Best Microgreens to Grow in New Hampshire
New Hampshire sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5. These 36 microgreen varieties are suited to New Hampshire's 155-day growing season with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 5.
Varieties
36
for New Hampshire
USDA Zone
5
155-day season
Beginner
16
easy to grow
Heirloom
28
heritage varieties
New Hampshire in USDA Zone 5
New Hampshire is primarily in Zone 5. Varieties that thrive in this zone will typically grow well across the state, though local microclimates vary.
When to Plant Microgreens in New Hampshire
Growing Microgreens in New Hampshire
Zone 5 gardeners have a unique advantage when it comes to microgreen cultivation - the moderate climate and decent growing season create ideal conditions for both indoor and outdoor production. With average temperatures that avoid extreme heat spikes, your microgreens won't bolt as quickly as they might in warmer zones, giving you better harvest windows and more consistent quality. The challenge lies in the shorter growing season and potential for late spring cold snaps that can stress young plants if you're growing outdoors.
When selecting microgreen varieties for Zone 5, prioritize cold-tolerant options that can handle temperature fluctuations and varieties that mature quickly to maximize your harvest potential. The best performers in this zone are those that thrive in cooler conditions - think brassicas, peas, and hardy greens that actually prefer the moderate temperatures. Avoid heat-loving varieties like some herbs during the peak summer months, as even Zone 5 can see temperatures that stress delicate microgreens.
The varieties I've selected for Zone 5 excel because they're either naturally cold-hardy, have short growing cycles that work well with the climate, or offer flexibility for both indoor winter growing and outdoor spring/fall production. These picks will give you reliable harvests whether you're growing on a windowsill in February or in a cold frame during shoulder seasons.
Variety Comparison
Variety Details
Alfalfa Microgreens
Commonly used to add flavor and texture to salads and sandwiches. One tablespoon of seed yields approx. 2-3 cups of sprouts. All of Johnny's high-germination sprouting seeds have tested negative for the presence of E. coli 0157 and Salmonella. USDA Certified Organic.
Amaranth Microgreens
Round to heart-shaped leaves are medium-green overlaid with burgundy red. Striking color on the undersides of the leaves. Cutting the top of the plant yields beautiful, multicolored rosettes that can be added to mixes. Comparable to spinach in flavor. Often used in soups.
Arugula Microgreens
Purple stems and dark-green leaves. Based on our yield trial, we recommend seeding 10 gm per tray at approx. 3 flats per oz of seed. Avg. days to maturity was 14 days when harvested at the first true leaf (as opposed to cotyledon) stage. Also available in organic seed.
Basil Microgreens
Large 2-3" long, turned-down leaves. This stunning basil is nearly black in color. Purple flowers and red leaves make an attractive garnish. Ht. 16-20".Edible Flowers: Use the flowers in any recipe that calls for basil, or to garnish drinks, salads, soups, pasta, and desserts. Flavor is of intense basil.
Beet Microgreens
The highest-quality Chioggia strain available. Medium-height tops are green with pink-striped stems. Excellent flavor. Also available in organic seed or with NOP-compliant pelleting.
Broccoli Microgreens
Mildly spicy broccoli flavor. One tablespoon of seed yields approx. 1-1 1/2 cups of sprouts. All of Johnny's high-germination sprouting seeds have tested negative for the presence of E. coli 0157 and Salmonella.
Buckwheat Microgreens
Buckwheat is widely grown as a grain crop, bee pasture, soil improving cover crop and as wildlife cover. It is a warm season grain which grows rapidly during the summer and several crops per year may be had with proper management. This rapid and dense growth chokes out weeds and is used in crop-free fields in rotation with vegetables. Buckwheat is often grown to attract beneficial insects and as pasture for honey bees. Sow in late May through July and till in about a month later, when flowering has begun. For grain harvest, sow 3 months before fall frost. Harvest after killing frost.
Cabbage Microgreens
Extremely uniform small heads with good wrapper leaves. Inner leaves are tender, crunchy, and have an excellent, sweet, mild cabbage flavor. Perfect for summer salads, slaws, or cooked dishes. In the UK, they are harvested early in the season, before they have fully headed, and sold as "spring greens." Avg. head weight: 1 1/2-2 lb. Also available in organic seed.
Carrot Microgreens
Purple Kisses is very similar to Dara, with 3-5" lacy umbels atop strong, sturdy, upright stems. Flowers in shades of dark purple, pink, and approximately 15% white. Highly productive with 7-15 stems per plant. Long lasting in bouquets. Also known as Queen Anne's lace, ornamental carrot, and wild carrot.
Celery Microgreens
Medium-large, relatively smooth round roots with buff-colored skin. Interiors are white and flavorful and resist pithiness and hollow heart. Also available with NOP-compliant pelleting.
