How to Grow Sunflower Microgreens: The Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Sunflower Microgreens

If you love the nutty taste of sunflower seeds, get ready for something even better! Sunflower microgreens (also called sunflower shoots or sunnies) are crunchy, delicious, and packed with vitamins and minerals that help you grow strong and healthy. Even better, they’re one of the most fun and rewarding microgreens you can grow at home!

Unlike those tiny radish or broccoli microgreens that have thin stems and small leaves, sunflower microgreens are BIG. They have thick, crunchy stems and large leaves that feel like you’re eating real food, not just garnish. Plus, they taste amazing—like a mix of sunflower seeds and fresh lettuce with a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that even picky eaters enjoy!

In this complete guide, you’ll learn exactly how to grow sunflower microgreens from start to finish. Whether you’re a student doing a science project, someone who wants to eat healthier, or just curious about growing your own food, this step-by-step guide will show you everything you need to know. Let’s get growing!

What Are Sunflower Microgreens?

Sunflower microgreens are baby sunflower plants harvested when they’re only about 4 to 8 inches tall. Can you believe that? Those giant sunflower plants that grow 6 feet tall in gardens start out as these tiny, edible shoots!

When you grow sunflower microgreens, you’re not waiting for the big yellow flower to bloom. Instead, you harvest them super early—just 7 to 14 days after planting—when they have their first set of leaves. These leaves are called cotyledons (say it like “cot-uh-LEE-duns”), and they’re the baby leaves that first pop out of the seed.

What Makes Sunflower Microgreens Special?

Unlike most microgreens that have thin stems and small leaves, sunflower microgreens are substantial and filling. They have:

  • Thick, crunchy stems that are juicy when you bite into them
  • Large, flat leaves that are about the size of a quarter
  • A sweet, nutty flavor like sunflower seeds mixed with fresh vegetables
  • A satisfying crunch that makes them feel more like real food

Think of sunflower microgreens as the “steak” of the microgreens world—they’re hearty, filling, and substantial, while other microgreens are more delicate and mild.

Sunflower Microgreens vs. Sunflower Sprouts

Don’t confuse these two!

  • Sunflower sprouts are grown in just water for 2 to 5 days and you eat everything including the seed
  • Sunflower microgreens are grown in soil for 7 to 14 days, need light to grow green, and you only eat the stem and leaves (not the roots or leftover seed shells)

Microgreens are more developed, tastier, and have way more nutrients than sprouts!

Why Should You Grow Sunflower Microgreens at Home?

There are so many awesome reasons to grow your own sunflower shoots! Here are the best ones:

1. Packed with Nutrition and Health Benefits

Sunflower microgreens are nutritional superstars! Even though they’re tiny, they’re loaded with:

  • Protein – Helps build strong muscles (they have more protein than most other microgreens!)
  • Vitamin A – Keeps your eyes healthy and helps you see better
  • Vitamin C – Boosts your immune system to fight off colds
  • Vitamin E – Protects your cells and keeps your skin healthy
  • Vitamin K – Helps your blood clot when you get a cut
  • B Vitamins – Give you energy throughout the day
  • Calcium – Makes your bones and teeth super strong
  • Iron – Helps your blood carry oxygen throughout your body
  • Magnesium – Helps your muscles and nerves work properly
  • Zinc – Supports your immune system
  • Essential amino acids – Building blocks your body needs

Scientists say sunflower microgreens have up to 40 times more nutrients than mature sunflower seeds! That means eating just a handful gives your body tons of good stuff.

2. Amazing Taste That Kids Actually Like

Here’s the truth: lots of microgreens taste weird or too strong for kids. But sunflower microgreens? They taste AWESOME! They have a mild, sweet, nutty flavor that’s not bitter, spicy, or gross. They’re crunchy and fresh, kind of like eating crunchy lettuce mixed with sunflower seeds.

Even picky eaters who say they don’t like vegetables often love sunflower microgreens because they taste more like seeds than vegetables!

3. Super Easy and Beginner-Friendly

While some sources say sunflower microgreens are advanced, don’t let that scare you! Yes, they need one extra step (soaking the seeds), but once you know that trick, they’re actually really easy to grow. The seeds sprout reliably, they grow fast, and they’re pretty forgiving if you make small mistakes.

If you can follow directions and remember to water them, you can absolutely grow sunflower microgreens successfully!

