How to Grow Sunflower Microgreens in Australia
A fast, year-round microgreen you can grow on a windowsill
Growing Sunflower Microgreens rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. They are rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$5-10/punnet. A packet of seed produces dozens of trays.
This guide covers when to plant Sunflower Microgreens in your region, the position and soil they like, how to start them, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Sunflower Microgreens are a year-round crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland they are best grown all year round. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Black Oil Sunflower
Standard birdseed variety. Perfect for microgreens. Buy in bulk from produce stores.
Try: Produce stores, pet shops (birdseed), Eden Seeds, microgreen suppliers
Position and Soil
Give Sunflower Microgreens part sun to light shade. They do best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. They grow happily in a pot of Shallow tray 5cm deep, which makes them a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
How to Grow It
Sunflower Microgreens are simply seeds sprouted for a few days. Rinse a tablespoon of seed, soak overnight, then spread over a shallow tray or jar and rinse twice a day. Keep them out of direct sun. They are ready to eat in about 10 days, once the first leaves show.
Black oil sunflower seeds grown as microgreens. Nutty, crunchy, packed with nutrition. Grow indoors on a tray with shallow growing medium. Harvest at 7-12 days when first true leaves appear. No garden needed. Works on any kitchen bench or windowsill in every climate zone.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 3 L per plant every day in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Damping off and Mould. The main diseases to watch are Damping off. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Sunflower Microgreens are typically ready to harvest in about 10 days. Harvest and use fresh within 2-3 days. Store in fridge in a container.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, sunflower microgreens are good added to salads and sandwiches, topped on avocado toast, mixed into smoothie bowls and used as a garnish for soups. Nutritionally: high in complete protein and rich in zinc and B vitamins.
Track Your Sunflower Microgreens Growing
Add sunflower microgreens to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sunflower Microgreens in Australia?
Sunflower Microgreens are a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland they are best grown all year round. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Sunflower Microgreens take to grow?
Sunflower Microgreens are generally ready to harvest in about 10 days.
Can I grow Sunflower Microgreens in a pot?
Yes. Sunflower Microgreens grow well in a container of Shallow tray 5cm deep with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Sunflower Microgreens need?
Give they part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
