How to Grow Broccoli Sprouts (Step-By-Step Guide)

by Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition | Mar 20, 2020 (updated: 1/5/21)

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This post shares an easy, step-by-step guide for how to grow broccoli sprouts from broccoli seeds. It only takes a few days to grow your own superfood sprouts!

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Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can easily learn how to grow broccoli sprouts from broccoli seeds. Broccoli sprouts do not come from a regular head of broccoli, but from little broccoli seeds that you can purchase.

The best part about sprouting broccoli is that you don’t need to have a green thumb or any dirt whatsoever. All you need are a few tools to start sprouting broccoli seeds right on your kitchen countertop.

Health Benefits

Broccoli sprouts contain sulphoraphane that has research behind it showing its cancer-fighting properties. It is a powerful antioxidant that we should be consuming as often as possible.

Sprouting Guide

process shots in a collage for how to sprout broccoli seeds

The simplest method to grow sprouts at home is to use a Mason jar with a strainer lid. Another easy method is to use a Sproutamo Easy Sprout Sprouter that is absolutely perfect for broccoli sprouts.

You will also need to buy some broccoli sprouting seeds.

Day 1: Soak the Broccoli Seeds

To get started, you’ll need to soak your broccoli seeds in a small bowl filled with water. This helps prepare the seeds to sprout. Put the bowl in a dark space for at least 12 hours to soak.

broccoli seeds in water in prep for sprouting

Day 2: Transfer Seeds to Sprouting Vessel

After you have soaked the seeds, it’s time to rinse them and transfer them to your sprouting vessel.

For the next 48 hours, you’ll need to keep the sprouts in a cool, dark place, such as a dark pantry or a kitchen cabinet. You’ll also need to rinse the sprouts at least 3 times a day.

That’s when the Easy Sprouter comes in really handy. It has a built-in strainer so all you have to do is hold it under the kitchen sink to rinse the sprouts.

Days 2-4: Sprout & Rinse

After about 24 hours of being in the sprouting vessel, you’ll see that the sprouts will start to form, although they will be more yellow than green until you reach the last step.

Day 4 or 5: Move the Sprouting Vessel Out of the Dark

Once the sprouts have reached about a half-inch to full-inch in length, it’s time to move the sprouting vessel out of the dark and expose it to some sun. This will be around day 4 or 5 of the sprouting process.

We don’t want to put the vessel in direct sunlight, but just in some nice indirect light for about 12 more hours. This will help develop the lovely green color that broccoli sprouts should have.

Day 5: Harvest the Sprouts

The last step is to harvest your sprouts. They should be fully grown and nice and green. All you have to do to harvest them is give them one really good final rinse and transfer them to a glass bowl with a lid.

Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 more days.

If you’re looking for broccoli sprout recipes or how to eat broccoli sprouts, then I’ve got you covered too.

FAQs

What is the white fuzz that looks like mold?

You should know that the little fuzzy parts of the sprouts are totally normal. They’re micro “hairs” meant to help draw moisture into the sprout, and it’s not mold.

That said, you should let your nose tell you if your sprouts have gone moldy. Any kind of sour smell is not normal and means that they’re probably not safe to eat. I’ve only had this happen once in about fifty times, but it can happen.

Where can I buy broccoli sprouts?

If you don’t want to grow them at home, you can most often buy broccoli sprouts at natural food grocers or at your local farmers’ market. But, they are usually really expensive. It is much more cost-effective to grow broccoli sprouts at home!

How long does it take to grow broccoli sprouts?

Taking into account both the soaking time (12 hours) and sprouting time (3 days), you’re looking at a total of about 3 1/2 – 5 days days.

How long do the sprouts last after they’re finished growing?

You can keep them in the fridge for about a week after you harvest them.

What do broccoli sprouts taste like?

They are slightly spicy but they don’t have a super strong flavor. Check out my list of ways to eat broccoli sprouts.

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

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