Growing sprouts at home

Sprouts are a delicious addition to any dish. And it is very easy to grow sprouts at home – even without a sprouting jar!

In the winter, we are quite limited in terms of the vitamins we can get from our own gardens. Luckily for us, we can still grow our own sprouts or seedlings indoors, even at this time of year. Sprouts are high in vitamins and nutrients and are great for enhancing wraps, salads, soups and more. Find out what to bear in mind when growing sprouts at home as well as how to grow them without a sprouting jar.

Growing sprouts

So, what are sprouts? Sprouts are the germinating or sprouting seeds of plants that are suitable for consumption. You do not need much in the way of materials to grow your own sprouts, and they will be ready to eat in only a few days!

Which seeds are suitable for growing sprouts?

Aside from the well-known soybean sprouts, sprouts can be grown from a variety of different plant species. In our sprouts overview, you can find out which plants are suitable. Special sprout seeds that have been washed to rid them of impurities and pathogens can be purchased at garden centres and online. This helps to reduce the risk of bacteria or mould spreading through the sprouts, which could make you sick if you consume them.

The right location for growing sprouts

Sprouts need little space to grow and are otherwise not fussy. They germinate best in a container in a bright place without direct sunlight, at about 18 to 22 °C.

By the way: Sprouts do not need soil to grow. As sprouts have such a short lifespan, the energy reserves within their seeds are enough to sustain them.

How to grow sprouts without a sprouting jar

If you do not have a sprouting jar, you can also use a clean canning jar with a fine cotton cloth as a filter. Sprouting trays (also known as germination trays) are also a nice option, here the seeds lie on a sieve directly above a bowl of water. Follow these steps to grow your own sprouts in a sprouting tray:

1. Thoroughly rinse the seeds under lukewarm tap water.
2. Soak the seeds in water to allow them to swell. Depending on the size of the seeds, this takes about 6-12 hours. Large, hard-shelled seeds will need longer.
3. Drain the water and distribute the seeds evenly on the sprouting tray’s sieve.
4. Fill the lower tray with water until it just touches the sieve.
5. Change the water every day for the next few days and, if necessary, spray the seedlings.
6. The sprouts are ready to eat after about three to five days, when the seed leaves, known as cotyledons, are visible but not fully developed.

Tip: If you let your sprouts grow a few days longer, they will be considered microgreens. For more information, read our article on how to grow microgreens at home.

Caring for sprouts

If you are growing sprouts yourself, you must make sure you have a clean environment. Before working with the sprouts, carefully clean all utensils and wash your hands. This is important as the warm and humid germination conditions in which sprouts grow also serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Check the tray’s water level regularly and refill it as needed. To keep the sprouts clean and healthy, change the water in the tray on a daily basis.

Harvesting sprouts

After a few days, when your sprouts have finished germinating, remove smaller sprouts from the tray by hand, such as alfalfa, cabbage, onion, or beetroot sprouts. Larger sprouts, such as sunflower, chickpea, bean, or radish, can also be cut with clean scissors just above the sieve.

Interested in growing your own sprouts? Take a look at our article on broccoli sprouts to learn why they are so good for you and what you need to keep in mind when growing them.