Tips for growing healthy broccoli sprouts & common mistakes to avoid

Growing sprouts is relatively simple and easier than cultivating other plants in your garden. In fact, there’s no need to grab gloves or a trowel, as these can be sprouted from the comfort of your kitchen. One of the most important tips is purchasing the right seeds in the first place. Not all vegetable seeds are fit for this purpose, and it’s best to choose broccoli seeds that are specifically created for sprouting. These are some of the most common sprouting seeds, but plants like radish and alfalfa are also popular.

Another handy detail to keep in mind is the proper storage method. Don’t leave your sprouts on the counter or throw them in the fridge on a paper towel. They should be rinsed, fully dried, and stored in an airtight container for the best longevity and the lowest risk of wilting or molding.

If you’re a fan of both broccoli sprouts and microgreens, there are even tips for making them healthier, according to Tianbao Yang, a plant physiologist who spoke with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Growers can mix calcium salt into their water or spray it on their sprouts. They can also expose sprouts to “ultraviolet B (UVB) light for 1–2 hours per day.” Both of these methods trigger a higher production of an antioxidant called glucosinolate in the plants, which are healthy for humans to eat.