How long does it take to sprout mung beans?

Mung beans take 8–12 hours to soak, then 2–5 days to sprout in a jar. Rinse and drain twice daily. They are ready when the tails are 1–3 cm long and taste fresh and mildly sweet.

How long does it take to sprout lentils?

Lentils take 8 hours to soak, then 2–3 days to sprout. They are one of the fastest and easiest seeds to sprout. Green, brown, and beluga lentils all work well. Use whole red lentils — not split — for best results.

How do you know when sprouts are ready to eat?

Sprouts are ready when the tails are 1–3 cm long for most legumes and grains, or when small green leaves appear for seeds like alfalfa, broccoli, and radish. They should smell fresh and clean — never sour or fermented.

How long does it take to grow microgreens?

Most microgreens are ready to harvest in 5–14 days depending on the variety. Fast varieties like cress and radish are ready in 5–7 days. Sunflower microgreens, pea shoots, and wheatgrass take 7–12 days. Harvest when cotyledons are fully open or the first true leaves appear.

Do I need special equipment to sprout at home?

No. A wide-mouth mason jar with a mesh lid or cheesecloth works perfectly for most sprouts. For microgreens, a shallow tray with coconut coir, a hemp fiber mat, or potting soil is all you need.

How long do homegrown sprouts keep in the fridge?

Most sprouts keep for 3–7 days in a glass container in the fridge. Rinse and drain well before storing. Microgreens keep for 5–10 days when harvested and stored dry.

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