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Sunflower, Big Microgreens seeds
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Description
General information about Sunflower Big
These sunflower microgreen seeds are for growers looking for the larger Sunflower Big seed size. MP SEEDS mechanically sorts the seeds to more than 5.5 mm, helping keep seed size consistent between batches. Sunflower Big is a conventional seed for growing crisp sunflower shoots with a mild, nutty flavour.
For growers comparing sunflower seeds for microgreens by size, Sunflower Small is sorted to 3.5–4.5 mm. If you need certified organic seed, see the separate BIO Sunflower Microgreens Seeds product. Choose Big or Small by seed size, or BIO when organic certification is a priority.
Sunflower Big is available in 100 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 2.5 kg, 10 kg and 25 kg packs. Choose a weight for your home trays or production volume, and check the selected option on this page for current price and stock.
Seed and growing details
| Variety: | Sunflower, Big; mechanically sorted to more than 5.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Certification: | Conventional seeds |
| Seed Category: | Microgreens Seeds |
| Latin Name: | Helianthus annuus |
| Difficulty Level: | Medium |
| Seed count per gram: | Approximately 14 seeds |
| Sow density 10x20 tray: | Approximately 150 g per 10 × 20 inch tray |
| Sprout in low temp.: | No |
| Soaking: | About 6 hours |
| Watering: | Frequent checks; keep the growing medium moist without waterlogging |
| Blackout Time: | Approximately 4–5 days, adjusted to seedling development |
| Total growing time: | Approximately 8–9 days; judge readiness by the first leaves opening |
| Taste: | Mildly sweet and nutty |
| Stem Color: | Light green |
| Leaves Color: | Green |
| Nutrition benefits: | Vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron |
Sowing density and timing are starting points. Temperature, humidity, light and your growing method can change the amount of seed needed and the day of harvest. Check moisture and crop development rather than relying on the calendar alone.
Taste and appearance of Sunflower Big
Sunflower microgreens have fleshy, light-green stems and green leaves with a crisp bite. Their mild, nutty flavour and slight sweetness make them suitable for dishes where the greens contribute texture as well as colour.
Harvest when the first leaves have opened, before true leaves develop, for the milder flavour. As the shoots mature, they may become more bitter. The harvested crop's taste and appearance also depend on growing conditions.
How to grow Sunflower Big
- Soak for about 6 hours. Rinse the seeds, soak them in clean water for about 6 hours, then drain thoroughly. Sunflower seeds float, so make sure the whole batch has contact with water.
- Pre-sprout before sowing. Leave the drained seeds in a clean, partially covered container for about 24 hours. Gently shake the container every 6 hours. Sow when the first roots are around 1–2 mm long. This pre-sprouting stage is separate from the 6-hour soak.
- Prepare the growing medium. Prepare and moisten a hemp mat, coco mat or another suitable growing medium. MP SEEDS recommends hemp or coco mats for a cleaner sunflower crop: loose growing medium is less likely to stick to the seed hulls.
- Sow on the surface. For a 10 × 20 inch tray, start with around 150 g of Sunflower Big seed. Spread the seeds evenly on the growing medium. Do not cover them with growing medium, as loose material can stick to the hulls.
- Cover and gently press. Place a clean tray on top to gently press the seeds into the growing medium during germination. You can stack up to 3 sunflower growing trays. Change their order regularly to distribute the weight evenly and support uniform germination. Allow approximately 4–5 days for the covered phase, adjusting to how the seedlings develop.
- Check moisture and airflow. Keep the growing medium moist without leaving it waterlogged. Check the trays regularly and maintain airflow around the crop. If mould appears, isolate the affected tray. Do not eat mouldy microgreens.
- Move to light and remove loose hulls. Uncover when the seedlings are ready for light. Once the roots hold the shoots firmly in the growing medium, lightly spray the shoots with water about 15 minutes before gently removing remaining seed hulls. Remove only hulls that come away easily, without pulling up the shoots.
- Harvest at the right stage. Cut above the growing medium when the first leaves have opened, typically around 8–9 days depending on growing conditions. MP SEEDS recommends harvesting in the morning for a sweeter flavour. Avoid leaving the crop until true leaves develop if you prefer a milder taste. The cut shoots do not regrow; sow a new tray for another harvest.
For more detail on pre-sprouting, hull removal and troubleshooting, read MP SEEDS' sunflower microgreens growing guide.
How to use Sunflower Big
Add the harvested shoots to green or grain salads, sandwiches, burgers and wraps. Their crisp stems provide a substantial bite, so they can be part of a salad rather than just a garnish. They also work as a fresh topping for eggs, grain bowls, tacos or pizza after cooking.
For a softer texture, blend the shoots into smoothies, juices or dips. In pasta, soups and stir-fries, add them near the end of cooking or just before serving to keep more of their crunch. Start with a small amount if you want the nutty flavour to complement rather than dominate the dish.
Use clean tools for harvesting, wash harvested greens before eating and follow appropriate food hygiene practices when growing and handling them. These are seeds for growing microgreens; the culinary suggestions refer to the harvested shoots.
What are the nutritional benefits of Sunflower Big
Sunflower microgreens nutrition
Sunflower microgreens contain vitamin C and minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. Grow a tray to enjoy freshly harvested greens with a mild, nutty flavour.
Sunflower microgreens benefits
Their fleshy stems and crisp leaves add a satisfying bite to salads, sandwiches and grain bowls. Blend them into a dip or smoothie when you want a softer texture, or add them to a finished dish for a fresh topping.
FAQ about Sunflower Big
How is Big different from Small or BIO sunflower seed?
Big is conventional seed sorted to more than 5.5 mm. Small is sorted to 3.5–4.5 mm, while BIO is the separate certified organic option. Choose by the seed size and certification you need.
How much seed should I use in a 10 × 20 inch tray?
Start with about 150 g. Adjust after observing coverage, airflow and moisture in your own trays. The weight refers to the seed used for sowing, not the expected harvest weight.
Do sunflower microgreen seeds need soaking?
Yes. Soak for about 6 hours, drain well, then follow the separate pre-sprouting stage above. Sow when the first roots are around 1–2 mm long.
How can I remove hulls without damaging the shoots?
Wait until the roots anchor the shoots firmly. Lightly spray with water about 15 minutes beforehand, then gently remove loose hulls. Do not pull firmly on young shoots or force hulls that are still attached.
Can I grow these microgreens without soil?
Yes. MP SEEDS recommends hemp or coco mats for sunflower. Another suitable growing medium can also be used. Spread the seeds on the surface and leave them uncovered by the medium to help keep the hulls clean.
Why might sunflower microgreens taste bitter?
Flavour changes as the shoots mature. Harvest after the first leaves open and before true leaves develop for a milder, nutty flavour. Growing conditions also affect the result.
Will the shoots regrow after cutting?
No. Plan a new tray for another harvest.
Can I buy sunflower microgreens seeds in bulk?
Yes. Sunflower Big pack sizes include 1 kg, 2.5 kg, 10 kg and 25 kg, as well as 100 g, 250 g and 500 g for smaller needs. Check the selected weight option for current availability or contact MP SEEDS about production quantities.
