Microgreens are plants that are harvested before full maturity when they are approximately 1-4 inches tall. You can, in fact, eat microgreens grown from sunflower seeds. According to RusticWise, eating plants at this stage is great for your health because they have a higher concentration of vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients than mature plants do. Sunflower microgreens also have a delicious sweet and nutty flavor that makes them an excellent addition to sandwiches or salads.
Are you still curious about sunflower seed microgreens? Continue reading the article below to find out more about the benefits of eating sunflower seed microgreens and how to grow them at home.
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.
What are the health benefits of sunflower seed microgreens?
Sunflower seed microgreens boast a large number of health benefits with little calories or fat. According to RusticWise, there are a variety of benefits including them in your diet.
- Vitamin A and Omegas support healthy skin while Riboflavin boosts brain function and shiny hair.
- Vitamin E and C support a healthy heart by lowering blood pressure and protecting arteries.
- Folate and B6 support healthy pregnancies.
- Vitamin C boosts the immune system and supports the development of collagen.
- Vitamin K and C help promote strong bones and teeth.
- Fiber aids in healthy digestion. (They are even easier to digest than sunflower seeds).
- Selenium, a powerful antioxidant, assists in hormone regulation and promotes a healthy thyroid.
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. Start your microgreen crop off right by choosing high-quality, organic seeds from microgreens retailers.
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. You may also choose to have a water mister which allows you to mist your seeds and greens to avoid overwatering them.
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 some growing tips?
Here are some additional tips to help you grow your own microgreens.
- Ensure your growing tray is clean to avoid any contamination.
- Fill the tray with approximately 1-2 inches of loosely compacted soil.
- Spread seeds evenly throughout the tray without overseeding.
- Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil.
- Place in an area that receives direct sunlight.
- Keep the soil moist by watering regularly.
- Use a knife or sharp scissors to harvest your microgreens.
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.
Why are my microgreens falling over?
Weak, wilting microgreens can be disappointing because they tend to lack that crispy crunch that we associate with vegetable freshness. If you notice that your microgreens are beginning to fall over to one side it is likely because of underwatering.
Why aren’t my microgreens germinating?
The germination period for most microgreens is about two to three days. Some may take longer depending on the kind of microgreen. If your microgreens aren’t germinating, give them more time. One way to speed up the germination process is to presoak your microgreens to wake them up from dormancy before planting them. Weighting the seed with a covering or thin layer of soil will also benefit their germination.
What causes uneven growth?
Have you ever noticed that your houseplants often grow towards the window? That’s because your intelligent plant knows to move towards its energy source, the sun. If your microgreens are growing unevenly, it is likely because some of them are getting more light exposure than others. To fix this, be sure to rotate your container and ensure that all of the greens are getting the same amount of light.
How can I prevent dirty harvesting?
As mentioned above, you can increase your microgreens’ germination rate by covering with a thin layer of soil. However, this can sometimes lead to dirty sprouts at harvest time. Microveggy suggests adding a layer of loose soil followed by a layer of compacted soil. As they grow, this top layer will allow for the microgreens to push through without carrying excess dirt.
