how do you germinate sunflower seeds for microgreens

The first step of growing microgreens is to soak the seeds. This softens the hard outer shell and helps the black oil sunflower seeds germinate quickly. Because they have such a tough hull, it’s recommended to soak these seeds for 24 hours total. A minimum of 4 hours will do in a pinch, but the longer they soak the better they’ll sprout.

Full Answer

How to germinate Sunflowers for micro greens?

I find my sunflowers for micro greens germinate over a long time span, rather than nearly all at once. I soak about 12 hours then plant and blackout in a tray with potting soil or with coir or with soil, coir 50-50.

How do you germinate sunflower seeds at home?

Visit the Home Microgreens Store! We recommend pouring 1-teaspoon of 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide over every 25-grams of sunflower seeds. Pour the peroxide right on the seed and stir the seed around. Let the seeds soak for 5 or 10 minutes, then pour room temperature water over the seeds until they're covered by an inch or so of water.

How to grow black oil sunflower microgreens?

For black oil sunflower microgreens, we recommend a shallow container so you’ll be able to harvest the seedlings easily. Punch a few drainage holes in if it doesn’t already have them. As for the soil, you need something with a fine grain. Otherwise, the baby roots may have a hard time taking hold and growing evenly.

Are sunflower seeds the same as microgreens?

They’re still the same species that grow into giant yellow blooms, but they’re harvested much sooner. When growing microgreens, we’re after the cotyledons, which are the first leaves to emerge from the seed. Sunflower seeds are excellent candidates here because they grow two round, plump cotyledons that are perfect for snacking.

Do you soak sunflower seeds before planting microgreens?

2) Soaking Your Seeds Some microgreens don't need to have their seeds pre-soaked. But sunflower seeds have an especially hard shell, and they really benefit from pre-soaking before you try to grow them. This softens the sunflower seeds' shell and makes it easier for them to sprout.

Can any sunflower seed be used for microgreens?

You certainly could use the raw striped sunflower seeds sold as snack foods (as long as they aren't roasted or salted, and still have shells). I've used them before and they work well. Black oil sunflower seeds taste a bit more flavorful, so if you like the striped ones, venture out to try the others someday.

How long soak sunflower seeds microgreens?

Treating Sunflower Microgreen Seeds Let the seeds soak for 5 or 10 minutes, then pour room temperature water over the seeds until they're covered by an inch or so of water. The hydrogen peroxide will break down into oxygen and water, so there's no need to rinse the seeds before adding the water.

How do you get sunflower seeds to sprout?

1:367:39How to Grow Sunflower Sprouts and Microgreens - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen I'm done spreading the seeds out I pour a little more soil on top of the seeds just a very thinMoreWhen I'm done spreading the seeds out I pour a little more soil on top of the seeds just a very thin layer. And then wet the whole area until it's nice and wet.

Should sunflower seeds be soaked?

The first step to any sprouting is to soak the seed or grain. In fact, you should do this to all your seeds, grains and nuts. Yup, you read right, soak 'em, for 1 ½ to up to 24 hours before you eat them raw or cook them.

What kind of sunflower is used for microgreens?

3:057:28BEST Sunflower Microgreens SEEDS (High Germination, No ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCompany that I know of is called true leaf market. They are probably the biggest supplier of microMoreCompany that I know of is called true leaf market. They are probably the biggest supplier of micro green seeds. And their seeds are typically very good. But. I will say that the sunflower seeds in

How do you germinate microgreen seeds?

How to grow microgreens (in a nutshell)Soak seeds 6-8 hours, or according to package directions.Soak the growing mat with water, and place in a container or baking dish.Spread out the seeds.Cover and place near a window until the seeds sprout.Remove lid, and let grow until vibrant leaves appear.Water daily.

Should I soak my microgreen seeds before planting?

While pre-soaking seeds is not mandatory, certain varieties of microgreen seed will sprout easier when the hard shell that surrounds the seed has been softened with moisture. When seeds are pre-soaked, there is a quicker germination time and more even growth of stems and first leaves.

How many sunflower seeds for a tray of microgreens?

For most microgreen varieties, around 1oz of seeds are used per tray, bringing the cost per tray down to under $1. There are special cases (cilantro, radish, sunflower, pea), but this is just a basic overview.

Can I sprout raw sunflower seeds?

