How to Sell Microgreens: Pricing, Permits, and Starting a Business

September 19, 2023

Originally Published: September 19, 2023 | Updated: May 29, 2026

(Disclaimer: this is not intended to be business, legal, or financial advice. This is just our opinion based on our personal experience. Read full disclaimer at the end of the blog.)

We usually don't cover the sales aspect of microgreens, primarily because we stopped selling our microgreens in 2019 to pursue our true passion: content creation, sharing our growing experiences, and developing products. In fact, since 2019, we have been giving away all our produce for free to friends and family or consuming it ourselves. However, we've received so many inquiries on this subject that we believe an in-depth blog post is needed.

To begin, we will provide some insights into microgreens and the reasons behind the growing interest in selling them. We will introduce you to the world of selling microgreens and highlight important considerations. Following that, we will dive into the pricing of microgreens, the requirements for selling them, and finally, the topic of selling microgreens labeled as "organic."

If you're brand new to growing, start with our Beginner's Guide to Growing Microgreens or grab the $3.99 printable Beginner's Guide PDF.

Want to go even deeper? Our Microgreen Masterclass includes an entire dedicated section on selling microgreens, covering everything from pricing strategies and packaging to approaching restaurants, setting up at farmers markets, building direct-to-consumer sales, and the business fundamentals you need to get started. It's designed for growers at every level, whether you're just thinking about selling your first tray or ready to scale into a real business. You can preview the full curriculum, including the entire selling module, in our Microgreen Masterclass course breakdown.

Quick Answer: How Do You Start Selling Microgreens?

To start selling microgreens, you'll typically need a few core things: a registered business (LLC or sole proprietorship), a food handler's permit, properly labeled packaging (including harvest date, business name, and crop variety), liability insurance, and compliance with your local health department's requirements for selling fresh produce. Most areas allow microgreens to be sold under Cottage Food Laws since they're considered non-perishable. The most common sales channels are farmers markets, direct-to-consumer sales, local restaurants, grocery stores, and online. As of 2025/2026, microgreens typically sell for $25 to $40+ per 10x20 tray wholesale to restaurants, $2 to $4 per ounce retail, or $4 to $8 per ounce for specialty varieties. Starting small (a few trays per week) is the smartest way to test your market before scaling. Always verify current regulations with your local health department and state agriculture office before selling.

Section 1: What Are Microgreens and Why Sell Them?

Recently, there has been a remarkable surge in the popularity of microgreens, especially in urban settings. As more people prioritize health and search for foods rich in nutrients, microgreens have emerged as a top choice due to their substantial vitamin and mineral content. The advancement of urban farming technologies, including hydroponics and energy-efficient LED grow lights, has revolutionized the cultivation of microgreens in confined spaces. These innovations enable apartment dwellers and other city residents to transform small spaces into productive micro farms, making urban agriculture a feasible and attractive endeavor.

What Are Microgreens?

Before delving into the business aspect, let's clarify what microgreens are. Microgreens are young (typically 7 to 14 days), edible plants harvested at the cotyledon or true leaf stage. They're packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a popular choice for garnishes, salads, smoothies, and more. Microgreens come in a variety of flavors and colors, including peppery arugula, basil, spicy radish, and nutty sunflower, adding both aesthetic appeal and taste to dishes. Research from the University of Maryland has shown that many microgreen varieties contain significantly higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals compared to their mature counterparts. If you'd like to learn more about the science behind microgreen nutrition, check out our blog on the mental health benefits of microgreen nutrition and growing microgreens.

Why Microgreens?

Several factors contribute to the popularity of growing microgreens to sell:

Rapid Growth: Microgreens have a short growth cycle, typically ranging from 7 to 21 days. This quick turnaround means you can harvest and sell multiple batches each month, increasing your potential profit when compared to regular vegetables.

