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Sunflower Guide

Here's our complete guide for growing sunflower greens in the Fieldhouse — follow these steps, reference the video and FAQs, and you'll do great. We're rooting for you!

REHYDRATE COIR PUCKS | DAY 1

  1. Open coir pack and transfer both pucks into a standard size mixing bowl
  2. Using included Leath measuring cup, pour two cups of water over the coir discs
  3. Wait 5 minutes to allows coir fibers to expand and fully absorb water
  4. After pucks have sucked up all water, begin to work coir with hands
  5. Break up any clumps and continue mixing until coir has been fully rehydrated and loosened
  6. Once coir has been thoroughly mixed up, transfer into top tray with holes

PRE-SOAKING | DAY 1 

  1. Open sunflower seed pack and transfer to small bowl
  2. Fill bowl with 3 cups (750 ml) of water – this helps soften the seed hull and encourage faster germination
  3. Set bowl aside for 4 - 8 hours
    • If your space is prone to mold favorable conditions (high humidity, low airflow) quickly soak seeds in bacteria reducing solution (1 Tbsp 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar and 1 cup water) for 5 minutes
    • Thoroughly rinse seeds and then follow pre-soak instructions above
  4. Strain, rinse, and transfer seeds to a bowl for distribution — do not let seeds dry out before planting

PLANTING | DAY 1 — NO GROW LIGHT NEEDED

  1. Carefully begin to spread sunflower seeds across rehydrated coir, paying special attention to evenly disperse and avoid any clumping of seeds — even distribution helps ensure maximum germination and yield size
  2. Using included spray bottle, lightly mist seeds until visibly damp, but not soaked
  3. Cover seeds with germination lid and press down gently, ensuring seeds have made contact with grow medium
  4. It’s often helpful to make note of the day you planted the seeds to track progress

GERMINATION PHASE | DAYS 2-3 — NO GROW LIGHT NEEDED

  1. Lift germination lid once per day and use your spray bottle to spritz seeds from above — remember, the soil should be damp, but not soaked
  2. Once 85 - 90% of the tray has sprouted and the sunflower roots have started working their way into the soil, remove germination lid and expose seedlings to grow light — utilize the Fieldhouse’s built-in timer for an automated schedule of 12 hours of continued light followed by 12 hours off

TO NOTE: There is no bottom watering required for sunflower during germination. At this stage, it’s common for seeds to exhibit white, fuzzy hairs at the base of the stems, which are easily confused with mold — read our guide on ROOT HAIRS VS MOLD.

GROWTH PHASE | DAYS 4-12

  1. Inspect coir, and if starting to dry out, pour 1 cup (250 ml) of water into bottom tray via watering ramp using included measuring cup
  2. Continue to water as needed — typically once every 1 - 2 days — until harvest
  3. If soil is visibly soaked through, hold off on watering that day
  4. Sunflower greens will be ready to harvest once greens have reached 3 - 4 inches (75 - 100 mm) in height, or approximately 7 - 12 days after planting

TO NOTE: Remove all sunflower seed hulls before eating — most will eventually fall off during the growth phase, but you can also gently remove them with your fingers, being careful not to pull the up the roots

PDF DIRECTIONS

KNOW BEFORE YOU GROW      -      KNOW BEFORE YOU GROW      -      KNOW BEFORE YOU GROW      -      KNOW BEFORE YOU GROW      -      KNOW BEFORE YOU GROW      -      KNOW BEFORE YOU GROW      -      

SUNFLOWER FAQS

Sunflower is one of our hardiest greens, and holds up well when used as a standalone ingredient or blended up with others. Visit our RECIPE PAGE to get inspired and find your next dish.

We use certified organic, non-gmo Black Oil Sunflower seeds.

The date printed on the back of our seeds packs is related to when we test our seeds for gemination rates. The date is not an expiration date. Seeds are living things so they will eventually lose viability over time, but in our heat-sealed packaging and when stored in a cool, dry place, seeds are shelf stable and will last for several years. 

Red stems indicate if the sunflowers have been under stress in the earlier days of growing, typically caused by lack of water. This trait happens relatively easily, and is also perfectly fine to eat. Some growers actually intentionally cause this as it can give the sunflower greens a nuttier taste.

If the environment your Fieldhouse is placed in is prone to high humidity, or low airflow, mold can sometimes develop. A short, 5 minute soak in 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar solution can help to eliminate any mold causing bacteria on the seed hulls. View our guide on SOAKING YOUR SEEDS for more detailed directions.

Spent grow pads make great material for composting. Compost yourself or take to a local center that accepts food scraps and yard waste. View our guide on COMPOSTING GROW PADS.

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