Chia Microgreens
These nutrient-dense microgreens offer a unique growing experience as the seeds become gelatinous when wet, creating their own natural growing medium. Chia microgreens have delicate, tender leaves with a mild, slightly tangy flavor that's completely different from the crunchy seeds. They're packed with omega-3 fatty acids and provide a gourmet touch to salads and smoothies.
Chives Microgreens
Compared to Staro, Purly has a more upright plant habit with a slightly straighter leaf. Edible Flowers: Pull the florets apart and sprinkle on salads, dips, sauces, soups, stir-fries, and pizza. Great as an addition to potato salad. Flavor is of mild, sweet onion.
Cilantro Microgreens
Santo is a slow-bolting selection grown for its leaves. Like the leaves and seeds, the flowers are also edible. NOTE: We test all our cilantro/coriander lots for the presence of Pseudomonas. Attracts Beneficial Insects: if allowed to flower, provides pollen and nectar for beneficial insects such as, bees, hoverflies, and tachinid flies.Edible Flowers: Use them raw because the flavor fades quickly when cooked. Sprinkle to taste on salads, bean dishes, chicken, and spicy Southwestern dishes. Flavor is of mild cilantro.
Clover Microgreens
Once established, white clover can handle foot and tractor traffic better than other clovers. The fibrous root system typically is in the top 8" of soil, although it does have up to a 40" tap root in the first year which dies each fall, leaving a passage for water to percolate through. More heat tolerant than some of the larger clovers, this is a low-growing (to 12") perennial that can be sown into long-season row crops during the season to provide a "living mulch." Sow after first cultivation and rake or cultivate to cover. Also used for green manure, hay, and pasture. Inoculate with Alfalfa/True Clover Inoculant (#7535) for best performance.
Corn Microgreens
7-8" ears with glossy deep yellow kernels. A high percentage of kernels pop producing tender popcorn. 8-9' plants.
Cress Microgreens
Also known as "Curly Cress" or "Peppergrass." Try adding cress to a sandwich or when an extra-spicy bite is needed. Based on our yield trial, we recommend seeding 10.5 gm per tray at approx. 3 flats per oz of seed. Avg. days to maturity was 13 days when harvested at the first true leaf (as opposed to cotyledon) stage. Also available in organic seed.
Dill Microgreens
Early flowering plants produce large blooms, seed umbels, and foliage on long stems, making Bouquet the preferred dill for cut-flower use and pickling. Also an economical, fast-growing choice for baby-leaf production. Edible seeds, flowers, and greens flavor many foods. Popular addition to sauces, salads, and soup. Foliage known as dill weed. Edible Flowers: The flowers are used to garnish potato salad, green salads, and pickles. When broken into florets, they can be mixed into a cheese spread or omelet.Also available in organic seed.
Fennel Microgreens
Vigorous and uniform strain is slow to bolt. Nonbulbing type. Leaves are a nice addition to salads, coleslaws, and dressings.Flavor in fennel develops and intensifies as plants mature. Very young plants (baby-leaf stage) will have a mild flavor, while mature plants (8-12" tall) will have a fuller fennel flavor. Edible Flowers: The florets are used to garnish savory dishes, and pair well with fish, potato, tomato, and beef dishes. Flavor is of sweet anise.USDA Certified Organic.
Fenugreek Microgreens
Rich, herbal, slightly bitter flavor. One tablespoon of seed yields approx. 1 1/2 cups of sprouts. All of Johnny's high-germination sprouting seeds have tested negative for the presence of E. coli 0157 and Salmonella. USDA Certified Organic.
Kale Microgreens
Nicely round bulbs with light orange flesh and sweet flavor. Develops good color early in root development. Stores well. Sized seed. Also available in organic seed.
Lemon Balm Microgreens
Fresh leaves for teas, cold drinks, and salads. During the summer, small white flowers full of nectar appear which attract bees. Easy to grow. Mulch can aid winter survival in areas where winter temperatures typically reach below 0°F (-18°C).
Lettuce Microgreens
Beautiful large dark red heads with nicely contrasting green centers. Excellent flavor and texture. The surest heading of red butterheads. Utility Patent granted. MT0-30. Also available with NOP-compliant pelleting.
Mizuna Microgreens
Traditional brassica green of Japanese origin prized for its quick growth, productivity, mild flavor, and recognizable, serrated leaf shape. USDA Certified Organic.
Mung Bean Microgreens
Popular in Asian cuisine, often stir-fried to accompany meals. 1/4 cup of seed yields approx. 2-3 cups of sprouts. Mung Bean can also be grown in open-flat trays as shoots; harvest as soon as first true leaves open for optimal taste and texture. Very fast maturing with attractive green leaves and pink stems. All of Johnny's high-germination sprouting seeds have tested negative for the presence of E. coli 0157 and Salmonella. USDA Certified Organic.
