What Kind of Sunflower Seeds Are Used to Grow the Sunflower Greens?

Method

• Growing sunflower greens is different than growing sprouts, though they have some similarities. Sprouts are seeds that are soaked well and allowed to germinate. Sprouts are typically grown in a jar, a hanging bag or on a tray and are never placed in soil. Sunflower greens, as with other types of greens, are sprouted but are then planted in soil in order to allow them to begin growing. Unlike plants that will grow to maturity, when growing sunflower greens they can be planted very close together, since they will never grow large enough to crowd each other out.

Requirements

• Any kind of raw sunflower seeds will grow sunflower greens. Most growers prefer organic seeds so that they know they are no chemicals added to them. The two most important things to remember when choosing sunflower seeds for sprouting is that the seeds must not be processed in any way, such as by heating or salting, and the seeds must still be in their shells.

Types

• One of the more common types of sunflowers seeds that is readily available for sprouting are the black oil sunflowers. These are the same seeds often used in wild birdseed mix, though the ones used for growing greens are labeled for human consumption. Seeds harvested from wild or garden-grown sunflowers in the fall are also easily used for growing greens. Some types, such as the black oil seeds, are harvested commercially, making them more readily available, but essentially any kind of sunflower seed that will grow is good for growing greens, as long as it has not been processed.

Sources

• Raw sunflower seeds for growing greens are available from many sources. Some seed companies carry them, though if the seeds are intended for growing adult sunflower plants instead of growing greens, the cost will most likely be too high. Seeds for greens are best purchased by the pound rather than in small packets. Health food stores and organic food outlets also carry sunflower seeds for sprouting. There are many online sources for such seeds as well.