Photo: "Microgreen Food Safety Research" by Ark. Agricultural Experiment Station · CC BY-SA 2.0

Microgreen · Sunflower Microgreens

Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens

Annual · Asteraceae

Black Oil Sunflower microgreens are popular for thick juicy stems, nutty flavor, and a substantial crunch that feels closer to a baby salad than a tiny sprout. They are highly rewarding but require cleaner seed prep and stronger airflow than pea shoots or radish.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

7–12 days

Sun

12+ hours

bright light 12-16 hours daily from grow lights or a very bright window

Spacing

0 "

Seed Start

0 weeks

before transplant

Container

Yes

1+ gallon pot

Height

0.2–0.3 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 2–3 days

Optimal Temp 70°F

Seed Depth 0.5"

Watering

Weekly Water 0.5–1 "

Needs Consistent

Method Base watering

Soil

pH Range 6–7

Soil Type Fine, clean, seed-starting or microgreen medium with good water holding and drainage.

Resilience

Heat: Moderate Cold: Low Drought: Low

Common Problems

damping-off

Cause: Overwatering, poor airflow, and contaminated trays let seedling fungi kill stems at the soil line.

Prevention: Use clean trays, bottom-water, keep airflow moving, and avoid oversowing.

mold

Cause: Soaked seed hulls and stagnant humid air encourage surface mold.

Prevention: Rinse seed well, avoid overwatering, and increase airflow after germination.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity None feeder

Harvest

Harvest when stems are crisp, tops are upright, and flavor is at its best: cotyledons are open, stems are thick and crisp, and hulls are mostly shed.

Expected Yield 0.1–0.3 lbs/plant

Storage 5 days — Keep dry in a sealed container in the refrigerator with a paper towel to absorb moisture.

Sources

seed_catalog True Leaf Market university Penn State Extension

More Microgreens

Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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