Sunflower seeds are a popular bird food. If you sow the seeds directly in the garden in spring, only part of them will germinate because the birds have picked them up first. By pre-germinating you protect the seed, birds do not like germinated seeds.

Sunflower seeds need about two to four weeks to germinate

What you need to germinate sunflower seeds

  • sunflower seed
  • paper towels
  • Liquid Plant Food
  • Resealable freezer bag

Make sure you use the sunflower seeds hard. Kernels with a soft skin are usually spoiled.

Do not start germinating the seeds too early. You may only plant the germinated sunflowers outside at the end of May. Sunflower seed does not need more than two to four weeks to germinate.

This is how you germinate the seeds

Moisten the kitchen paper with clear water and add a small dash of liquid plant food. Make sure the paper is damp but not soaking wet.

Spread out a layer and don't put the kernels too close together.

Cover the kernels with another layer of damp paper towels. Pinch the layers together and carefully place in a resealable plastic bag. Close the bag, leaving an opening about an inch wide.

Lay in the sun

Now the germs just need a lot of warmth. The bag is therefore placed in as sunny a place as possible.

Check from time to time whether the sunflower seeds have already germinated.

As soon as the first leaf appears, take the kitchen paper out of the bag. Leave the seeds uncovered for a little more germination before planting them out.

Plant outdoors after germination

Plant the sunflower seeds in prepared garden soil in a sunny spot or in a pot on the balcony.

Protect the tender plants from heavy downpours.

tips and tricks

Sprouted sunflower seeds are very suitable as a healthy, vitamin-rich addition to the diet. It is important that you let the seeds germinate at suitable temperatures and in neither too little nor too much water. The sprouts are ready to eat when they take on the shape of the letter V.

Category:

Vegetable garden