Broccoli Sprouting Seeds
Grow fresh broccoli sprouts at home in approximately 3–5 days. These untreated Italian Sprouting Calabrese seeds are suitable for growing in glass jars, sprouting trays, hemp bags and other countertop sprouting systems.
Broccoli sprouts are the tender young shoots produced shortly after broccoli seeds germinate. They are quick to grow, require very little space and can be produced indoors throughout the year. This makes them a practical choice for beginners, home gardeners and experienced sprouting enthusiasts.
Young broccoli shoots naturally contain plant compounds known as glucosinolates, including glucoraphanin. When the plant tissue is cut or chewed, naturally occurring enzymes can contribute to the formation of sulforaphane. These compounds have been widely studied in scientific literature.
Seedmart broccoli sprouting seeds are supplied as untreated seed for growing purposes and are available in packet and bulk quantities for home and commercial growers.
Broccoli Sprouting Seed Details
| Botanical name | Brassica oleracea var. italica |
|---|---|
| Variety | Italian Sprouting Calabrese |
| Seed type | Heirloom and open-pollinated |
| Seed treatment | Untreated |
| Recommended soak | Approximately 4–6 hours |
| Typical sprouting time | Approximately 3–5 days |
| Growing methods | Sprouting jar, tray, hemp bag or fine-mesh sprouter |
| Availability | Retail packets and bulk quantities |
Why Choose These Broccoli Sprout Seeds?
- Fast germination and a short growing cycle.
- Suitable for indoor sprouting throughout the year.
- Can be grown without soil or a garden.
- Suitable for jars, trays, sprouting bags and countertop sprouters.
- Untreated heirloom and open-pollinated seed.
- Available in smaller packets and economical bulk quantities.
- Supplied by an Australian-owned seed company.
How to Grow Broccoli Sprouts in a Jar
The glass jar method is one of the simplest ways to grow broccoli sprouts at home. Use a clean jar fitted with a fine-mesh sprouting lid, or cover the opening securely with clean muslin or breathable cloth.
- Add the seeds.
Place approximately 10–20 grams of broccoli sprouting seeds into a clean jar. Adjust the quantity to suit the size of your jar, allowing plenty of room for the sprouts to expand. - Soak for 4–6 hours.
Cover the seeds generously with cool, clean water and leave them to soak. - Drain thoroughly.
After soaking, drain the water and rinse the seeds with fresh, cool water. The seeds should remain moist but should not sit submerged in water. - Position the jar at an angle.
Place the jar upside down at an angle so excess water can drain while air continues to circulate. - Rinse every 8–12 hours.
Fill the jar with fresh water, gently swirl the seeds and drain thoroughly. Repeat approximately twice daily, or more frequently in warm conditions when required. - Allow the sprouts to grow.
Continue rinsing and draining until the sprouts reach your preferred size. Broccoli sprouts are commonly ready in approximately 3–5 days, depending on temperature and growing conditions. - Finish with a final rinse.
Drain the sprouts thoroughly before refrigeration. Keeping harvested sprouts cool and relatively dry will help maintain their quality.
How Much Do Broccoli Sprouting Seeds Produce?
A batch using approximately 10–20 grams of seed may produce around 1–1½ cups of fresh broccoli sprouts. Final yield will vary according to the quantity of seed used, jar size, temperature, germination rate and the stage at which the sprouts are harvested.
Do not overfill the jar. Broccoli sprouts expand considerably as they grow and need adequate room for rinsing, drainage and airflow.
Broccoli Sprouts vs Broccoli Microgreens
Broccoli sprouts and broccoli microgreens are grown from broccoli seed, but their growing methods and harvest stages are different.
| Feature | Broccoli Sprouts | Broccoli Microgreens |
|---|---|---|
| Typical harvest | Approximately 3–5 days | Approximately 7–10 days |
| Growing method | Usually grown in a jar or sprouter | Usually grown in a shallow tray |
| Growing medium | No soil required | Commonly grown on soil, coir, hemp or another medium |
| Harvested portion | The young shoot, root and remaining seed are generally harvested together | The stems and seed leaves are cut above the growing medium |
Prefer tray-grown greens? View our broccoli microgreen seeds for growing a larger, more developed crop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do broccoli sprouts take to grow?
Broccoli sprouts are commonly ready in approximately 3–5 days. Growth may be faster in warm conditions and slower when temperatures are cool.
How long should broccoli seeds be soaked?
Soak broccoli seeds for approximately 4–6 hours before draining and beginning the regular rinse cycle.
How often should broccoli sprouts be rinsed?
Rinse and drain the seeds approximately every 8–12 hours. In warmer conditions, pay particular attention to drainage, airflow and the condition of the developing sprouts.
Do broccoli sprouts need sunlight?
Broccoli seeds do not require strong light during their initial germination. Once the shoots have developed, indirect natural light can help the seed leaves become green. Avoid placing a glass sprouting jar in hot, direct sunlight.
Can broccoli sprouts be grown without soil?
Yes. Broccoli sprouts are normally grown without soil in a jar, sprouting tray, hemp bag or another system that allows regular rinsing and effective drainage.
Are broccoli sprout seeds the same as ordinary broccoli seeds?
Broccoli sprouts can be grown from suitable broccoli seed. However, seed intended for sprouting should be untreated and selected from a reliable seed supplier. Do not use chemically treated seed for growing sprouts.
What do broccoli sprouts taste like?
Broccoli sprouts generally have a fresh, mildly peppery brassica flavour. Their flavour is often more pronounced than alfalfa sprouts but milder than mature broccoli.
How should harvested broccoli sprouts be stored?
After the final rinse, allow the sprouts to drain thoroughly and refrigerate them promptly in a clean container. Excess surface moisture can reduce storage quality.
Can these seeds also be grown as microgreens?
Yes. Italian Sprouting Calabrese can also be grown in a shallow tray and harvested as broccoli microgreens. Microgreens are normally grown for longer than sprouts and are cut above the growing medium.
Where can I buy broccoli sprouting seeds in Australia?
Seedmart supplies untreated broccoli sprouting seeds to home growers, commercial growers and businesses throughout Australia. Packet and bulk quantity options are available through this product page.
