Many people are aware of the health benefits of broccoli sprouts and they are widely available at many fresh food stores.
They are very easy to grow and will take up very little space, meaning that you can grow this healthy food in any sized garden or yard.
You can easily grow broccoli sprouts by sprinkling a few seeds onto a sheet of damp tissue or blotting paper. Place this paper into a wide mouthed jar and keep in a warm place. The seeds will sprout quickly and after a few days will be ready for harvest.
What, exactly, are broccoli sprouts?
Broccoli sprouts are the germinated seeds of broccoli that have been consumed for thousands of years as a healthy food. They grow into small green plants, which are rich in nutrients and vitamins.
Unlike other methods to produce vegetables, they can be grown relatively easily at home by anyone who has access to seeds and a little time.
These sprouts are very easy to produce and can be grown in a wide variety of conditions.
Where can you get seeds for broccoli sprouts?
You can buy seed packets of broccoli seeds at most garden stores and some health food stores.
A good source of seeds for broccoli sprouts is Amazon where you can select from a wide range of varieties for delivery to your doorstep.
[amazon box=”B00A52DIJI” template=”horizontal”]
How do broccoli seeds become sprouts?
The process is quite simple: they need moisture, warmth and air to germinate. Any one of these elements missing will prevent the seeds from growing. A good place for them to germinate is on a sheet of damp (not sopping wet) blotting paper, which can be placed directly into a jar.
Place the seeds flat onto this tissue and then cover with more fresh tissue to keep them moist. Place in an area that gets adequate light but not too much heat; sun shining through glass will provide all the warmth they need.
Make sure that the tissue is not too wet, the seeds will not sprout if they are left in water too long.
The small plants will grow very quickly and can be harvested before the true leaves develop, usually after 3-5 days from germination.
How long does it take to grow broccoli sprouts?
Broccoli sprouts can be produced in a very short space of time, as little as 5 days. The germination process is relatively fast and the plants will become quite large if they are not harvested before the leaves appear.
If you don’t harvest them when they are young, then they may continue growing until the seedling stems are about 1 inch / 2.5 cm long, at which point the plant will no longer be suitable to eat.
How can you maximise your yield?
Broccoli sprouts are harvested when they still have their cotyledon leaves, meaning that they don’t yet have true leaves. These immature plants are smaller and more tender than the mature plants.
To get the most from your broccoli sprout harvest, make sure that you harvest them at this stage as soon as they appear. If you leave them to grow longer, then the cotyledon leaves will become bigger and tougher making the plant too large to eat and take up more space than necessary.
Do broccoli sprouts turn into actual broccoli?
Broccoli sprouts are essentially baby broccoli plants.
If you were to leave them and plant them on then yes. they will eventually grow into broccoli plants.
##How do you know when broccoli sprouts are ready?
Broccoli sprouts are ready to harvest when they have two or three small cotyledon leaves, which look like green shoots and are about one to one & a half inches long.
They should be harvested before the true shoots start to grow as these will develop much larger and will not taste as good.
Basically as soon as the shoots turn green they are ready for harvesting.
Are broccoli sprouts hard to grow?
No, they are not particularly hard to grow and can be done by anyone with a little spare time.
Final Words
Broccoli sprouts are a great alternative to eating the vegetable and can be more affordable. They can be eaten raw or cooked with all of the nutritional benefits remaining.
They are highly nutritious, very tasty when young and easy to produce at home; why not give it a try?