High Demand: The demand for fresh, locally sourced, and organic produce is on the rise. Microgreens are sought after by restaurants, health-conscious consumers, and farmers markets because they can be grown organically.

Nutrient Rich: Many people fall in love with microgreens, not only because they are tasty and easy to use, but also because they are backed by peer-reviewed research showing they contain an impressive amount of nutrients for their tiny size.

Small Space Requirement: Not only can microgreens be grown indoors on a windowsill, but they can also be grown abundantly in a small space. For instance, we grew in a 160 sq-ft space for several years. In that space we could grow well over 144 10x20 trays (6 grow racks with 24 trays each) at a time. Depending on the variety and grow method, if we only grew broccoli microgreens and met our average harvest weight per tray, that's roughly 110 pounds of broccoli microgreens per 11 to 16 days. This makes them an ideal option for urban dwellers or those with limited space.

On The Grow indoor grow space with multiple racks of microgreen trays

Section 2: Getting Started With Selling Microgreens

Starting to sell microgreens can be a rewarding venture for new and seasoned entrepreneurs in the gardening world, whether you're looking to sell to friends and family, local consumers, restaurants, or through online channels. Here's a step-by-step guide on the best way to get started:

1. Learn About Microgreens: Start by gaining knowledge about different types of microgreens, growing methods, and best practices to fit your lifestyle. Experiment with growing microgreens at home to develop your skills and understand the nuances of their cultivation. Consider all grow options to determine what works best for you (hydroponics versus soil, indoor versus outdoor, etc).

We personally lean towards hydroponic growing because we find it to be easier, cleaner, and more fun for us to grow ours this way. However, others absolutely crush it using soil methods. Check out our Video Library and blog for tons of free resources on every growing method.

2. Identify Your Niche: Determine your target market. Are you selling to local consumers, restaurants, or retailers? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your products and marketing strategies.

Whenever we sold microgreens, we started with farmers markets, built an email list from our market sales, then moved into DTC (direct-to-consumer) sales within our city and neighborhood. Then eventually, we had chefs from multiple local restaurants and neighboring cities approaching us to sell to them. Despite the many offers, our love is learning and teaching, so we began giving all produce away, as we have now done since 2019.

3. Choose Microgreen Varieties: Select microgreen varieties based on market demand, flavor profiles, and your growing capabilities. Consider popular varieties like broccoli, radish, peas, and sunflower, and more visually stunning options like amaranth or nasturtium to stand out. Reach out to local chefs and research your local restaurants and grocery stores to see if there are any potential opportunities to grow and sell. For specific crop guides, see our How to Grow Broccoli Microgreens guide and How to Grow Pea Microgreens guide.

4. Set Up Your Growing Space: Create a suitable growing environment, whether it's in a greenhouse, converted basement, etc. Ensure proper lighting, temperature, and humidity control. Just remember that if you plan to sell them, make sure you are taking the proper action to provide produce in a clean and safe manner. Your grow space should be well kept, and up to any local codes/requirements for growing and selling produce. For a complete walkthrough of building a proper indoor setup, see our professional grow rack setup guide.

If you're unsure about what you'll need to do, in most cases you can contact your local health department and ask questions, or even reach out to your local farmers market and ask them what is required to sell with them. When we sold in Lucas, TX in 2019, we were required to have a registered business with the state of Texas and food handlers licenses. The reason being is that we sold items that aren't considered perishable there, such as milk, eggs, and meat. So, they didn't require anything special. Mind you, if we were to have sold to grocery stores or restaurants, we may have had more things to acquire before we could do so, legally. (There's a section later in this blog that goes more in depth on this topic.) Keep in mind that requirements can and do change over time, so always verify current regulations with your local authorities.

5. Source Quality Seeds: Purchase high-quality, organic seeds from reputable suppliers. Seed quality plays a crucial role in the success of your microgreens. Consider buying in bulk. It's a higher up-front cost, however, it costs less in comparison to buying seeds multiple times. For more on seed quality and food safety, see our microgreen seed quality guide.