4. Fast Results Keep You Interested

From the day you plant seeds to harvest day is only 7 to 14 days! That’s less than two weeks to go from seeds to food. This fast growth is perfect because:

  • You see changes every single day
  • You don’t lose interest waiting for results
  • You can start a new batch every week for continuous harvests
  • It’s perfect for school projects with deadlines

5. Grow Them Anywhere, Anytime

You don’t need a garden, yard, or even much space. One small tray on your kitchen counter is all you need! This makes sunflower microgreens perfect for:

  • Apartments without outdoor space
  • Dorm rooms
  • Classrooms
  • Houses without gardens
  • Anyone who wants fresh food year-round

Plus, you can grow them in winter, summer, spring, or fall—it doesn’t matter because they grow indoors!

6. Save Tons of Money

At fancy grocery stores or farmers markets, sunflower microgreens cost between $4 to $8 for just a small container—and that’s only enough for one or two servings!

When you grow your own, a bag of seeds costs about $5 to $15 and can produce dozens of trays worth hundreds of dollars in retail value. That’s a huge savings, especially if you eat microgreens regularly!

7. They Look Really Cool

Watching sunflower microgreens grow is fascinating! You’ll see:

  • Seeds cracking open
  • Stems pushing upward
  • Leaves unfolding from yellow to bright green
  • Seed shells popping off the leaves

It’s like watching a time-lapse video in real life, and it’s really satisfying to witness!

What You Need to Grow Sunflower Microgreens

Getting started doesn’t require much! Here’s your shopping list:

1. Black Oil Sunflower Seeds

This is the most important supply! You need black oil sunflower seeds specifically meant for growing microgreens or sprouting.

IMPORTANT: Don’t use bird seed! Even though bird seed contains sunflower seeds and is cheaper, you should avoid it because:

  • It might have chemicals or treatments on it
  • It’s not tested for human consumption safety
  • The germination rate (how many seeds actually sprout) might be poor
  • It could have mold or bacteria

Instead, buy food-grade sunflower microgreen seeds from reputable companies that test their seeds for safety. Look for seeds labeled:

  • “For microgreens”
  • “For sprouting”
  • “Food grade”
  • “Organic” (even better!)

Good online sources include True Leaf Market, Johnny’s Seeds, or Mumm’s Sprouting Seeds. A bag usually costs $5 to $15 depending on size.

How many seeds do you need?

  • For a 10×20-inch tray: About 2 cups of dry seeds
  • For a smaller 10×10-inch tray: About 1/2 cup of dry seeds
  • For an 8-ounce container: About 2-3 tablespoons of dry seeds

2. Growing Trays or Containers

You’ll need shallow containers for growing. The best setup includes:

  • One tray WITH drainage holes (where you’ll plant the seeds)
  • One solid tray WITHOUT holes (goes underneath to catch water)

Best tray options:

  • Standard 10×20-inch nursery trays (about $1-2 each at garden stores)
  • 10×10-inch square trays (easier to handle and store)
  • Recycled plastic containers from berries or salad mixes (free!)
  • Food storage containers with holes punched in the bottom

Your container should be at least 2 to 3 inches deep because sunflower roots grow deeper than most microgreens.

Pro tip: Clear or transparent containers let you see the cool root system developing!

3. Growing Medium (What They Grow In)

Sunflower microgreens need something to anchor their roots. Here are your best options:

Potting soil or seed-starting mix – This is the most common choice. Look for:

  • Organic soil
  • Fine texture (not chunky)
  • No added fertilizers (you don’t need them)

Coconut coir – This is made from coconut husks and works really well! It’s:

  • Clean and less messy than soil
  • Resistant to mold
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Great at holding moisture

Hydroponic growing mats – These are special fiber mats made for microgreens. They’re clean and convenient but cost more.

What NOT to use: Never use dirt from your yard because it might have bugs, diseases, or weed seeds.

You’ll need about 1.5 to 2 inches of growing medium—deeper than most other microgreens because sunflower roots grow longer.

4. Water and Spray Bottle

You’ll need:

  • Clean water (tap water is usually fine)
  • A spray bottle for misting
  • A small watering can or measuring cup for bottom watering

If your tap water smells like chlorine, let it sit out overnight before using, or use filtered water.

5. Light Source

Sunflower microgreens LOVE light! They need strong, bright light to grow properly. You have two options:

Bright, sunny window – This can work IF you have a window that gets direct sunlight for many hours a day (south-facing windows are best). However, window light alone often isn’t enough, especially in winter.

