Sunflower Microgreens Made Easy

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Sunflower Microgreens Made Easy

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Growing at Home.

Sunflower microgreens are a nutritional powerhouse and a favourite among microgreen growers. They are crunchy, nutty and full of flavour, making them the perfect addition to salads, sandwiches, wraps and smoothies. Growing sunflower microgreens is a little more complicated than other types, but with the right guidance you can have a home-grown, lush, healthy crop in just 7-12 days. This detailed guide will take you through the process step by step.

Why Grow Sunflower Microgreens?

Sunflower microgreens are known for their nutritional value. They are rich in vitamins A, B, C and E, as well as essential minerals such as zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron. They are also an excellent source of plant protein, making them a healthy and satisfying snack. As well as the health benefits, sunflower microgreens are easy to grow at home and have a delicious texture and flavour that enhances any dish.

Materials needed

Before you start, you will need the following materials:

1. Sunflower seeds: Prepare organic, untreated black oil sunflower seeds specifically labelled for sprouting or microgreens.

2. Grow tray: Use a shallow plastic tray, about 1-2 inches deep. Trays with drainage holes are ideal.

3. Growing medium: Good quality organic potting soil, coco coir or seed mix works well. Hydroponic mats can also be used, although sunflower seeds germinate better in soil.

4. Weight or cover: A second tray or light weight (such as a clean brick) to help the seeds germinate.

5. Spray bottle: For watering seeds and microgreens.

6. Light source: Sunny windowsill or grow lamps for constant light.

7. Water: Clean, room temperature water for soaking and watering.

The necessary seeds, supplies, and materials can be purchased on amazon, temu, etsy or at the nearest specialty store.

Step-by-step guide to growing sunflower microgreens.

Step 1: Soak the seeds.

Sunflower seeds need to be soaked to soften their tough outer shell and encourage germination.

– Measure the seeds: Use enough seeds to create an even layer in the tray without overflowing (about 1/2-1 cup of seeds for a standard 10×10 inch tray).

– Rinse the seeds: Place the seeds in a container and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove all debris and dirt.

– Soak the seeds: Place the seeds in a bowl of water so they are completely covered. Leave to soak for 8-12 hours (ideally overnight).

– Rinse again: After soaking, drain the water and rinse the seeds thoroughly. This step will help prevent mould during germination.

Step 2: Prepare your growing tray.

While your seeds are soaking, prepare your growing tray.

– If you are using a tray with drainage holes, place it on top of a second tray to catch any excess water.

– Add growing medium (soil or coco coir) to the tray, creating an even layer about 1-1.5 inches thick.

– Water the growing medium lightly until it is moist but not soggy. Use a spray bottle or gently sprinkle the water over the surface.

Step 3: Plant the seeds.

Once the seeds are soaked and rinsed, it’s time to plant them.

– Spread the seeds evenly over the surface of the growing medium. Avoid overlapping the seeds too much as this can lead to mould or uneven growth.

– Press the seeds lightly into the soil to ensure good contact, but do not bury them.

Step 4: Cover and germinate.

Sunflower seeds will germinate best in a dark, light room.

– Cover the seeds with a second tray or place a light weight on top. This will mimic the pressure of the soil in a natural environment and help the roots grow stronger and prevent the seedlings from developing legs (tall and spindly).

– Leave the tray in a dark, cool place (65-75°F or 18-24°C) for 2-3 days. Check daily that the seeds are still moist and moisten slightly if necessary.

Step 5: Expose to light.

After 2-3 days the seeds should germinate and you will notice small shoots appearing.

– Remove the lid or weight and place the tray in a bright spot. A sunny windowsill is good or use grow lights for 12-16 hours a day.

– Continue to water the microgreens daily to keep the soil moist. If you are using a tray with drainage holes, water from the bottom and add water to the second tray – this will help prevent mould.

– Over the next few days the sprouts will grow rapidly and develop their characteristic bright green leaves.

Step 6: Monitor and maintain growth.

Sunflower microgreens require a little more attention than other types of microgreens.

– Remove the husks: As the sprouts grow, you may notice that some black seed shells remain attached to the leaves. Use your fingers to gently remove the shells. If they are stubborn, lightly mist the top of the microgreens to soften them and make them easier to remove.

– Prevent mould: Ensure proper ventilation to prevent mould growth. Use a small fan if necessary and avoid over-watering. If you notice mould, improve air circulation, reduce watering and use a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (1 part hydrogen peroxide to 10 parts water) to spray the affected areas.

Step 7: Harvest the microgreens.

Sunflower microgreens are usually ready to harvest when they reach 4 to 6 inches in height, which is usually 7 to 12 days after planting.

– Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the microgreens just above the soil line.

– Gently rinse the harvested greens under cold water to remove dirt and debris.

– Blot dry with a paper towel or air dry before storing.

How to use and store Sunflower Microgreens.

– Use: Sunflower microgreens are versatile and great in salads, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies or as a snack on their own. Their nutty flavour and crunchy texture make them a crowd favourite.

– Store: To preserve freshness, store harvested microgreens in the refrigerator in an airtight container lined with a paper towel. When stored properly, they will keep for up to 5-7 days.

Common problems and solutions:

1. Mould growth:

– Ensure proper ventilation by using a fan or placing the tray in a well-ventilated area.

– Avoid over-watering and make sure the soil is moist, not soggy.

2. Seed shells stick to leaves:

– Soak the seeds before planting to loosen the shells.

– Moisten the tops of the microgreens to soften the shells and make them easier to remove.

3. Uneven growth:

– Spread the seeds evenly when planting to ensure uniform growth.

– If using natural light, rotate the tray daily so that all areas receive even light.

Final thoughts:

Growing sunflower microgreens at home is a rewarding and nutritious activity. Although they require a little more care than other types of microgreens, the results are well worth it. With their crunchy texture, nutty flavour and wealth of nutrients, sunflower microgreens are a fantastic addition to any diet. Follow this guide and you’ll soon be enjoying a fresh harvest of these delicious, home-grown greens!

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