How to Grow Sunflower Sprouts Indoors

Use sunflower sprouts in fresh salads.

Sunflowers, while aesthetically pleasing, seem unsuited for indoor growing at first glance due to their large size. On the contrary, sunflower sprouts, the beginnings of a full-grown sunflower plant, can thrive in an indoor environment and provide a vibrant background like any other houseplant. Sunflower sprouts also double as a healthy ingredient to salads and other dishes. As long as you have a a plastic container to create your own homemade greenhouse you can start growing sunflower sprouts in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Sunflower Seeds
• Plastic container with lid
• Soil
• Water
• Cup

Instructions

1. Place a layer of soil on the bottom of a plastic container. Leave enough room between the soil and the container's lid to allow the sprouts space to grow vertically.

2. Distribute sunflower seeds evenly around the soil. Sufficient spacing ensures each seed gets an appropriate amount of nutrients to survive and thrive.

3. Place another layer of soil over the seeds. Gently pat down with your hand and water lightly with a cup.

4. Place the lid on top of the plastic container without sealing the container. This allows fresh air to circulate through and creates a greenhouse effect inside the container.

5. Place the container near a window that receives indirect sunlight.

6. Check the soil moisture with your hand. If dry, slowly add more water to the homemade greenhouse. Add enough water to dampen, but not drench, the soil. Continue until the sprouts reach the desired size.

Tips & Warnings

• Direct sunlight can adversely affect the growth rate or even kill the sunflower sprouts in the early germination phases.

References

• Raw and Living Foods: How to Grow Sunflower Sprouts from Whole Sunflower Seeds
• Garden Therapy: Growing Sunflower Sprouts Indoors