LED grow lights – This is the better choice! Grow lights:

  • Provide consistent, reliable light
  • Work year-round regardless of weather
  • Give you control over light hours
  • Use very little electricity

You can find good LED grow lights online for $20 to $60. Position them 6 to 12 inches above your plants and use a timer to keep them on for 12 to 16 hours daily.

Important: Sunflower microgreens need MORE light than most other microgreens. Regular household lamps won’t work—you really need either strong sunlight or proper grow lights.

6. Extra Helpful Supplies

These make growing easier:

  • Another tray or lid to cover seeds during sprouting
  • A small weight (like a book or another tray) for pressing on the cover
  • Clean scissors for harvesting
  • A bowl for soaking seeds
  • Optional: hydrogen peroxide (3% food-grade) to prevent mold
  • Optional: small fan for air circulation

Step-by-Step: How to Grow Sunflower Microgreens

Follow these steps carefully and you’ll have amazing sunflower microgreens! This is easier than it sounds, I promise!

Step 1: Soak Your Seeds (Day 0)

This is THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP for sunflower microgreens! Unlike smaller seeds that don’t need soaking, sunflower seeds have hard shells that need to soften before they can sprout.

Here’s how to soak them:

  1. Measure out your seeds (2 cups for a 10×20 tray)
  2. Put them in a clean bowl
  3. Optional but recommended: Add 1 teaspoon of 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide to help prevent mold
  4. Cover seeds with cool, clean water (about 2-3 inches above the seeds)
  5. The seeds will float at first—that’s normal! You can put a small plate on top to keep them submerged
  6. Let them soak for 8 to 24 hours

Best soaking time: Most people soak for 12 hours, rinse and drain the seeds, add fresh water, then soak another 12 hours for a total of 24 hours. This double-soak works really well!

What you’ll see: After 24 hours, your seeds should be swollen and some might even start sprouting with tiny white root tips poking out. This is perfect!

Pro tip: Do this in the evening so your seeds are ready to plant the next evening after work or school.

Step 2: Prepare Your Growing Medium (Day 1)

While your seeds are finishing their final soak, prepare your tray:

  1. Fill your drainage tray with 1.5 to 2 inches of moist growing medium
  2. Press it down gently to make it firm and level (but don’t pack it super tight)
  3. The surface should be smooth and flat like a pancake
  4. Spray or pour water over the medium until it’s nice and moist (like a damp sponge)

Make sure there are no dry spots and no puddles—everything should be evenly moist.

Step 3: Plant Your Soaked Seeds (Day 1)

Now for the fun part!

  1. Drain your soaked seeds really well
  2. Rinse them one more time with fresh water
  3. Shake off excess water
  4. Spread the seeds evenly across your prepared soil surface

Important: Sunflower seeds should be planted VERY densely—much closer together than most other microgreens! The seeds should almost cover the entire surface with just tiny gaps between them. They should be touching or nearly touching but not piled on top of each other.

Why so dense? Sunflower microgreens support each other as they grow, and the crowding actually helps the seed shells pop off easier!

  1. After spreading seeds, gently press them down into the soil with your hand or the bottom of another tray
  2. Give them a good spray with your spray bottle until all seeds are glistening wet

Step 4: The Blackout Period with Weight (Days 1-3)

Now we create darkness and pressure to help seeds sprout:

  1. Cover your seeded tray with another tray turned upside down, a lid, or cardboard
  2. Put a weight on top—another tray, a book, or a 2-3 pound weight
  3. Place your covered, weighted tray somewhere at room temperature (65-75°F is perfect)

Why the weight? The gentle pressure:

  • Helps roots anchor into the soil
  • Encourages stems to grow thick and strong
  • Helps seed shells pop off easier later
  • Creates better germination overall

Your daily job: Check once a day. Lift the cover and peek inside. If the seeds or soil look dry, spray with water. Everything should stay moist during these dark days.

What’s happening? Your seeds are:

  • Sending roots down into the soil
  • Pushing thick stems upward
  • Preparing to unfold their leaves

Most sunflower seeds will show good sprouting within 2 to 3 days!

Step 5: Remove Cover and Introduce Light (Day 3-4)

When should you uncover them?

When you see:

  • Most seeds have sprouted
  • Stems are pushing strongly against the cover
  • Stems are about 2 inches tall
  • The cover is being lifted by the growing plants

This usually happens after 3 to 4 days.

Time to uncover!

  1. Remove the weight and cover
  2. Don’t panic when you see pale yellow plants—this is totally normal!
  3. Place your tray under grow lights or near your sunny window
  4. Set grow lights 6-12 inches above plants
  5. Turn lights on for 12-16 hours daily (use a timer!)