Here's our affiliate link to the company we have used for years: True Leaf Market.

6. Experiment and Perfect Your Technique: Practice growing microgreens to perfect your technique and achieve consistent results in terms of taste, appearance, and yield. You have to remember that you are dealing with living organisms, and sometimes you might face an unexpected issue. It's better to know how to jump over the hurdle than face it the first time right before you need to sell. See our top microgreen growing mistakes guide for common pitfalls to avoid.

7. Develop a Business Plan: Create a business plan that outlines your goals, budget, production capacity, pricing strategy, and marketing plan. Start small but dream big.

Come up with a business name that fits your personality, as well as your niche and/or farm, and remember to do the proper business name and/or logo investigation to make sure you can legally use that name and/or logo. For instance, we have our name, logo, and slogan legally trademarked to further protect our brand, meaning that others cannot use the same or similar sounding names/logo/slogans. While it's not necessary for most people to invest in trademarks, we did so because of the type of business we are and want to become. Always research to prevent legal troubles.

8. Obtain Necessary Permits and Certifications: As discussed earlier in step 4, check local regulations and acquire any necessary permits or licenses for selling food products. If you plan to label your microgreens as organic, consider obtaining an organic certification. We'll discuss this further in Section 5.

9. Set Up a Sales Channel:

a. Farmers Markets: Reserve a booth at local farmers markets to connect with consumers directly. Consider doing what we did and set up an optional email list that people can fill out with their names and email to opt in to receiving emails from your business. This is a great way to build direct-to-consumer sales of your greens.

b. Restaurants and Cafes: Contact local restaurants and cafes to inquire about their interest in purchasing fresh microgreens. For more on this specific channel, see our Best Microgreens for Restaurants guide.

c. Online Sales: Establish an online presence through a website or social media to reach a broader audience.

d. Local Retailers: Approach local grocery stores or specialty food shops to explore the possibility of supplying them with your microgreens.

e. Office Buildings: Office buildings can be filled with hungry people looking for healthy options. Consider reaching out to them or leaving business cards.

f. Distribution: In some cases, you may be able to find distributors in your local area that will buy your produce in bulk, for a lower price, and then resell it for you to their list of chefs and customers.

10. Packaging and Presentation: Invest in attractive and eco-friendly packaging that keeps your microgreens fresh and visually appealing. Presentation is key, but we also like to try and minimize our impact on local trash by choosing eco-friendly materials.

On The Grow at Lucas Texas farmers market selling microgreens at booth

11. Marketing and Promotion: Use social media, local advertising, and word-of-mouth to promote your microgreens. Highlight their freshness, flavor, and health benefits. In today's landscape, short-form video content is one of the most powerful tools for reaching new customers. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts allow you to showcase your growing process, harvesting, and beautiful finished product in quick, engaging clips that can reach thousands of people organically. Smartphones are easy ways to create quality content. Just make sure your videos are well lit and in-focus. Don't get discouraged if at first it is slow. Remember, the tortoise wins the race. Consistency is what builds an audience over time.

12. Build Relationships: Develop strong relationships with customers, chefs, and retailers. Be responsive to feedback and strive for excellent customer service. Under-promise and over-deliver. Set high standards for yourself, your business, and your greens, and others will take notice.

13. Monitor and Adapt: Continuously monitor your sales, customer feedback, and market trends. Be willing to adapt your product offerings and strategies as needed. Your ability to adapt can make a big difference in how your business does.

14. Scale Gradually: As your business grows and you gain experience, consider scaling your microgreens production to meet increasing demand. Just don't leap in so far that you feel unhappy. Again, starting small is usually the easiest way to get your feet wet, and we are big advocates of telling people to grow a few trays for several weeks to see if they enjoy it before committing to more. A successful business is one that has good energy from both the owner and consumer standpoints.