Sunflower Sprouts Guidelines: The word “sproutable” may be printed on the package. Avoid roasted or toasted sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds in the shell are better for growing microgreens, but raw seeds, both hulled and unhulled, work well for sunflower sprouts.

How long do you soak sunflower seeds before sprouting?

The ones best for sprouting look like this:Soak the sunflower seeds for 12-18 hours. ... Dump into a colander until they sprout- keep damp by spraying with tap water. ... Step 3-6.Spray with a spray bottle to keep it damp.

Can you germinate sunflower seeds in paper towel?

You can germinate sunflower seeds by folding a paper towel into quarters and placing it on a dinner plate. Mist the towel to moisten it and space several seeds about 1/2 inch apart near the center of the towel. Fold another paper towel in half, mist it and cover the seeds with it.

How to grow microgreens from sunflowers?

The first step in growing sunflower microgreens is to soak the seeds in a mixture of food grade hydrogen peroxide and water. The peroxide reduces the possibility of fungus or mold growing on the sunflower seeds as they germinate. Hydrogen peroxide can also be sprayed on the seeds and young plants if fungus forms as they grow.

How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to oxidize sunflower seeds?

Let the peroxide soak into the seeds for 5 to 10 minutes. You'll hear it oxidizing in the cup.

What is microgreens video course?

The Home Microgreens Video Course is perfect for the person that wants to grow one or more trays of microgreens for home use. Trays of microgreens also make great gifts!

How long does it take for microgreens to grow?

We like to harvest the sunflower microgreens within one or two days after the first true leaves start to form. For the tray below, that is only 8-days from planting! Yes, sunflower microgreens grow quickly. If the true leaves get too large, the microgreens become tough and a little bitter.

What to look for after 48 hours of germinating?

Below is a tray of sunflower seeds with growing fungus. If you don't see this, click here to go to the next step.

Can you eat sunflower microgreens raw?

You can eat sunflower microgreens raw or blanched. If you add them to hot foods, add them at the end, so they reta in some of the crunchiness. They go great on a wide variety of dishes, including soups, salads, omeletes, and scrambled eggs, as well as toppings for sandwiches and wraps.

Can you nip fungus in sunflower seeds?

Don't worry if you do have some fungus, we can nip it in the hyphae. As we mentioned, sunflower seeds often get a bit of fungus growing on them. If caught early, the fungus can be taken care of, and your tray of microgreens will go on to flourish.

How to store sunflower microgreens?

3) Storing Your Sunflower Microgreens. After you harvest your microgreens, you’ll want to carefully and gently wash them off. Then put them between two moistened paper towels and seal them in a plastic bag. They’ll last this way in your fridge for up to five days.

How to grow sunflower seeds in a paper towel?

Add your seeds on top of the paper towel, and you’re ready to add water. Add water to the bottom of the container, about half an inch or so. It should quickly start to wick into the paper towel and soak your seeds. Just leave your seeds to grow for a week or two and you’ll have sunflower microgreens!

What are microgreens high in?

They’re also high in fiber and contain a wide range of other vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, B Vitamins, C, D, and E. Plus magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, and trace amounts of zinc, copper, chromium, and manganese. Compared to eating dry sunflower seeds, microgreens are more easily digested.

How long does it take for a sunflower to grow?

You can gently flick these off. Your sunflower microgreens will be fully grown and ready to harvest in about 10 to 14 days.

How to grow microgreens indoors?

1) Getting Your Soil. If you’re really on a shoestring budget, you can simply go outside to your garden and dig up a bit of soil to take inside and grow your microgreens in. But if you’re planning on growing your microgreens indoors, I’d recommend against this. The soil in your yard is full of organic life.

How to harvest microgreens?

The easiest way to harvest them is to take a sharp pair of scissors or a kitchen knife and cut their stems off just above soil level.

Where can I buy sunflower seeds?

You can buy sunflower seeds from garden centers or online retailers. But I find the cheapest way to get some uncooked sunflower seeds to use for growing microgreens is actually in the form of bird food! If you look wherever wild bird seed is sold in your area, you’ll find bags of 100% black oil sunflower seeds.

How long does it take to treat sunflower seeds?

We treat sunflower seed with a teaspoon of food-grade hydrogen peroxide per 25-grams of seed. After 5 to 10 minutes we add fresh water to the seeds until the seeds are covered by an inch of water.

How long does it take for sunflower seeds to soak?