The amazing transformation: Within 24 to 48 hours, your yellow plants will turn bright green through photosynthesis. It’s like magic watching them change color!

Step 6: Remove Seed Shells (Days 4-7)

As your sunflower microgreens grow, you’ll notice many seed shells (hulls) still stuck on the leaves. While many will fall off naturally, some stubborn ones need help.

Why remove them? The shells:

  • Are hard and not pleasant to eat
  • Can trap moisture and cause mold
  • Block light from reaching leaves

How to remove them:

  1. Once or twice during the growing period, gently spray your microgreens from above with your mist bottle
  2. The moisture helps loosen shells
  3. Use your fingers to gently pluck off any shells still stuck to leaves
  4. Be careful not to pull up the roots!
  5. Don’t worry about getting every single shell—just remove the obvious ones

Pro tip: Shells come off easier when plants are about 4-6 inches tall.

Step 7: Water Properly (Days 3-14)

Sunflower microgreens are thirstier than most other microgreens! They need more water because they’re bigger plants with longer roots.

Bottom watering is best:

  1. Pour water into your solid bottom tray
  2. Place your growing tray with drainage holes inside it
  3. The soil will absorb water from below through the holes
  4. After 20-30 minutes, pour out any water that wasn’t absorbed
  5. The top of the soil should feel moist but not soaking

How often to water:

  • Check daily by feeling the soil
  • Most people need to water every day or every other day
  • In hot, dry conditions, you might water twice a day
  • The soil should never dry out completely or be constantly soggy

Signs they need water:

  • Soil feels dry when you touch it
  • Plants start to look slightly wilted or droopy
  • Leaves aren’t as perky

Step 8: Keep Air Moving (Days 3-14)

Sunflower microgreens are prone to mold because:

  • They’re planted very densely
  • They have lots of moisture
  • Their shells can trap humidity

Prevention with airflow:

  • Use a small fan on low speed aimed at your tray
  • Run it a few hours a day (doesn’t need to be constant)
  • Make sure your growing area isn’t in a closed, humid closet

Good air circulation keeps mold away and makes stems stronger!

Step 9: Watch Them Grow Like Crazy! (Days 4-14)

This is the exciting part! Sunflower microgreens grow FAST and you’ll see major changes every day:

  • Day 1-3: Seeds sprout under cover
  • Day 3-4: Pale yellow stems push upward
  • Day 4-5: Plants turn from yellow to green
  • Day 5-8: Rapid growth—they might grow an inch per day!
  • Day 8-10: Leaves get big and flat
  • Day 10-14: Ready to harvest!

Take daily pictures to create a cool time-lapse of their growth!

When Are Sunflower Microgreens Ready to Harvest?

Your sunflower shoots are ready to eat when:

  • They’re about 4 to 8 inches tall (measured from soil to top of leaves)
  • The first leaves (cotyledons) are fully open and bright green
  • The leaves are flat and about the size of a quarter
  • They’ve been growing for 7 to 14 days
  • Most seed shells have fallen off or been removed
  • RIGHT BEFORE the first “true leaves” appear (these are tiny leaves that grow between the cotyledon leaves)

Perfect harvest window: Days 10-12 for most people

Taste test: Cut a few and try them! If they taste crunchy, fresh, and nutty, the whole crop is ready!

Don’t wait too long! Once the true leaves start developing, sunflower microgreens can get:

  • Tougher and more fibrous
  • Slightly bitter
  • Less tender

How to Harvest Your Sunflower Microgreens

Harvesting is the fun, rewarding moment where you finally get to eat what you grew!

Harvesting Technique

  1. Get clean, sharp scissors or kitchen shears
  2. Hold a bunch of stems gently with one hand
  3. Cut the stems about 0.5 to 1 inch above the soil line
  4. Put harvested microgreens in a clean bowl
  5. Continue until you’ve cut everything you want

Pro tips:

  • Harvest in the morning when plants are most hydrated and crisp
  • Cut clean above the soil so you don’t get dirt on your greens
  • Only harvest what you’ll use in the next few days
  • Leave any weak or yellow plants and only harvest the best ones

Cleaning Your Harvest

  1. Rinse harvested microgreens gently in cool water
  2. Swish them around to remove any leftover seed shells or debris
  3. Lift them out of the water (don’t dump water over them)
  4. Shake off excess water
  5. Pat dry with clean towels or use a salad spinner

Super important: Dry them well before storing! Wet microgreens go bad quickly.