Starting to sell microgreens is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and a commitment to quality. Take your time, do your research, grow some greens, and eventually one day you may find yourself running a successful business growing microgreens to sell to your local community.

Want a complete, structured guide to selling your microgreens? Our Microgreen Masterclass includes an entire section dedicated to the business side of microgreens, from pricing and packaging to approaching restaurants, farmers market strategies, building DTC sales, and more. It's designed to take the guesswork out of turning your growing hobby into a real business. See exactly what the selling module and all 11 modules cover in our full course breakdown.

(See video at end of blog to hear even more about our experience of selling microgreens at a farmers market.)

Section 3: Pricing Microgreens for Profit (2025/2026)

Now that we've discussed everything from the basics of what microgreens are, to starting a microgreens business, let's look into how to price your microgreens.

Pricing your microgreens right is a crucial aspect of running a successful microgreens business. These tiny greens are flavorful and nutrient-rich, making them a hot commodity among health-conscious consumers and chefs alike. Here are some key considerations to help you find the sweet spot for pricing your microgreens.

Cost of Production: Start by calculating your production costs. This includes expenses for seeds, growing medium, trays, water, utilities, packaging, and labor. Knowing your costs will help you avoid under-pricing and ensure a reasonable profit margin.

Market Research: As we have mentioned in the past, as well as earlier in this blog, you should always research your local market to understand the price range for microgreens. This will give you insights into what customers are willing to pay and help you remain competitive.

Quality Matters: High-quality microgreens can command a premium price. Focus on consistent growth, appearance, and taste to justify a higher price point. When it comes down to it, people are willing to pay a higher price for something that feels of good quality. Just remember while it's good to know your worth, it's also not good to over-price things simply to make more profit.

Quantity Discounts: Consider offering discounts for larger quantities. This can encourage bulk purchases from restaurants and regular customers. Whenever we would sell DTC using wide mouth mason jars, we offered discounts when people returned the original jars.

Packaging: Invest in attractive and eco-friendly packaging. A well-presented product can justify a slightly higher price. You can even have fun and add in edible flowers or herbs to make it exciting.

On The Grow chef sampler box with microgreens herbs and edible flowers

Value-Added Products: Explore creating value-added products like mixed microgreen blends or curated chef's selections to diversify your offerings and increase the perceived value. You can even create your own spice blends.

Seasonal Variations: Be flexible with your pricing to accommodate seasonal variations in supply and demand. Adjust your prices accordingly to meet customer expectations.

Customer Feedback: Pay attention to customer feedback. If customers consistently find value in your microgreens, you may have room to adjust your pricing upwards.

Competitors: This is part of business and competition is healthy in most cases. Be mindful that someone may be competing with you to get that sale, so taking care of your current and new customers is vital.

Trial and Error: Don't be afraid to adjust your pricing as you gain experience and gather data. A little trial and error can help you find the optimal price point for your microgreens.

In the end, pricing microgreens is a balance between covering your costs, offering a high-quality product, and staying competitive in your market. By considering these factors and staying attuned to your customers' needs and preferences, you can set a price that not only sustains your business but also allows it to grow in the ever-expanding market for microgreens.

Common Pricing for Microgreens

The most common price for selling microgreens can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, type of microgreens, quality, and market demand. As of 2025/2026, the general market for microgreens looks something like this:

Standard Microgreens: Common varieties like radish, sunflower, and pea shoots are often sold for approximately $2 to $4 per ounce or $25 to $50 per pound.

Specialty or Gourmet Microgreens: Unique or gourmet varieties, such as amaranth, nasturtium, shiso, and red veined sorrel, can command higher prices, often ranging from $4 to $8 or more per ounce.

Organic Microgreens: Organic microgreens are typically priced higher due to the cost of organic certification and sustainable growing practices. Prices can range from $3 to $5+ per ounce or more.

