Step-by-Step Guide :

By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy fresh, nutritious sunflower micro-greens right from your home.

1. Soak the Seeds -

- Measure out the amount of seeds you need for your tray. Typically, 1 cup of seeds is enough for a standard 10x20 inch tray.

- Rinse the seeds thoroughly in normal water.

- Place the seeds in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for 8-12 hours or overnight. This helps to soften the seed hulls and kickstarts the germination process.

2. Prepare the Tray

- Fill your tray with a 1-2 inch layer of seedling soil mix or a mix of garden soil & compost. Ensure the medium is evenly spread and slightly compacted.

- Moisten the soil thoroughly but avoid making it soggy.

3. Sow the Seeds

- Drain and rinse the soaked seeds.

- Spread the seeds evenly across the surface of the soil. Try to ensure they are not overlapping too much to avoid mold growth.

- Press the seeds lightly into the soil using your hand or a flat object.

4. Initial Darkness Phase

- Cover the tray with another inverted tray, a plastic wrap to keep the seeds in the dark. This mimics the natural soil environment and helps the seeds germinate.

- Place the covered tray in a warm area, ideally between 70-75°F (21-24°C).

5. Germination

- After about 2-3 days, you should see the seeds beginning to sprout.

- Remove the cover and expose the sprouts to light. A sunny windowsill, grow light, or fluorescent light will work. They need at least 12-16 hours of light daily.

6. Growing Phase

- Keep the soil moist by misting it with water regularly. Ensure you do not overwater to avoid mold. 

- Maintain good air circulation to help prevent mold and mildew. A small fan can be helpful.

7. Harvesting

- Sunflower micro greens are ready to harvest when they reach 2-4 inches in height, typically 7-10 days after germination.

- Use clean scissors to cut the micro greens just above the soil line. It’s best to harvest them all at once, as they don’t regrow after cutting.

8. Post-Harvest

- Rinse the harvested micro-greens in cold water and dry them thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels.

- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for up to a week.

*Tips for Success*

- Ensure your seeds are of good quality and specifically meant for micro greens.

- Keep an eye out for mold. Proper airflow and not overwatering are crucial to prevent this.