Storing Sunflower Microgreens

For maximum freshness: Eat them immediately after harvesting!

If you need to store them:

  1. Make sure they’re dry or just slightly damp
  2. Put them in an airtight container or bag
  3. Add a paper towel to absorb any moisture
  4. Store in the refrigerator crisper drawer
  5. They’ll stay fresh for 3 to 7 days

Check stored microgreens daily and remove any that look slimy or wilted.

Will They Regrow After Cutting?

Unlike wheatgrass or pea shoots which sometimes produce a second cutting, sunflower microgreens will NOT regrow after harvesting. Once you cut them, that’s it!

After harvest:

  1. Compost or throw away the used soil and roots
  2. Wash your trays really well with soap and hot water
  3. Start a fresh new batch!

Continuous harvests: Many people keep 2 to 4 trays growing at different stages so they always have fresh sunflower microgreens ready!

How to Use Your Sunflower Microgreens

Now for the delicious part! Here are tons of ways to enjoy your homegrown sunflower shoots:

Simple Ways to Eat Them:

  • In salads – Use them as the whole salad or mix with lettuce
  • On sandwiches and wraps – Add a thick layer for crunch
  • On toast – Perfect on avocado toast or peanut butter toast!
  • In smoothies – Blend a handful for extra nutrition (you won’t taste them much)
  • On soups – Sprinkle on top right before eating
  • With eggs – Add to scrambled eggs, omelets, or egg sandwiches
  • On pizza – Top your pizza after it comes out of the oven
  • In tacos – Perfect fresh topping for any taco
  • In spring rolls or wraps – Adds great crunch
  • As a snack – Eat them plain right out of the container!

Creative Recipe Ideas:

  • Sunflower microgreen pesto – Blend with olive oil, garlic, nuts, and parmesan
  • Juice booster – Add to fresh vegetable or fruit juice
  • Stir-fry topper – Toss them in at the very end for crunch
  • Buddha bowls – Perfect topping for grain bowls
  • Sushi rolls – Use them inside homemade sushi
  • Pasta topper – Fresh greens on hot pasta with olive oil

Important tip: Sunflower microgreens are best eaten raw or barely cooked. High heat destroys some of their nutrients and makes them wilt. Always add them at the very end of cooking or eat them completely raw!

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are common issues and solutions:

Problem 1: Mold Growing on Seeds or Soil

Mold looks like white or gray fuzzy cotton balls and smells musty.

WAIT! Is it actually mold or root hairs? Sunflower seeds often grow fuzzy white root hairs that look like mold but are totally normal and healthy.

How to tell the difference:

  • Root hairs: Thin, wispy, attached to stems, no smell, disappear when sprayed with water
  • Actual mold: Fuzzy patches, cotton-like, musty smell, spreads quickly

If it’s real mold:

  • Increase air circulation with a fan
  • Water less often
  • Use only bottom watering
  • Make sure trays aren’t sitting in standing water
  • For next time: Soak seeds in hydrogen peroxide solution before planting

Problem 2: Poor Germination (Seeds Don’t Sprout)

If many seeds didn’t sprout after 4-5 days:

Possible causes:

  • Seeds weren’t soaked long enough (soak for full 24 hours!)
  • Old or bad quality seeds (buy fresh, food-grade seeds)
  • Water was too hot or too cold (use room temperature water)
  • Seeds dried out during blackout period (check and mist daily)
  • Temperature too cold (needs 65-75°F)

Problem 3: Seed Shells Won’t Come Off

This is super common with sunflower microgreens!

Solutions:

  • Mist plants from above to loosen shells
  • Gently remove shells by hand
  • Plant seeds more densely next time (crowding helps shells pop off)
  • Make sure you’re using enough weight during blackout period
  • Soak seeds for the full 24 hours

Don’t stress! Some shells are stubborn. Just remove what you can and don’t eat the shells that remain on harvested greens.