Bulk Purchases: Some sellers offer discounts for bulk purchases, catering to restaurants and other wholesale buyers who might buy larger quantities.

Variety Packs: Sellers often package mixed microgreens or variety packs and charge a premium for the assortment.

Keep in mind that these prices are general estimates, and some areas are way higher or even lower. When we sold our microgreens, we aimed to try to get a minimum of $20 to $25 per tray. We know that we use all organic ingredients and put a lot of care and time into our microgreens and brand, so we know they fetch a higher value. In today's market, most growers are aiming for $25 to $40+ per tray minimum depending on variety and market. In our local area, there were local growers that sold their microgreens for $5.00+ for 4 oz of product at nearby farmers markets. Pricing has generally increased across the board due to rising input costs and growing consumer demand, so don't be afraid to price your product at what it's worth.

Section 4: What Is Required to Sell Microgreens?

This is a topic that we get asked about often and thought it would be good to cover in this blog. While it does look like a lot, it's actually quite simple and easy to get started selling microgreens. To sell microgreens, you'll need to take several steps to ensure that your business complies with local regulations and operates smoothly. Be mindful that this list is general guidance. Your local area may have more or fewer requirements. Here's a list of common requirements to start selling microgreens:

Business Registration: Depending on your location, you may need to register your microgreens business with the appropriate government authorities. This could involve obtaining a business license or registering your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation.

Permits and Licenses: Check local and state regulations to determine if you need any specific permits or licenses to sell food products, even if you're only selling at farmers markets or online.

Food Safety Compliance: Ensure that your microgreens comply with food safety regulations. This may involve following guidelines for handling, packaging, and storing your microgreens to prevent contamination. The FDA Produce Safety Rule provides federal guidance, but local requirements may go further. For complete cleaning and sanitization protocols, see our cleaning and sanitization guide.

Organic Certification (if applicable): If you want to label and market your microgreens as "organic," you will need to obtain organic certification through a recognized certifying agency in your country. We cover this in detail in Section 5 below.

Market-Specific Regulations: Be aware of any regulations or guidelines specific to the markets or venues where you plan to sell your microgreens, such as farmers markets, restaurants, or online marketplaces.

Tax Identification Number: Obtain a tax identification number or employer identification number (EIN) from the tax authorities to handle tax reporting and payment.

Insurance: Consider obtaining liability insurance to protect your business in case of unforeseen incidents or accidents.

Record-Keeping: Establish a system for tracking your expenses, income, and inventory. Accurate record-keeping is essential for tax purposes and business management.

Quality Control: Implement quality control measures to ensure that your microgreens are consistently fresh, clean, and free from contaminants.

It's essential to research and understand the specific requirements and regulations in your area, as they can vary widely by location. Consulting with local business associations, agricultural extension offices, or regulatory agencies can provide valuable guidance and ensure that you meet all legal and safety requirements for selling microgreens.

For instance, in the city of Lucas, Texas, in 2019, to sell microgreens at the local farmers market we had to call our local health department, ask questions, and find out if we needed any particular certifications. This helped us learn that we needed to have:

A business registered with the state
Up-to-date food handlers permits (especially if we wanted to hand out samples)
Correct labeling on packaging that shows: date harvested, when to use by (typically within 1 week), our business name/logo, crop name, etc
An LLC and business insurance
A well-maintained and sanitized space

The local health department was also able to inform us that in our area, microgreens fall under what's called the Cottage Food Law, so special requirements aren't needed as they're not a perishable product such as meat, eggs, and milk. You can even ask your local farmers market what their requirements are to sell, and in most cases, they can help point you in the right direction. Keep in mind that Cottage Food Laws vary by state and can change, so always verify the current rules in your area before selling.

