As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can provide you with a detailed answer to the question of whether sunflower microgreens need blackout. Sunflower microgreens, like many other types of microgreens, do benefit from a period of darkness during their growth process.
During the germination stage, sunflower microgreens require exposure to light in order to trigger the process of photosynthesis. This is when the plants convert light energy into chemical energy to fuel their growth. However, once the seeds have germinated and the plants have developed their first set of true leaves, it is beneficial to provide them with a period of darkness.
The purpose of giving sunflower microgreens a blackout period is to encourage them to elongate and grow taller. By keeping the tray in the dark, the plants will stretch and reach for the light, resulting in longer stems and taller growth. This is desirable for sunflower microgreens as it can enhance their texture and flavor.
To achieve a blackout period for your sunflower microgreens, you can use various methods. One common approach is to use tea towels or other light-blocking materials to cover the tray lids. This helps to exclude all light and create a dark environment for the microgreens. Make sure to securely cover the entire tray to prevent any light from reaching the seeds along the edges.
Another option is to create a cardboard cutout that fits over the tray lids. This cutout should be placed on top of the lids to block out the light. Again, it is important to ensure that the entire tray is covered to maintain the darkness needed for proper growth.
In my personal experience, I have found that using tea towels to cover the tray lids works effectively in providing the necessary blackout period for sunflower microgreens. However, it is essential to check the trays regularly to ensure that the covering remains in place and no light is entering.
Sunflower microgreens do benefit from a blackout period. This period of darkness encourages them to elongate and grow taller, resulting in enhanced texture and flavor. To achieve a blackout, you can cover the tray lids with tea towels or use cardboard cutouts. Regular monitoring is important to ensure that no light is reaching the microgreens.
