How to Grow Sunflower Microgreens in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
Black oil sunflower seed grown as microgreens for a nutty, crunchy harvest packed with nutrition. Grow on a shallow tray of mix on any bench or windowsill and cut at 7 to 12 days as the first true leaves appear. An indoor crop you can grow all year.
When to plant sunflower microgreens in New Zealand
Timing changes across the country, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
Best sunflower microgreens varieties for NZ
- Black Oil Sunflower, Large black seeds grown for nutty, crunchy microgreens. Cheap and easy in bulk. (Egmont Seeds, produce and farm stores)
How to grow sunflower microgreens
- Space plants about 1cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: part sun to light shade.
- Ready to harvest in around 10 days.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Damping off, Mould, Damping off. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
🌱 Plant Sunflower Microgreens in your garden →FAQ
When is the best time to plant sunflower microgreens in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Northland, Auckland) sow in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy sunflower microgreens seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Egmont Seeds, produce and farm stores.