Do you want to grow broccoli sprouts at home? Below are helpful answers on growing your own broccoli sprouts, including best seeds, equipment needed, optimal growing environment and preventing common problems…
1. What is the Best Way to Grow Broccoli Sprouts?
First, soak your broccoli seeds in water for about 6-8 hours or overnight. Then, drain the seeds and place them in a clean sprouting container and cover the container with a cheesecloth or mesh lid.
Next, place your container in a bright location, but not direct sunlight. Over the next 5-7 days, rinse and drain your seeds 2-3 times a day until you have 2-inch sprouts with small leaves.
As far as “best methods”, you have a few options. Some people like automated sprouting kits because they do all of the work for you and provide an optimal growing environment. Other people choose mason jars because they are cheap and simple. Another popular option is using stainless steel sprouting trays because they are low cost, yet you can grow a larger amount of sprouts.
2. What Type of Broccoli Seeds Should I Buy?
Just look for packages labeled “Broccoli Sprouting Seeds“, and choose organic if you can. Alternatively, you can buy sprout mixes that contain a combination of sprouts (like clover, radish and alfalfa).
Broccoli sprouts have a very intense flavor, so people often like combining them with more mild-flavored sprouts like alfalfa.
3. What Container is Best for Growing Sprouts?
As we talked about above, you can use glass jars, trays or automated growing systems. They all work well, so choose what you like best as far as convenience, price and size.
Also, some people like the stackable trays because you can grow a large amount of sprouts in a small space. In other words, you don’t have your sprout farm take over your entire kitchen counter.
4. How Much Light Do My Sprouts Need?
Sprouts like bright light, but I’ve found that they can get too hot or dry out in direct sunlight. Place your sprouter near a window or under a grow light.
5. How Often Should I Water My Broccoli Sprouts?
Rinse and drain your sprouts 2-3 times daily to keep them moist but not waterlogged.
6. How Long Does it Take for Broccoli Sprouts to Grow?
After being soaked for 6-8 hours or overnight, you can typically expect your sprouts to be ready to harvest in about 5-7 days.
In summer months or when they receive more light, they tend to grow at a faster rate.
7. Can You Grow Broccoli Sprouts Year-Round?
Yes, you can grow broccoli sprouts indoors year-round, as long as you keep them in an area between 60-70°F.
8. How Do You Prevent Mold from Growing on Sprouts?
Make sure your sprouting container is sanitized before you start growing. Some people like to rinse out their containers with vinegar. You can also use soap and water.
As your sprouts are growing, rinse and drain them 2-3 times daily to prevent moisture from becoming stagnant. In addition, check to see that the sprouts aren’t sitting in water as they’re growing.
9. When are Broccoli Sprouts Ready to Eat?
You can harvest and eat broccoli sprouts in about 5-7 days. Typically, they will be about 2 inches long and have a few small leaves on them (like you would see in the grocery store).
10. How Should You Store Broccoli Sprouts?
After harvesting your sprouts, keep them in the refrigerator in a sealed container. They can stay fresh for up to a week. It’s also a good idea to rinse them before eating.
