Choosing between microgreens seeds and sprout seeds for your shop

Retail shops that want to add fast-growing crops to their seed range often face the same question: should the shelf hold microgreens seeds, sprout seeds, or both? The wholesale catalogue groups these two as separate sections, and that separation reflects different customer uses rather than two names for one product. This overview explains how to read the two sections, how to decide what your customers actually need, and how to bring both groups into a single non-binding enquiry.

Two separate catalogue sections

The catalogue lists microgreens and sprouts together as one of its main seed groups, alongside vegetables, flowers and herbs. Within that group, microgreens seeds and sprout seeds are treated as distinct catalogue references. When you plan a range, start from the group structure and note which section each item belongs to. This keeps your selection clear and avoids mixing references that serve different growing methods when you later send an enquiry.

Why the customer use differs

Microgreens and sprouts are grown and harvested in different ways, so a shop customer looking for one is not automatically looking for the other. A retailer should therefore decide per section rather than treating the group as a single product line. Check what your customers ask for, what your shelf or display can support, and whether the two lines would compete for the same space. If your customers are clearly split between the two uses, stocking both sections can make sense; if not, focus on the one that matches demand.

Reading a catalogue entry before you commit

Each entry in the catalogue is organised by seed group, species and variety, and product pages show the available descriptions, reference numbers and listed prices. Use these details to compare entries within the microgreens section and within the sprout section separately. Record the reference number for every item you shortlist, because the reference is what identifies the exact seed in your enquiry. Do not assume two entries are interchangeable just because they sit in the same group.

Building the selection across both sections

You can add varieties and quantities from both sections to the enquiry basket in one selection. Include your business contact details, the destination and any packaging requirements when you send it. This means a single enquiry can cover a microgreens selection and a sprout selection without splitting your request into two separate messages. Submitting the enquiry does not place an order; availability, prices and shipping conditions are checked before a quotation is issued.

Confirming quantities and pack details

The catalogue does not settle every commercial detail in advance. Pack size, available quantity and final price are confirmed during the quotation. For each section, note the unit basis recorded for the product you are interested in, since a price per kilogram is a different basis from a price for a stated number of seeds. Use the product's recorded unit when you describe quantities, and let the quotation confirm what can actually be supplied.

Unlisted items in either section

If a microgreens or sprout variety you want is not listed, the catalogue is not the end of the route. You can send the species or variety name, the quantity and the destination to ask about an item that is not listed. Keep this request separate in your notes from the listed items in your basket so you can see which parts of your range are confirmed catalogue references and which depend on a reply.

A simple decision routine for buyers

Before opening an enquiry, list the microgreens references you want, then the sprout references you want, each with quantities and the recorded unit. Compare that list with what your customers have asked for and with the space you can give each line. If both lists are short, combine them in one enquiry; if only one is justified, send that one. Finally, note your destination and packaging needs so the quotation can address supply conditions in the same reply.

Seeds, knowledge and growing possibilities.

Seed trade journal