On The Grow microgreens product label with harvest date and crop variety

Section 5: Selling Microgreens Labeled As "Organic" (2026)

We see often on social media, sellers who market their microgreens as organic. While this may be true that they are in fact grown organically using organic practices, you should always make sure that you aren't labeling without the correct certifications in place. Selling microgreens labeled as "organic" without proper certification is not advisable and may lead to legal and reputational issues. Organic certification is a regulated process designed to ensure that products labeled as "organic" meet specific standards for organic farming practices. These standards often include using organic seeds, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and adhering to sustainable agricultural practices.

In the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees the National Organic Program (NOP), which sets strict guidelines for organic certification. To label your microgreens as "organic," you need to go through the certification process, which involves inspections, record-keeping, and compliance with organic standards. In most cases they even send out a specialist to view your practices in person.

Important Update: In March 2024, the USDA's Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule went into full effect, the most significant update to organic certification since the original Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. This rule introduced sweeping changes that anyone considering organic certification needs to be aware of, including:

More extensive recordkeeping requirements across the entire organic supply chain, including fraud prevention plans and audit trail documentation
Unannounced on-site inspections of certified operations (previously, inspections were scheduled and expected)
Risk-based supply chain traceability audits designed to detect fraud and verify the organic status of products from farm to market
Broader certification requirements where even handlers, processors, and anyone involved in touching or moving organic products may need to become certified, not just the grower

What this means for small microgreen growers is that the process of obtaining and maintaining organic certification is now more thorough, involves more paperwork, and can be more costly than it was just a few years ago. This makes it even more important to understand the full commitment before labeling anything as "organic."

If you're interested in selling organic microgreens, here are the general steps to obtain organic certification:

Understand Organic Standards: Research and familiarize yourself with the organic standards and regulations specific to your country or region. In the United States, you would refer to the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) regulations, including the updated SOE requirements.

Transition Period: If your microgreen production has not been organic previously, there may be a transition period during which you must use organic practices without using prohibited synthetic chemicals. This period can vary depending on the certifying body.

Choose a Certifying Agency: Contact a reputable organic certifying agency or organization in your area. These agencies are responsible for verifying that your microgreens meet organic standards. In the United States, some examples of accredited certifying agencies include CCOF, Oregon Tilth, and QAI.

Complete the Application: Submit an application to the certifying agency of your choice. The application will typically include information about your microgreen operation, including your production methods, inputs, and land management practices.

On-Site Inspection: The certifying agency will conduct an on-site inspection of your microgreen operation. Under the updated SOE rule, be prepared for both scheduled and unannounced inspections. During the inspection, they will assess your adherence to organic standards, record-keeping practices, and any potential sources of contamination.

Documentation and Records: Maintain detailed records of your microgreen production practices, including seed sources, soil amendments, pest control methods, harvesting practices, and your fraud prevention plan. These records are essential for certification and now required to be more detailed than ever under SOE.

Compliance and Corrections: Address any issues or deficiencies identified during the inspection. The certifying agency may provide you with a list of corrections or improvements that need to be made to meet organic standards.

Certification Approval: Once your microgreen operation is in compliance with organic standards, the certifying agency will grant you organic certification.

Labeling and Documentation: After obtaining certification, you can label your microgreens as "organic." Ensure that your packaging, marketing materials, and documentation comply with organic labeling regulations.

Annual Renewal: Organic certification is typically valid for one year. You will need to undergo annual inspections and renewal to maintain your organic certification.

Remember that the certification process may vary depending on your location and the certifying agency you choose. It's essential to work closely with your chosen certifying agency, follow their guidelines, and maintain accurate records to ensure a smooth certification process. Once certified, you can market your microgreens as organic, catering to consumers who seek organic and sustainably grown produce.

An Alternative Worth Considering: Certified Naturally Grown (CNG)

If USDA Organic certification feels too costly or paperwork-heavy for your small operation, there's another option worth looking into called Certified Naturally Grown (CNG). CNG is a nonprofit-backed certification program designed specifically for small-scale farmers who use natural, chemical-free growing practices but may not be able to justify the cost and administrative burden of full USDA Organic certification.