Mustard Microgreens
Purple-tinted leaves with gently scalloped margins. Plant densely so leaves remain a proper size for baby leaf and petioles elongate for easy harvest. Somewhat spicy mustard flavor. Also available in organic seed.
Onion Microgreens
Widely adapted, day-neutral, and matures well anywhere in North America from spring sowing. Suitable for fall planting where short-day onions are normally grown. Produces uniform, large, white-skinned onions with mild flavor and thick rings. Not for long storage. Sierra Blanca is the same variety as Super Star. It has been renamed by the breeder. AAS Winner. Also offered as plants and as conventional seed with NOP-compliant pelleting.
Pea Shoots
Yellow peas are a great non-GMO protein source and are becoming more prevalent in feed rations with protein percentages ranging from 21-25. They contain high levels of carbohydrates, are low in fiber, and contain 86-87% total digestible nutrients, making them an excellent livestock feed. In spring or fall, sow alone or mixed with vetch and/or oats, winter rye, or ryegrass. Harvest for grain at 16-18% moisture or when the seeds are hardened and fully mature. Inoculate with Garden Combination Inoculant (#7531) or Pea, Vetch, and Lentil Inoculant (#7534) for best performance.
Purple Kohlrabi Microgreens
Harvest when round and about 8" diameter, before it begins to elongate. At this size, the roots will store well and the flesh will be sweet, tender, and delicious. Kossak will keep in cold storage for up to 4 months. Also available in organic seed.
Purple Radish Microgreens
Stunning microgreens featuring vibrant purple stems topped with bright green cotyledons, delivering the classic peppery radish bite in miniature form. These colorful microgreens are among the most visually striking varieties available, making them favorites for garnishing and adding both spice and beauty to dishes. Fast-growing and virtually foolproof, they're perfect for beginners wanting dramatic results.
Radish Microgreens
Make beautiful bunches with this mix of red, purple, pink, and white round radishes. Maturing over an extended period of time, they stay crisp and mild even when large. Great fun for children and adults alike.
Red Amaranth Microgreens
Tall, well-branched, heat-loving plants produce armloads of blooms. Bronze to chestnut-colored plumes are ideal for autumn bouquets and bunches. Pinching out the center (apical) bud is recommended for optimum branching. Also known as amaranth.
Red Cabbage Microgreens
Extremely uniform small heads with good wrapper leaves. Inner leaves are tender, crunchy, and have an excellent, sweet, mild cabbage flavor. Perfect for summer salads, slaws, or cooked dishes. In the UK, they are harvested early in the season, before they have fully headed, and sold as "spring greens." Avg. head weight: 1 1/2-2 lb. Also available in organic seed.
Red Clover Microgreens
Delicate microgreens with a mild, sweet flavor and attractive purple-pink stems topped with small rounded leaves. These nutrient-dense sprouts are rich in isoflavones and add both visual appeal and subtle clover taste to salads and sandwiches.
Spinach Microgreens
Fast-growing medium-green leaves are smooth to slightly savoyed.
Sunflower Microgreens
This big sister to Sonja has larger flowers and thicker, sturdier stems. Branches are 35-48" and sport 4-6" blooms. May yield as many as 20-25 stems/plant. First sunflower to win an All-America Selections award. Also suitable for year-round greenhouse production. Day-length neutral. Minimal pollen. Branching. AAS Winner.
Wheatgrass Microgreens
Wheat sprouts with a sweet flavor. 1/2 cup of seed yields approx. 2-3 cups of sprouts. All of Johnny's high-germination sprouting seeds have tested negative for the presence of E. coli 0157 and Salmonella. USDA Certified Organic.
Zone 5 Growing Tips for New Hampshire
In Zone 5, you can start hardy microgreens like pea shoots, kale, and broccoli outdoors as early as mid-April, about 2 weeks before your last frost date. These cool-season varieties actually prefer the crisp spring temperatures and won't be damaged by light frosts. For more tender varieties like basil and amaranth, wait until after May 1st when soil temperatures have warmed and nighttime lows stay consistently above 45°F.
Take advantage of your moderate summers by succession planting every 10-14 days, but switch to heat-tolerant varieties like red cabbage and mustard greens during July and August when temperatures peak. During these warmer months, provide afternoon shade or grow indoors where you can control temperature. Come September, you can resume outdoor growing with fall crops - actually some of the best microgreen harvests happen in early fall when temperatures cool but you still have decent daylight hours.
Season extension is key in Zone 5. Simple cold frames, row covers, or even growing trays placed in an unheated garage can extend your growing season well into November and start it earlier in March. Many microgreens only need 7-14 days to harvest, so even brief warm spells in late fall or early spring give you harvest opportunities.