Like many seeds, sunflower seeds can be sprouted to produce a healthy source of nutrients. Proper germination depends on several factors: temperature, water volume and time. The process is simple and can be used to grow sprouts, leaves or germinate seeds. Modify the process to accommodate changes in weather and humidity, and to produce the type of sprout you want.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Grow the Sprouts
Step 1. Buy or harvest raw, unsalted, shelled sunflower seeds
Unshelled sunflower seeds - the peeled ones - will sprout more quickly. If you can only find seeds with their shells, put them in a bowl and rinse them thoroughly. Mix the seeds and throw them in a colander. Try to remove the shells as you go. Don't worry if any are left.
Step 2. Put the seeds in a bowl
Place them in a large bowl with a large opening, such as a jar or something larger.
Step 3. Add the water
Fill the bowl with water so the seeds float.
Step 4. Leave it to rest for about 8 hours
During this time the seeds should begin to germinate. Wait until the seeds have doubled in size and the sprout begins to show. When sprouting sunflower seeds, check them periodically so you don't let them soak for too long.
Step 5. Rinse and put them back into the bowl
Make sure you cover the jar again.
Step 6. Wait
Leave them in the bowl, in a cold place or at room temperature without direct sunlight, for 1 to 3 days until they finish sprouting. Rinse them and return them to the bowl 1 or 2 times a day until ready.
You could also use a special bag instead of the original jar. Place the sprouted seeds in the bag and hang it over the sink so it can drain. Continue rinsing every 5 hours or so
Step 7. Eat them
When they have begun to sprout and look like little "V" s, they are ready to eat. Rinse the ones you want to eat and keep the ones left in the fridge for later consumption!
Method 2 of 3: Grow the Leaves
Step 1. Gather the necessary materials
You will need black oil sunflower seeds, glass tart plates (at least two) and some healthy potting soil from your nearest garden store (preferably organic).
Step 2. Prepare the area for the sprouts
Take one of your tart plates and fill it with potting soil until it almost reaches the edge.
Step 3. Wet the seeds
Take 1/4 cup of the seeds and soak them in a bowl of water, completely covered, for 8 hours.
Step 4. Add the seeds to the soil
Spread the seeds around the soil and water them abundantly.
Step 5. Place the second plate on top of the soil
Place the bottom surface of the second tart plate on the ground, as if you want to stack the plates. Press and discard excess water.
Step 6. Wait
Store your sprouting seeds (with the second dish still on top) in a cool, dark place. Wait about 3 days, but check every day. When the top plate has risen about 2.5 cm, remove them from the dark place.
Step 7. Put them in the sun
Remove the top plate and put the sprouts in a sunny spot.
Step 8. Eat them when ready
When they are ready to eat, cut the sprouts and rinse them to remove the shells. From the moment you put them in the sun, it takes about 2 days to be ready, less if you live in a very hot place. Have fun!
Method 3 of 3: Sprout them to plant them in the garden
Step 1. Consider the methods described
Each of the methods described will work for sprouting sunflowers for planting, but you can also use the traditional method below. Sunflowers are notoriously difficult to grow straight in their permanent location and are a favorite food for birds. You may want to germinate them before planting if you have a hard time keeping them alive.
Step 2. Wet some napkins
Dampen several paper towels in water with some plant food mixed inside. Napkins should be wet but not soggy and difficult to handle.
Step 3. Put the seeds in the napkin
Place some seeds in a napkin spaced apart and fold the napkin so they are covered.
Step 4. Put the napkin in a plastic bag
Give the napkin a few more drops of water and place it in a resealable plastic bag (like zip-locs). Close it almost to the end, with only a ~ 2.5cm gap in the center.
Step 5. Put them in the sun
Place the bag in the sun and give the seeds time to germinate.
Step 6. Plant when ready
Plant them when they have sprouted, making sure to place them in soil that has a pH between 6, 5 and 7. Sunflowers don't like heavy rain, so put them where they can get some shelter if you live in a rainy place.
Remember that potted sunflowers will not grow as large as those in the garden
Advice
- The sprouts should have a hard, crunchy appearance. If you have very soft buds, it could mean that you have added too much water or have left them on for too long.
- Sprouting sunflower seeds in winter or summer presents different kinds of challenges. Try increasing or decreasing the number of rinse cycles from step 8 if your sprouts are hardening too late or too soon. Alternatively, change the temperature of your fridge if the seeds seem to sprout unevenly.
- Try using a special sprout bag in step 6 rather than the container. You can put the seeds to germinate in the sprout bag and hang it above a sink or other area to let them drain. Continue rinsing every 5 hours or so.