CNG standards are based on the same ideals as the USDA Organic standards: no synthetic fertilizers, no synthetic pesticides, and sustainable growing practices. The key difference is the approach. Instead of expensive third-party inspections, CNG uses a peer review system where other local farmers inspect your operation. This keeps costs significantly lower, typically around $250 per year compared to $2,000 to $3,000+ per year for USDA Organic certification.

While the CNG label does not carry the same legal weight as the USDA Organic seal (you cannot use the word "organic" on your packaging without USDA certification), many consumers at farmers markets and in local communities value and recognize the CNG certification as a trustworthy indicator of naturally grown, chemical-free produce. It's a great middle ground for small microgreen growers who want a recognized certification without the heavy financial and administrative commitment of going full USDA Organic.

You can learn more at CertifiedNaturallyGrown.org.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Microgreens

How much do microgreens sell for in 2026?

As of 2025/2026, microgreens typically sell for $2 to $4 per ounce or $25 to $50 per pound for common varieties like radish, sunflower, and pea shoots. Specialty or gourmet varieties (amaranth, nasturtium, shiso, red veined sorrel) command $4 to $8+ per ounce. Wholesale to restaurants, most growers aim for $25 to $40+ per 10x20 tray minimum. Pricing has generally increased due to rising input costs and growing consumer demand, so don't undersell yourself.

Is selling microgreens profitable?

Selling microgreens can be profitable, but it depends on your local market, costs, and the time you invest in building accounts. The advantages include short grow cycles (7 to 21 days, allowing for multiple harvests per month), small space requirements (we grew 144 trays in 160 sq ft), and high price-per-pound compared to traditional vegetables. The realities include startup costs ($150 to $500+ for basic equipment), labor time (planting, harvesting, packaging, marketing, sales), and the need to build a customer base. Most successful growers start small (a few trays per week) and scale gradually as their customer base grows.

Do you need a license to sell microgreens?

Requirements vary significantly by country, state, and county. In most U.S. locations, you'll need a registered business (LLC or sole proprietorship), a food handler's permit, and properly labeled packaging. Many states classify microgreens under Cottage Food Laws since they're considered non-perishable, which simplifies requirements compared to selling meat, eggs, or dairy. Always contact your local health department and state agriculture office before selling to confirm your specific requirements.

Can you legally sell microgreens as organic?

To legally label and market microgreens as "organic" in the U.S., you must obtain USDA Organic certification through an accredited certifying agency. Simply using organic seeds and avoiding synthetic chemicals isn't enough. You need the formal certification. As of March 2024, the USDA's Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule made certification more rigorous, with increased recordkeeping requirements and unannounced inspections. Annual certification typically costs $2,000 to $3,000+. A more affordable alternative is Certified Naturally Grown (CNG), which costs around $250 per year and uses a peer review inspection model. Just note that you cannot use the word "organic" on packaging with only CNG certification.

Where can I sell microgreens?

The most common sales channels are farmers markets (great starting point for building a local customer base), direct-to-consumer sales (subscription boxes, neighborhood delivery), local restaurants and cafes (consistent wholesale orders), grocery stores and specialty food shops, online sales through a website or social media, office buildings (healthy snack option), and distributors (bulk wholesale to chefs and stores). Most successful microgreen businesses use a mix of 2 to 4 channels rather than relying on just one.

How do you price microgreens for restaurants?

For restaurant wholesale, most growers price between $25 and $40+ per 10x20 tray as of 2025/2026, depending on variety, market, and competition. Specialty varieties (nasturtium, amaranth, shiso) command higher prices. Build relationships by offering free samples to chefs, providing consistent quality and delivery, and being responsive. Restaurants value reliability over the absolute lowest price. For more on this channel, see our Best Microgreens for Restaurants guide.

What microgreens sell best?

