix with each other. Grow slow herbs on their own and toss them in after harvest. Balance mild greens with a little spice and add one colourful crop.
Microgreens that grow well together
| Group | Crops | Days | Mix in one tray? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast brassicas | Broccoli, kale, cabbage, kohlrabi, bok choy, radish, mustard, arugula | 8–12 | Yes |
| Big-seed shoots | Sunflower, peas, fava, buckwheat | 8–12 | Yes, with each other |
| Beet family | Beet, Swiss chard | 8–12 | Yes, with each other |
| Herbs and amaranth | Basil, cilantro, dill, parsley, amaranth | 12–28 | Usually grow alone |
6 microgreen mix ideas
| Mix | Crops | Flavour |
|---|---|---|
| Mild and green | Broccoli, kale, kohlrabi | Mild, fresh |
| Rainbow | Red cabbage, kale, rainbow radish | Mild with pops of colour |
| Spicy | Radish, mustard, arugula | Hot and peppery |
| Asian greens | Bok choy, tatsoi, mizuna | Mild and juicy |
| Salad base | Pea shoots + sunflower + buckwheat | Sweet, nutty, crunchy |
| Chef's garnish | Red amaranth, basil, red mustard (grown apart) | Colourful and aromatic |
How to make a mix in one tray
- Pick crops from the same group. All fast brassicas, for example.
- Set your total seed weight for the tray. For a 10 × 20 inch tray of brassicas, about 15 to 25 g.
- Split by ratio. Use more of the mild crop and less of the spicy one.
- Shake the seeds together in a jar so they're evenly mixed.
- Sow, cover and grow as normal. See the step-by-step microgreens guide.
When to grow separately
Usually, grow crops apart and mix after harvest if:
- Seed rates differ a lot. Sunflower needs 150 g or more per tray; broccoli needs about 20 g.
- Timing differs. Basil takes three weeks; radish takes 10 days.
- One needs a weight. Sunflower and peas grow best with a weighted blackout, which can crush small seedlings.
Cut each tray when it's ready, then toss the greens together in a bowl.
Ready-made microgreen blends
Sprouting.com sells tested blends with seeds matched to grow together:
- Spicy Microgreen Blend: mustard, arugula and cress. Hot.
- Microgreen Salad Mix: peas, fava beans, buckwheat and sunflower. A big-seed salad base.
Using your microgreen mix
- Salads: a mix makes an instant salad. See microgreens salad ideas.
- Sandwiches and wraps.
- On pizza and pasta, added after cooking.
- As a garnish: see how to garnish with microgreens.
Check the microgreens seeding chart for seed rates for each crop.
Frequently asked questions
Can you grow different microgreens in the same tray?
Yes, if they grow at the same speed. Fast brassicas like broccoli, kale, cabbage, kohlrabi, radish and mustard mix well. Big-seed shoots like peas, sunflower and buckwheat also mix with each other. Avoid pairing fast crops with slow herbs.
What's a good beginner microgreen mix?
Broccoli, kale and red cabbage make a mild, colourful mix that's ready in 8 to 12 days. Add a little radish for spice.
How much of each seed goes in a mix?
Use the total seed weight for one tray and split it by the ratio you want. For example, for 20 g, try 8 g broccoli, 8 g kale and 4 g radish.
Are pre-made microgreen blends worth it?
They're handy because the seeds are already matched by speed. They're a good way to try several crops without buying many packs.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
