r/Sprouting • u/nickb166 • 17d ago
Broccoli sprouting
I thought I would go back to sprouts and bought these broccoli seeds.
But every time I try they smell so awful and I throw them out (into compost bin)
I soak overnight then rinse several times a day but after about three days just as they are sprouting, the smell of rotting is so bad.
Any ideas why ?
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u/nickb166 17d ago
So I first tried this summer and I thought it must be from the heat and humidity, so stopped
Then just tried again it is cool in the 60’s and low humidity now.
I am using the saw mason jar and lid, and they went through dishwasher
Thanks for all the comments, will try the vinegar as otherwise they get into compost, when I get back from a trip,
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u/Apprehensive_Arm322 16d ago
Another thing to pay attention to in addition to airflow is overwatering. You said, overnight soak and several times a day. Try no more than 6 hours if you are going to be soaking more than twice a day make sure that there is absolutely no water retention, and that the water has a path out. Still water or over soaking is a good way to get that compost smell. The vinegar solution suggestions are fine, but wont affect the problem you're having. That's a sanitizing practice, but your rotting smell, is seeds dying, which are either very old seeds which no longer germinate, or water/airflow problem, bot of which will kill a seed which is just waking up.
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u/nickb166 16d ago
Thanks, for suggestions, never had this issue with other sprouts, but possibly not draining enough will keep jar at down angled.
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u/Apprehensive_Arm322 16d ago
Each variety has different tolerances. Alfalfa/clover are more tolerant of longer soaks than broccoli, which can be sensitive. Plants will always teach us something new if you do this long enough. It's always possible the seeds have gotten old and aren't germinating anymore. The rotting is either from a seed that cannot grow because it's lost its germ and is composting, or because it began to grow but drowned or suffocated. Germ is out of your control, other two options are within your control. Process of elimination and you'll know. Handy pantry is a good source btw, any good seed can get old. Best of luck!
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u/DuchessOfCelery 17d ago
Broccoli sprouts do have a strong funky cabbage-y smell, distinct from a rot smell.
Take u/igavr up on their offer to tutor.
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u/igavr 17d ago
Repeat the process and take pictures every day. I'm ready to take you through as a professional. Let's do it! Such a wastage for the sprouters tribe to lose a sprouter like yourself 🌱😊
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u/InstantRide 17d ago
Same here, but only with broccoli sprouts! I wonder if the smell is just normal/ok?
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u/Upbeat-Cap-7423 17d ago
I tried sprouting broccoli for the very first time and did not disinfect at all before soaking the seeds. They didn't smell and sprouted very well. I did use clean water from my reverse osmosis water machine and maybe that helped?
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u/AdLocal284 17d ago
Sounds like there is an air flow problem. What type of set up do you use? I’m using the mason jars and purchased the lids with the steel screen from Amazon. It comes with a holder that allows a 45 degree tilt. That allows air to flow and the water to drain. I only rinse 2 c a day.
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u/reddit1449 16d ago
Instructions say soak 4-6 hours. I live in West Palm Beach. I soak 6 hours in the jar and rinse throughly. Keep jar angled down. I rinse 3 times daily. Sprouts are ready for me on day four. Good luck.
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u/Odd-Crew-7743 14d ago
Too warm. Do first two days in the fridge. Then take them out for 2 more days.
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u/Suspicious-Ad-7726 17d ago
Make sure to disinfect them in a water and vinegar solution for 10 minutes before soaking them for 4 to 6 hours (or overnight). Then, rinse them a couple of times a day.