Problem 4: Plants Are Pale Yellow and Won’t Turn Green

If your microgreens stay yellow even after several days of light:

Solutions:

  • Move grow lights closer (try 6 inches away)
  • Increase light time to 16 hours per day
  • Your grow light might not be strong enough (check reviews/wattage)
  • Make sure lights are actually on! (check timer)

Problem 5: Weak, Falling Over, Leggy Plants

If plants grow tall but fall over and look weak:

Causes and fixes:

  • Not enough light (add more/better light)
  • Planted too densely even for sunflowers (use slightly less seed next time)
  • Not enough weight during blackout period (use more weight next time)

Problem 6: Plants Growing Unevenly

Some areas thick and green, other spots bare:

For next time:

  • Spread seeds more evenly
  • Make sure soil surface is completely level
  • Water more evenly during blackout period

Problem 7: Bad Smell

Healthy sunflower microgreens smell fresh and slightly nutty. If they smell sour or rotten:

Causes:

  • Overwatering (let soil dry slightly between waterings)
  • Poor drainage (make sure excess water drains out)
  • Mold or bacteria growing (increase air flow, use hydrogen peroxide soak next time)

Fix: Unfortunately, if they smell bad, it’s best to throw them out and start fresh with better water management.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do sunflower microgreens take to grow?

Sunflower microgreens take 7 to 14 days from planting to harvest. Most people harvest around day 10 to 12. In warm conditions (75°F), they might be ready in 7-9 days. In cooler conditions (65°F), they might take the full 12-14 days.

Do I have to soak sunflower seeds before planting?

YES! This is not optional for sunflower microgreens. Sunflower seeds have very hard shells that won’t sprout well without soaking. Always soak for at least 8 hours, preferably 24 hours with a water change at 12 hours.

Can I use bird seed sunflower seeds?

No! While it’s tempting because bird seed is cheaper, you should never use it because:

  • It might have chemicals or treatments
  • It’s not tested for human safety
  • Germination rates are often poor
  • It could have mold or contaminants

Always buy food-grade sunflower seeds meant for sprouting or microgreens.

Why won’t the seed shells come off?

This is normal! Sunflower seed shells are stubborn. Help them along by misting plants daily and gently removing shells by hand. Many will fall off naturally as plants grow, but some need help. Dense planting and using weight during blackout period also helps shells pop off easier.

Can I grow sunflower microgreens without soil?

Yes! You can use coconut coir or hydroponic growing mats. However, some type of medium is necessary because sunflower roots are long and need something to anchor into. You can’t grow them on just paper towels like you might with some other microgreens.

Do sunflower microgreens regrow after cutting?

No, sunflower microgreens don’t regrow after harvesting. Once you cut them, you need to start a new batch with fresh seeds.

How much should I eat?

There’s no limit! Sunflower microgreens are so healthy you can eat as much as you want. Many people eat a big handful (1 cup) once or twice a day. They’re filling and nutritious!

Are sunflower microgreens safe for kids?

Absolutely! They’re very safe and super healthy for kids. The mild, nutty taste appeals to most children, even picky eaters. They’re a great way to get kids eating more vegetables without them even realizing it!

Can I grow them in my classroom?

Yes! Sunflower microgreens make an excellent classroom project because they grow fast, look impressive, and students can actually eat what they grew. Make sure you have adequate lighting (a grow light is best) and someone to water them over weekends.

Do I need fertilizer?

Nope! The seed has all the nutrients the plant needs for its short life. You don’t need to add any plant food, fertilizer, or nutrients.

Final Tips for Success

Here’s some last advice to ensure your sunflower microgreens turn out perfect:

  1. Don’t skip the soaking! This is the #1 reason people fail with sunflower microgreens. Always soak for the full 24 hours.
  2. Plant them densely – Sunflowers need to be planted much closer together than most other microgreens. Don’t be shy—really pack them in!
  3. Use adequate weight during blackout – This helps them grow strong and helps shells pop off.
  4. Check water daily – Sunflowers are thirsty! They need more water than most microgreens.
  5. Don’t wait too long to harvest – Harvest when leaves are flat and green but before true leaves develop.
  6. Start a rotation – Plant a new tray every 3-4 days so you always have fresh microgreens ready.
  7. Have fun and don’t stress! Even if your first batch isn’t perfect, you’ll still have delicious, nutritious food to eat. You’ll get better with each tray!

Ready to Grow Your Own Crunchy Superfood?

You now know everything you need to successfully grow sunflower microgreens at home! Remember, while they need one extra step (soaking), they’re actually quite easy and forgiving once you know the tricks.

Growing your own sunflower shoots means you get to eat incredibly fresh, crunchy, nutritious food that you grew yourself. You’ll save money, learn about how plants grow, and have a constant supply of delicious greens to add to all your meals.

Plus, imagine how impressed your friends and family will be when you casually mention you grew those amazing crunchy greens yourself!

So what are you waiting for? Get your black oil sunflower seeds, soak them tonight, and in less than two weeks you’ll be munching on your very own home-grown sunflower microgreens!

Happy growing, and enjoy every crunchy, nutty bite!