Soaking, rinsing and draining are the three jobs that decide whether your sprouts turn out fresh and crunchy or soggy and sour. Get them right and sprouting is almost foolproof. This guide explains how long to soak each seed, how often to rinse and why drainage matters so much.
Why soak sprouting seeds?
Dry seeds are dormant. Soaking lets them absorb water, softens the seed coat and wakes them up so they start to sprout. Seeds that aren't soaked long enough sprout slowly and unevenly; seeds soaked far too long can go soft and sour.
Soak times for common sprouting seeds
| Seed | Soak time | Ready in |
|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa | 4 to 6 hours | 5 to 6 days |
| Broccoli | 8 to 12 hours | 4 to 6 days |
| Radish | 8 to 12 hours | 4 to 5 days |
| Fenugreek | 6 to 8 hours | 3 to 5 days |
| Mung beans | 8 to 12 hours | 2 to 4 days |
| Green lentils | 8 to 12 hours | 2 to 3 days |
| Chickpeas | 12 hours (change the water halfway) | 2 to 3 days |
| Sunflower (hulled) | 6 to 8 hours | 1 to 2 days |
Use cool, clean water and roughly three times as much water as seeds, as they swell as they soak.
Seeds you shouldn't soak in a jar
Some seeds, including cress, rocket and chia, form a gel when wet. They clump together in a jar, so grow them on a damp tray or mat instead and mist them rather than soaking.
How often should you rinse sprouts?
Rinse at least twice a day, morning and evening, and three times in a warm kitchen or hot weather. Each rinse refreshes the seeds' water and keeps them cool.
- Fill the jar with cool, clean water through the sprouting lid or mesh.
- Swirl gently for a few seconds.
- Drain completely, shaking out as much water as you can.
- Rest the jar upside down at an angle in a bowl or dish rack.
Why drainage matters
Sprouts need to be moist, not wet. Seeds left sitting in water can't get air, start to rot and quickly go soft, slimy and sour-smelling. Warm, stagnant water is also where unwanted bacteria and mould grow best. Good drainage is the single biggest difference between a good batch and a bad one.
- Always tilt the jar upside down after rinsing so water can run out and air can get in.
- Don't overfill the jar: seeds should cover no more than a quarter of it before sprouting.
- Keep the jar out of direct sunlight and away from the oven or radiators.
- Give the sprouts a final thorough drain and dry before they go in the fridge.
Troubleshooting
Sour smell or slimy seeds: the seeds sat in water. Throw the batch away, wash the jar and drain more thoroughly next time.
Seeds drying out: rinse more often, or cover the jar loosely with a tea towel.
Slow or patchy sprouting: check the soak time and keep the jar at room temperature, not in a cold spot.
Sprouting safety
Wash your hands and equipment before you start and use seeds sold for sprouting. The UK Food Standards Agency advises that raw sprouts should be avoided by people who are pregnant, older people, young children and anyone with a weakened immune system, who can cook their sprouts until steaming hot instead.
New to sprouting? Read the best seeds for sprouting and how to sprout broccoli seeds in a jar, or browse all our sprouting seeds.
