Black Sunflower Microgreen Seeds

Australian Grown Black Sunflower Microgreen Seeds

Grow thick, crisp sunflower microgreens with a mild, nutty flavour and broad green leaves. These Australian grown black sunflower seeds are selected for reliable microgreen production and are suitable for home growers, cafés, market gardeners and commercial microgreen growers.

Sunflower microgreens are one of the most popular larger microgreen varieties. They develop substantial stems and leaves, have a satisfying crunchy texture and can be grown in shallow trays using soil or coir.

Seedmart Australian Grown Black Sunflower Microgreen Seeds are available in retail and bulk quantities for home and commercial growers throughout Australia.

Sunflower Microgreen Seed Details

Why Grow Black Sunflower Microgreens?

How to Grow Sunflower Microgreens

Sunflower microgreens require a little more preparation than smaller-seeded microgreens because the seeds benefit from soaking and pre-sprouting before sowing. Good drainage, airflow and careful moisture management are particularly important.

1. Soak the sunflower seeds.
   Place the required quantity of seed in a clean container and cover generously with cool, clean water. Soak for approximately 8–12 hours. The seeds may float initially, so a clean plate or suitable weight can be used to keep them submerged.
2. Drain and pre-sprout.
   Drain the soaked seed thoroughly and allow it to pre-sprout for approximately 12–24 hours in a clean jar, tray or breathable container. Keep the seeds damp but avoid leaving them sitting in standing water.
3. Prepare the growing tray.
   Add approximately 2–3 cm of moist soil or coir to a shallow growing tray and gently level the surface.
4. Sow evenly.
   Spread the pre-sprouted sunflower seeds across the growing medium as evenly as possible. Avoid excessive overcrowding, as dense areas can reduce airflow and increase the risk of deterioration.
5. Press and cover the seeds.
   Gently press the seed into contact with the growing medium, mist lightly and cover the tray with another tray or suitable lid.
6. Maintain moisture during germination.
   Keep the tray in a suitable indoor growing area while the seeds establish. Check moisture regularly and water as required without saturating the growing medium.
7. Introduce the seedlings to light.
   Once the shoots are established and beginning to lift the cover, remove the covering tray and move the crop into suitable natural or artificial growing light.
8. Harvest the sunflower microgreens.
   Sunflower microgreens are commonly ready approximately 7–14 days after sowing. Harvest when the stems and seed leaves have developed to your preferred size, cutting cleanly just above the growing medium.

Sunflower Microgreen Seed Rate & Yield Per Tray

Commercial microgreen growers often compare sunflower seed according to the amount required per tray rather than simply comparing the price per kilogram.

For a standard tray measuring approximately 30 × 35 cm, a sowing rate of around 200–250 grams provides a useful starting point.

• 200 g per tray: approximately 25 trays from a 5 kg bag.
• 250 g per tray: approximately 20 trays from a 5 kg bag.
• 5 kg of seed: approximately 20–25 trays depending on sowing density.

Actual tray yield will vary according to tray size, sowing density, germination, growing medium, temperature and the grower’s preferred crop density.

What Do Sunflower Microgreens Taste Like?

Sunflower microgreens have a mild, nutty flavour with thick, juicy stems and broad green seed leaves. Their substantial texture makes them noticeably different from finer microgreens such as broccoli, kale or mustard.

They are commonly used in salads, sandwiches, wraps and fresh garnishes. Their mild flavour also makes them suitable for combining with stronger-flavoured microgreens.

What Is the Best Growing Medium for Sunflower Microgreens?

Soil and coir are generally well suited to sunflower microgreens because they provide good root support and moisture retention for the relatively large seedlings.

Sunflower microgreens can place considerable demand on a shallow growing medium as they develop. Whatever medium is used should provide reliable moisture while still allowing effective drainage and airflow.

For smaller-seeded microgreens, also see our range of microgreen seeds and microgreen growing supplies.

Tips for Growing Sunflower Microgreens Successfully

• Clean trays and growing equipment thoroughly between crops.
• Soak and drain the seeds thoroughly before sowing.
• Avoid sowing excessively thickly.
• Provide good airflow around developing trays.
• Keep the growing medium moist without allowing it to remain waterlogged.
• Remove loose seed hulls as the crop develops when practical.
• Harvest with clean scissors or a suitable microgreen harvesting knife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do sunflower microgreen seeds need to be soaked?

Yes. Black sunflower seeds are generally soaked before sowing. Approximately 8–12 hours provides a practical starting point.

Should sunflower seeds be pre-sprouted before growing microgreens?

Pre-sprouting for approximately 12–24 hours after soaking can help the seeds begin germinating before they are spread across the growing tray.

How much sunflower seed do I need per microgreen tray?

For a tray measuring approximately 30 × 35 cm, around 200–250 grams of sunflower seed provides a useful starting sowing rate. Adjust the quantity according to your preferred crop density and tray dimensions.

How many trays will 5 kg of sunflower microgreen seed grow?

At approximately 200–250 grams of seed per tray, a 5 kg bag may sow around 20–25 trays.

How long do sunflower microgreens take to grow?

Sunflower microgreens are commonly ready to harvest approximately 7–14 days after sowing. Temperature, light, growing medium and other conditions will influence the crop time.

What temperature is best for sunflower microgreens?

A temperature of approximately 20–25°C is generally suitable for germination and early growth.

Can sunflower microgreens be grown without soil?

Sunflower microgreens can be grown using different systems, but soil and coir are commonly preferred because they provide moisture retention and strong root support for the larger seedlings.

Why do sunflower microgreens sometimes develop mould?

Dense sowing, excessive moisture, poor airflow, contaminated equipment and deteriorating seed hulls can all contribute to mould or other microbial growth. Clean equipment, suitable sowing density, good drainage and adequate airflow can help reduce the risk.

When should sunflower microgreens be uncovered?

Remove the covering tray once the seedlings are established and beginning to push upward strongly. The crop can then be moved into suitable light.

What do sunflower microgreens taste like?

Sunflower microgreens have a mild, nutty flavour with crisp, substantial stems and broad green leaves.

Where can I buy bulk sunflower microgreen seeds in Australia?

Seedmart supplies Australian grown black sunflower microgreen seeds in retail and bulk quantities for home growers, cafés, market growers and commercial microgreen producers throughout Australia.

Need More Help Growing Sunflower Microgreens?

New to sunflower microgreens? Read our detailed growing guide covering soaking, pre-sprouting, tray preparation, germination, moisture management, mould prevention and harvesting.

How to Grow Sunflower Microgreens