Types of Sunflower Seeds to Sprout

Unhulled

• Unhulled sunflower seeds are still contained inside of the tough outer shell. Raw seed labeled for human consumption ensures that no chemicals or pesticides were used in the harvesting and packaging process. Unhulled seeds are best soaked overnight and planted in a tray of potting soil. The root breaks through the tough shell and the first green leaves and stem emerge. Sunflower sprouts are best harvested with scissors, washed, and used in salads or on sandwiches when the first two true leaves form. Living sunflower sprouts contain enzymes and are popular because of their taste, according to the Happy Juicer.

Hulled

• Sunflower seed kernels can be purchased without the hulls. This makes it easy for them to sprout in a jar. A quarter cup of hulled sunflower kernels are placed in a wide-mouthed jar half full of water. The seeds soak overnight and the water is drained in the morning. The Happy Juicer recommends skimming the seed skins to help the sprouts last longer before spoiling and remove any kernels or kernel pieces that do not sprout. Seed skins trap bacteria that can spoil the whole batch of sprouts. The sprouts are rinsed every eight hours and are kept in a refrigerator. Use fresh sunflower sprouts quickly as they will spoil.

Black Sunflower Seed

• Black sunflower seed hulls are thin and easy to break through. This makes them ideal for sprouting. Diane Relf from the Virginia Cooperative Extension service recommends buying seed from a health food store because seed purchased for vegetable gardening may be treated with pesticide. Black sunflower seed hulls are easier to remove than the large and striped types of seed. Although edible, seed hulls will affect the texture and taste. Seeds grown in light rather than darkness have a stronger taste, mentions Relf, and they will be greener, containing more chlorophyll.

  Seeds grown in light vs darkness will have a stronger taste, mentions Diane, and they will be greener containing more chlorophyll.