Sprouting Instructions for Sunflower Seeds (Soilless Method – Black Oil or Hulled Seeds)
🌱 Supplies Needed:
- Food-grade hulled sunflower seeds (for short sprouts) or black oil sunflower seeds (for microgreens)
- Wide-mouth jar or tray with mesh lid or screen
- Clean water
- A dark, cool space
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Measure Todd’s Seeds Sunflower Seeds
Use about 1/2 to 1 cup of seeds per quart-size jar or tray.
2. Rinse & Soak
- Rinse thoroughly in cool water.
- Soak seeds for 8–12 hours (overnight) in a large bowl or jar with plenty of water.
3. Drain & Rinse
- Drain soak water and rinse with fresh water.
- Place the jar upside down at an angle to drain, or spread seeds in a sprouting tray.
4. Rinse 2–3 Times Daily
- Rinse and drain thoroughly every 8–12 hours to prevent mold.
- Keep in a dark, cool place (~65–75°F) for the first 2–3 days.
5. Exposed to Light
- Once tails appear (around day 2–3), move to indirect sunlight for greening.
- Continue rinsing until the sprouts are 1–2 inches long (typically day 4–5).
6. Harvest
- Harvest when sprouts are tender with small green leaves.
- Remove any hulls by gently rinsing or spinning in a salad spinner.
🧊 Storage
- Give one final rinse and drain thoroughly.
- Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Best used within 3–5 days.
✅ Tip: Use hulled seeds for easier sprouting and no hull removal, or black oil sunflower seeds for robust microgreens (typically grown in trays with soil or growing pads).