Sunflower seeds are a popular bird food. If you sow the seeds directly in the garden in spring, only some will germinate because the birds will pick them up first. By pre-germinating you protect the sowing, birds don't like germinated seeds.
How do I germinate sunflower seeds?
To germinate sunflower seeds, place the seeds between two layers of damp paper towels, add a splash of liquid plant food and place them in a slightly opened plastic bag. Place the bag in a sunny spot until the first leaves appear.
What you need to germinate sunflower seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- kitchen crepe
- Liquid plant food
- Resealable freezer bag
Make sure the sunflower seeds are hard. Kernels with soft shells are usually spoiled.
Don't start germinating the seeds too early. You may not plant the germinated sunflowers outside until the end of May. Sunflower seeds do not need more than two to four weeks to pre-germinate.
How to germinate the seeds
Moisten the kitchen paper with clear water and add a small dash of liquid plant food (€13.00 on Amazon). Make sure the paper is moist but not dripping wet.
Spread out a layer and do not place the seeds too close.
Cover the kernels with another layer of damp paper towels. Squeeze the layers together and carefully place them in a resealable plastic bag. Close the bag leaving an opening approximately two centimeters wide.
Laying in the sun
Now the germs just need a lot of heat. The bag is therefore placed in a place that is as sunny as possible.
Every now and then, check whether the sunflower seeds have already germinated.
As soon as the first leaf is visible, take the paper towel out of the bag. Allow the seeds to germinate a little longer without covering until they can be planted out.
Plant outdoors after germination
Plant the sunflower seeds in a sunny location in prepared garden soil or in a pot on the balcony.
Protect the delicate plants from heavy rain.
Tips & Tricks
Sprinted sunflower seeds are ideal as a he althy, vitamin-rich addition to your 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 have taken the shape of the letter V.