Microgreen 'Black Oil Sunflower'

Mild, nutty flavor. Microgreen sunflower seeds produce seedlings that contain about 25% protein. They are big and succulent like mung bean sprouts, but with large, prominent cotyledons (first leaves). They have a surprisingly sweet and mild taste reminiscent of carrots. Add some of these delicious black oil sunflower microgreens to a salad or sandwich, or serve as a refreshing and nutritious side dish. These microgreens are full of fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Sunflower microgreens are easy and fast to grow. They make an excellent salad on their own, or just used as a garnish, sprinkled over a more conventional salad. You might not think of eating sunflower plants, but as microgreens they are tasty and nutritious.


DETAILS:

QTY: 15 Grams

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

MATURITY: 7-21 Days

All microgreens must be washed before serving.

HOW TO GROW:
Grow in a greenhouse or protected area. Grow on potting mix or soilless medium of your choice in shallow trays or flats. Broadcast seed thickly on the media surface with seeds 1/8- 1/4" apart, press seeds firmly into media for maximum soil contact, and cover lightly with sowing mix, vermiculite, or humidity dome. Sow densely over moist soil and provide bright light and bottom heat to speed germination.

*If growing in mason jars, please follow the manufacturers instructions.

WATERING: Bottom water or mist to prevent sowing mix from splashing on the seedlings. Maintain even moisture and do not allow sowing medium to dry out.

TEMPERATURE: Ideal soil temperature is 24°C until germination, then reduced to 16°C. Optimal ambient temperatures are variety-specific, but 18–24°C is generally a favorable range. Temperatures above 24°C can increase disease pressure and inhibit germination.

LIGHTING: Consider supplemental lighting in any environment where natural light is insufficient, such as in a greenhouse during the short days of winter.

FERTILIZER: For media that hold some fertility, such as potting mix, plain water is usually best. Watering with a dilute fertilizer solution is appropriate for media with no inherent nutrient value, or for slow-growing species that might exhaust fertility before reaching harvest stage. If fertilizing, incorporate fertilizer into the sowing mix before sowing, or use a bottom watering system for liquid applications to avoid residue on the leaves.

DISEASES: Because they are planted so densely, microgreens can be prone to disorders, such as damping off, associated with poor air circulation and saturated media. Ensure air movement. Always use clean media and water sources.

HARVEST: Harvest at 3-4" tall, just fore the first true leaf appears. Cut with scissors or a sharp knife and minimize handling to reduce damage.

STORAGE: Shelf life ranges from 5-10 days under proper storage conditions.