The Complete Guide to Microgreen Seeds: Where to Buy and What to Know

Every tray of microgreens starts with seed. It sounds simple, but seed quality shapes almost everything that follows. Weak or poorly stored seeds lead to uneven germination, thin crops, and disappointing flavor. Start with clean, high-quality seeds, and you set yourself up for a reliable harvest.

In the U.S., the options for microgreen seeds are vast. Some suppliers cater to hobbyists with small packets, others focus on commercial farms ordering in bulk, and a few specialize in rare or heirloom varieties.

In this guide, we’ll cover what matters most when choosing microgreen seeds and where to find them, whether you’re growing a few trays at home or hundreds each week for sale.

Why Seeds Matter

The seed is the foundation of your crop. High-quality seeds give uniform germination, strong growth, and consistent flavor. Poor-quality seeds can leave you with patchy trays and shorter shelf life after harvest.

Food safety is another reason to take seed sourcing seriously. Microgreens are eaten raw, making them vulnerable to pathogens that can come in on seeds. Choosing suppliers that sell pathogen-free seeds reduces risk and keeps your crops in line with safety standards.

For more details on keeping your microgreens safe from contamination, check out our Food Safety for Small Microgreen Growers guide.

Some growers also consider organic certification. Organic seeds usually cost more, but for certain markets, that certification helps sell your product. Conventional, untreated seed works just as well in other cases and costs less.

Finally, the way you buy seed depends on your scale. Hobbyists can experiment with small packets or one-pound bags. Commercial growers move to larger volumes, thinking about cost per pound and how long seed can be stored without losing viability.

What to Look for in Microgreen Seeds

Before buying seeds, keep these points in mind:

• Purity: Untreated, non-GMO, and certified pathogen-free seeds are essential. Any chemical treatment used for field crops is unsafe for microgreens.
  

• Germination rate: Seeds should test above 95 percent. Anything lower could leave bare spots in trays.
  

• Seed size and uniformity: Uniform seeds make seeding easier and produce even stands, especially for small seeds like basil, arugula, or amaranth.
  

• Variety selection: Specialty crops differentiate your microgreens. Purple basil, red amaranth, and wasabi mustard are just a few examples. See our full 100 Microgreens Varieties Guide for inspiration.
  

• Packaging and storage: Moisture-proof or vacuum-sealed packaging extends seed life and protects germination rates.
  
  

Where to Buy Microgreen Seeds in the U.S.

Here’s a breakdown of suppliers trusted by U.S. growers, organized by scale and specialty.

For Small Growers and Hobbyists

1. True Leaf Market (Utah): Wide variety, starter packs, organic options. Beginner-friendly.
   

2. Johnny’s Selected Seeds (Maine): Reliable germination, premium quality, small and medium-sized packs.
   

3. High Mowing Organic Seeds (Vermont): 100% organic seeds. Great for health-conscious buyers.
   

4. Park Seed (South Carolina): Retail-focused, diverse selection for home growers.
   

5. Harris Seeds (New York): Small packs and mid-sized quantities with strong technical notes.
   
   

For Commercial Growers (Bulk and B2B)

1. Mountain Valley Seed Company (Utah): Wholesale branch of True Leaf Market, high-quality seeds in bulk.
   

2. Everwilde Farms (Wisconsin): Wide selection, competitive bulk pricing.
   

3. Siegers Seed Company (Michigan): Long-standing distributor with commercial connections.
   

4. Stokes Seeds (New York): Trusted by greenhouse growers for consistent bulk orders.
   

5. Albert Lea Seed (Minnesota): Strong in organic peas, grains, and legumes that translate well into microgreens.
   
   

Specialty and Hard-to-Find Varieties

1. Kitazawa Seed Co. (California): Asian greens like shiso, tatsoi, mizuna, and komatsuna.
   

2. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (Missouri): Rare and heirloom seeds with unique colors and flavors.
   

3. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (Virginia): Regionally adapted heirlooms, including brassicas.
   

4. Adaptive Seeds (Oregon): Open-pollinated and specialty breeding projects.
   

5. Hudson Valley Seed Company (New York): Creative seed lines with visually striking varieties.
   
   

With these suppliers, new growers can start small, mid-scale farms can buy 5–25 pound bags, and specialty growers can source crops that stand out at markets or restaurants.

Cost and Sourcing Strategy

Seed costs impact your margins quickly. Small packets work when starting, but weekly harvests make bulk pricing a big saver.

For example, sunflower seeds in a one-pound pack may cost $4–5. A 25-pound sack drops the price to around $2 per pound. Multiply that across hundreds of trays, and the difference is clear.

Bulk seeds require proper storage. Keep them cool, dry, and sealed. Professional growers rotate lots to maintain germination rates.

Best-Selling Microgreen Seeds in the U.S.

Some crops dominate the market:

• Sunflower: Crunchy, high-yield, reliable.

• Pea shoots: Sweet, tender, versatile.
  

• Radish: Fast-growing, colorful, slightly spicy.
  

• Broccoli: Mild flavor, high nutritional value.
  

• Wheatgrass: Staple for juicing and smoothies.
  
  

Specialty crops like shiso, red-veined sorrel, and borage bring unique color and texture that justify higher prices. Most growers mix staples for consistent income and specialties to keep the product line interesting.

Pro Tips on Seed Management

Good seed management saves time and money:

• Test germination: Try a small tray before committing to dozens.

• Keep records: Log purchase dates, suppliers, and lot numbers for traceability.
  

• Store properly: Airtight bins in a cool, dry space prevent loss of viability.
  

• Build supplier relationships: Strong communication can lead to early access to new lots and better pricing.
  
  

Seed Safety and Compliance

Microgreens are eaten raw, so safety starts with the seed. The FDA and FSMA expect growers to control sourcing and sanitation.

Some growers rinse larger seeds like sunflower or peas, with hydrogen peroxide before planting. Others rely on certified pathogen-free seeds. Both work if documented consistently.

For more guidance on keeping microgreens safe from pathogens, see our full Food Safety for Small Microgreen Growers blog.

Growing at Home and Experimenting

If you’re just starting, small trays on a kitchen counter or windowsill are a great way to learn. For practical tips, check out How to Grow Microgreens at Home to get step-by-step guidance, including trays, light, and watering routines.

Conclusion: Seeds and Substrates Together

Seeds are the foundation of microgreen production. Whether you buy a few packets or sacks that fill a pallet, your choice determines reliability and crop quality. The suppliers above are trusted across the U.S. for hobby, small-scale, and commercial growers.

The medium you grow on matters just as much as the seed. Soil can introduce variability and contamination. Using a clean, soil-free option like Vegbed bamboo grow mats gives your microgreens a stable, pathogen-free environment.

Pair high-quality seeds with a Vegbed mat, and you have a simple formula for consistent crops and a strong microgreens business. For more microgreen inspiration, see our 100 Microgreens Varieties Guide.