Home Garden

What Kind of Sunflower Seeds Do You Use for Growing Greens?

Growing sunflower greens provides an alternative to add healthy, nutritious foods to the diet. Sunflower seeds make greens high in protein, B complex vitamins and numerous minerals. The seeds sprout easily and quickly, in as little as five days.
  1. Types

    • Though many types of sunflowers seeds grow into acceptable greens, black oil sunflower seeds are commonly used. Gray sunflowers seeds make a good alternative but need a longer soaking period. Only raw seeds will grow into sunflower greens.

    Features

    • Growing greens takes few supplies: seeds, a tray, soil, water and light. It takes approximately 1 cup of black oil sunflower seeds to produce 2 cups of greens.

    Harvest

    • Sunflowers greens retain the best flavor when harvested after the first two leaves emerge but before the first true leaves grow. The little plants will reach only 2 to 4 inches tall before cutting. They become bitter if left too long.

    Uses

    • Sunflower greens have several uses, from an addition to soups and salads to a garnish on sandwiches. The greens last longer if dried and stored in a container placed in a refrigerator.