The second set of seeds continued soaking for 12 more hours before it was planted. Below is a photo of those seeds. You can see that some of the radicles have started to emerge from the seed.

How long should sunflower seeds soak in water?

Pour the peroxide right on the seed and stir the seed around. Let the seeds soak for 5 or 10 minutes, then pour room temperature water over the seeds until they're covered by an inch or so of water.

What is microgreens video course?

The Home Microgreens Video Course is perfect for the person that wants to grow one or more trays of microgreens for home use. Trays of microgreens also make great gifts!

How long have sunflowers been in blackout?

The seeds in the tray labeled Sunflowers Tully (the tray was for a microgreen workshop) soaked for 12-hours and have been in blackout for 12-hours with weight on them. Notice how level and flat the seeds are. The tray labeled "48-hour soak" was just planted.

Do you need to rinse sunflower seeds before adding water?

The hydrogen peroxide will break down into oxygen and water, so there's no need to rinse the seeds before adding the water . For more information on how to plant sunflower microgreens, and see how the peroxide reacts when added to the seeds, watch the video in How to Grow Sunflower Microgreens at Home.

Can you use hydrogen peroxide on sunflower seeds?

For that reason, we recommend treating sunflower seeds with food-grade hydrogen peroxide before soaking or planting.

Why sunflower microgreens are a bit tricky to grow

One of the most popular microgreens to grow, sunnies are coveted not only for their flavor (slightly nutty and sweet), but also for their nutritional properties. They contain vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6 as well as folate, iron and protein. They’re a good source of healthy omega-3s and omega-6s plus amino acids.

Selecting sunflower seeds

All good harvests begin with good seeds. And when growing sunny microgreens, it’s all about the black oil sunflower seeds. These seeds are smaller than striped seeds that we eat as snacks, and have a shiny, black coat.

How to grow sunflower microgreens: step-by-step

Sunflowers, aptly named, love the sun and love the warmth. If you’re growing microgreens in the summertime, you may experience better and faster growth than during colder, wintery conditions.

Author: Josh Tesolin

Josh is co-founder of RusticWise. When he’s not tinkering in the garden, or fixing something around the house, you can find him working on a vast array of random side projects.

How To Grow Sunflower Microgreens

Now that you know what sunflower microgreens are let's get into the materials you are going to need in order to follow along in this guide.

How To Harvest Sunflower Microgreens

Sunflower microgreens are usually ready to harvest 7 to 12 days after sprouting. Move your trays to a cool, shady place. If your microgreens are harvested when it is too hot, they will wilt very quickly after harvesting. If harvested when cool (late evening, early morning), they will tend to stay fresh and crisp.

Health Benefits of Sunflower Microgreens

Due to their nutritional content, they provide many antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cardiovascular benefits. Sunflower microgreens are now used to treat several conditions, including pulmonary and laryngeal infections, heart disease, colds, and coughs.

How long does it take for sunflower seeds to germinate?

Your germination time will vary based on the temperature in your farm, your seeds, your procedure, etc, but my germination time is between three and four days.

When are microgreens ready to harvest?

Even though you are bottom watering now, keep brushing the hulls off after each watering. On the sixth or seventh day that my sunflower microgreen strays are under lights, they're ready for harvest. You should have a similar situation, but this will be determined by the nuances of your grow room and your seeds.

Do sunflower seeds float?

It made a world of a difference will all seeds, good and bad. Keep in mind that sunflower seeds do float, so you will need some sort of system in place to keep the seeds under water. If they end up floating to the top, they absorb water correctly. I use strainer bags which make it easy to soak seeds.

How do microgreens germinate?

After seeding, always ensure that you cover up your growing tray with a lid or dark paper and place the tray in a dark space, such as a closet.

What temperature do microgreens grow?

Microgreens grow best under warm temperatures with an ideal range of between (68-77℉) and 50 to 60% room humidity. Growing your seeds in cooler regions might require a room warmer to adjust the temperature deficit.

What are the benefits of microgreens?

Sunflower microgreens have lots of health benefits. Nutritionists agree that regular consumption of sunflower microgreens can help individuals deal with several lifestyle conditions, including diabetes, cancer, vitamin deficiencies, and a boost to the immune system. Microgreens are also rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and a myriad of other health conditions.

What is the best potting soil for sunflowers?