The best-selling varieties are typically broccoli, radish (especially China Rose and Daikon), pea shoots, sunflower, and cilantro. These are recognized, mild-to-spicy-flavored, and pair well with most dishes. Specialty/visually striking varieties like nasturtium, amaranth, shiso, red veined sorrel, and edible flowers command premium prices but have smaller markets. Most growers find success leading with 4 to 6 common varieties and adding 1 to 2 specialty varieties for differentiation.

How many microgreens do you need to grow to make a living?

This depends entirely on your market, pricing, and overhead. Rough math: if you average $30 per 10x20 tray and produce 50 trays per week, that's $1,500 per week in gross revenue, or about $78,000 per year before expenses. After accounting for seeds, growing medium, packaging, labor, rent, utilities, and other costs, take-home varies dramatically. Some growers can sustain a comfortable living on 30 to 50 trays per week, others need 100+ trays. Start small, track your actual numbers, and scale based on real data.

Can I sell microgreens from home?

In most U.S. states, yes, you can sell microgreens grown from home under Cottage Food Laws, since microgreens are considered non-perishable and don't fall under the same strict requirements as meat, eggs, or dairy. You'll still need business registration, a food handler's permit, proper labeling, and compliance with your state's specific Cottage Food regulations. Some states require an inspected commercial kitchen for any food sales, so always verify with your local health department first.

How do you find customers for microgreens?

Start with farmers markets to build face-to-face relationships and an email list. Approach local restaurants with free samples (chefs are the gatekeepers, not the front-of-house staff). Use Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts to showcase your growing process and harvests, this builds direct-to-consumer interest in your area. Post in local Facebook groups (neighborhood and city-based). Network at local food co-ops and natural food stores. Once you have one good customer, ask them for referrals. The microgreen community in most areas is small and word-of-mouth spreads quickly.

Final Thoughts

Well, y'all, we've covered just about everything we could think of for those who are contemplating the idea of entering the world of selling microgreens and starting their microgreens business. While it might appear to be quite a lot to take in, once you embark on the journey and find your rhythm, it tends to become more manageable than it initially appears. We hope that this blog has shed some light on the subject, perhaps even sparking a few "ah-ha" moments or providing you with greater clarity.

If you want a structured, step-by-step path through everything we covered here, our Microgreen Masterclass walks through the entire selling and business process in one organized place. You can preview every module first in our full course breakdown.

Happy growing!

Disclaimer

The information in this blog is based on our personal experience growing and selling microgreens for over 7 years and is intended for educational purposes only. The pricing figures, revenue estimates, profit margins, and timelines shared throughout this guide are general industry estimates and reflect what we and other growers have seen in our specific markets. Actual results will vary significantly based on your location, local demand, competition, pricing strategy, overhead costs, variety selection, growing environment, and the time you invest in building accounts. We make no income guarantees, and nothing in this guide should be interpreted as a promise of specific earnings.

The information about business licensing, food safety certifications, GAP standards, cottage food laws, commercial kitchen requirements, and selling regulations is general guidance only. Laws and requirements vary significantly by country, state, county, and city, and they change over time. Before selling microgreens to restaurants or any commercial buyer, you are responsible for verifying current requirements with your local health department, department of agriculture, and any other relevant regulatory agencies. On The Grow is not a legal, tax, or business advisor, and nothing in this guide constitutes legal, financial, or professional advice.

Related Blogs You Might Enjoy

More Resources

Microgreen Masterclass (Online Course) includes a complete section on selling microgreens and starting a business. See the full course breakdown
Becoming a Microgreen Master Book (also available as an eBook)
Video Library for tutorials on growing techniques and methods
Frequently Asked Questions
Free Microgreen Seeding Guide PDF
Microgreen Education (Free & Paid)
Where to buy grow supplies (trays, mediums, and more)

Originally Published: September 19, 2023
Updated: May 29, 2026
All content is property of On The Grow®, LLC