How long should sprouts take to grow?

[bikediva]

My buckwheat have been going a good 5 days, and they're about a half-inch, maybe. I rinse them in cold water twice a day, keep them in mason jars covered in paper towel in the fridge. I want them to look like the sprouts in the store. How long will that take? What about for sunflower seeds?

Thanks!

[streetsurfer]

The cold is slowing germination. Most seeds should be germinated at 65-75º approximately. After sprouting, they get well drained and dried of their moisture, and stored in the fridge to stop (or greatly slow) growth. Some slight growth might be noticeable in the fridge if moisture is present, as you are seeing in the slight and slow germination rate. I would start another batch and leave them on your counter where there is fresh air circulation, continue with the rinsing and draining and when at the stage you want to consume them drain very well and store in fridge.

You can go to sproutpeople.com for full sprouting instructions for each type seed commonly used.

[DebB]

Hi bikediva ~ As far as how long, when I sprout buckwheat I let the tails get about 1/2 as long as the seed - so they're done. Then I dehydrate them until they're completely dry and store in a mason jar in the cupboard. Then they're all ready to go for a recipe such as granola or to grind into a 'flour'.

Sunflower sprouts are done when their tail starts to show. Your mileage may vary as to how long you'd like their tail to be. I also then dehydrate them and store in a mason jar in the fridge (because I don't let them get super dry like the buckwheat - but that's my personal preference). *Ü*

[streetsurfer]

The batch you have going may do well once you pull them out to warmer temps. It's worth trying.

http://sproutpeople.com/grow/sprouting.html on sprouting basics

http://sproutpeople.com/seed/bwgroats.html on buckwheat groats in particular. I had the temp range a little off. They say 60-70º.