Sunflower microgreens require a nutrient-dense potting medium to facilitate growth. These small plants grow best under potting soil or coco coir (a fiber made using coconut husks). You can also opt to grow the plants using hydroponics, although it might be slightly expensive than the other means.

How are sprouts different from microgreens?

A sprout is a germinated seed formed once the shoot breaks the soil surface , and photosynthesis has not yet occurred. In contrast, a microgreen is a much larger plant with experienced photosynthesis and has started developing leaves.

Can you water seeds from a container?

Watering your seeds is an integral part of the day. However, adding water directly from a watering container can cause damage to the delicate plants. Instead, you can try using a water spray bottle to mist the soil surface until it is moist.

Can you use regular sunflower seeds for microgreens?

If you’re looking for a short answer, yes. Regular, garden variety sunflower seeds that would be used to grow sunflowers in your garden are perfectly fine for making sunflower microgreens. After all, a microgreen is just the same plant in the earliest stages of growth.

What are the best kind of sunflower seeds for microgreens?

You might be asking yourself what the best kind of sunflower seeds are for growing microgreens. After all, the regular ones might be just fine, but are there any seeds that are particularly helpful when it comes to growing microgreens?

Can you use birdseed for microgreens?

You can grow microgreens with the sunflower seeds (and other seeds) present in birdseed. However, you’ll need to be careful. Some birdseed is not considered safe for human consumption. If you’re planning on using birdseed because you have it lying around, check to make sure it’s safe for eating by humans.

Are all sunflower microgreens edible?

Yes, all sunflower microgreens are edible. However, some (such as those grown with birdseed) may not be very good for you. However, if the seeds are safe for human consumption, there are no sunflower microgreens that will be harmful to you. So, again, if you’re looking for a short answer, yes. All sunflower microgreens are edible.

Nutritional benefits of sunflower microgreens

There are a ton of nutritional benefits to eating sunflower microgreens. Like microgreens of all kinds, sunflower microgreens are extremely nutrient-dense. They are absolutely packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B, D, and E, as well as being a fantastic source of protein and essential amino acids.

Other great microgreens

There are a ton of other microgreens that provide different nutritional benefits than sunflower microgreens. If you like sunflower microgreens, you should try pea shoots, kale microgreens, broccoli microgreens, or arugula microgreens!

Are sunflower microgreens easy to grow?

With the relatively simple growing process outlined above, sunflower microgreens are considered one of the easier microgreens to grow. This makes them fantastic for those of us who are just entering the world of microgreens, and also great for experienced microgreen growers looking for something easy to add to their arsenal.

What is the nutrition of sunflower seed microgreens?

RusticWise informs us that these little greens pack a powerful punch in the nutrition department. To start, they are a great source of iron, protein, omega 3 and 6, and folate. They are also a great source of vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K.

Can I grow sunflower seed microgreens at home?

Growing your own microgreens at home is an excellent and more affordable alternative to buying them at the grocery store. It will, of course, take more time and effort to grow them yourself but it is both rewarding and fun to harvest your own microgreens.

Where should I buy sunflower seeds for growing my own microgreens?

Although you may be tempted to purchase sunflower seeds straight from the supermarket, you should know that these seeds are not the best option for growing your own microgreens because they are usually roasted and covered in salt, sugar, or preservatives.

What supplies do I need for growing my own microgreens?

You can use any shallow container for growing your microgreens such as standard growing trays or even leftover containers. Be sure to poke holes in the bottom of the container for drainage, otherwise, you may drown your seeds. You will also need potting soil and of course sunflower seeds.

How long does it take to grow sunflower seed microgreens?

Unlike other microgreens, you will need to presoak and pre-sprout your sunflower seeds, according to RusticWise. You will need to soak them until you see the first signs of growth, typically 24-48 hours. Then you will plant and grow your seedlings. Usually, they are reading for harvest in approximately 8-14 days.

What are the common problems when growing microgreens?

It isn’t uncommon for many microgreen beginners to see a variety of issues when starting out. Microveggy lists some common issues such as mold or mildew, falling over, slow germination, uneven growth, yellowing, and dirty harvesting.

What causes mold or mildew?

A variety of factors related to moisture could cause mold and mildew on your microgreens. For instance, overwatered soil, high humidity, and overseeding may all lead to this issue. You can prevent this by not overwatering, ventilating, and avoiding planting too many seedlings at once so that they aren’t growing tightly packed together.