What is that white, fuzzy stuff growing on my sprouts? Is it mold? Is it mildew? Or is it cilia hairs? Find out be reading these slides.
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Is that mold or mildew on my sprouts or is it white fuzzy cilia hairs
1. IsThat Mold or Mildew on
My Sprouts? Or is itWhite
Fuzzy Cilia Hairs?
How to determine if you have mold or mildew on your sprouts.
It could just be cilia hairs.
2. What is that white fuzzy
stuff growing on my new
sprouts? Is it mold? Mildew?
It may be something else. The white fuzzy stuff growing on
sprouts may be cilia hairs.
3. Do your growing sprouts look like this?
Cilia hairs are tiny
microscopic cells that
the roots of sprouts put
out because they are
thirsty. They are trying
to get moisture that is
trapped in air. We can
see them because there
are thousands of them.
4. About Cilia Hairs
▪ Cilia hairs are white and fuzzy
▪ They are located near the roots of the sprouts, like a white cloud
▪ They are odorless
▪ They disappear when you rinse the sprouts well and reappear a few
hours later
▪ They DO NOT feel slimy to the touch
5. About Mold and Mildew
▪ Mold and Mildew are often bluish/grey in color
▪ It is often located near the roots of the sprouts or on top of the soil
▪ There is a terrible, disgusting, horrible odor associated with mold and
mildew. You may smell it when you are not even close to your
sprouts
▪ This does not disappear when you rinse your sprouts. After the water
drains away, the bluish/grey cloud remains.
▪ It feels slimy to the touch – Ick!
6. What to do About Cilia Hairs
Cilia hairs are microscopic cells that are developed by roots because the
sprouts are thirsty. Here are few steps to help keep your sprouts
hydrated throughout the day:
1. Soak your seeds for a longer period of time. You can soak most
seeds up to 24 hours with a water change in the middle at 12 hours.
2. Rinse for a longer period of time. You are Mother Nature to these
babies so don’t skimp on their water. Give them at least 1 minute of
fresh water 2 times each day and drain well.
3. If you are able, give them an extra rinsing or two during the day.
7. What to do About Mold and Mildew
Mold and Mildew are a product of moisture and temperature. You need to
lower the temperature of the growing sprouts and regulate the moisture
content in order to control mold and mildew. Here are a few steps to keep
mold and mildew away:
1. If you are using soil make certain it is a good quality soil. Sometimes
mold/mildew starts in the soil.
2. When the sprouts are growing you can lower the temperature by putting
them in the refrigerator for a few hours each day or overnight.
3. When the sprouts are growing you can lower the temperature by pointing
a fan directly onto the sprouts. This will also increase air circulation.
4. Use less seed so the density is smaller for greater air circulation.
8. Do not eat or juice moldy or mildew sprouts
Do not eat or juice
moldy sprouts. It is
better to throw them
away and start a new
fresh batch.
9. Cilia Hairs or Mold/Mildew
Take a few minutes to determine if it is really mold/mildew or just cilia
hairs.
It may not be necessary to throw away another batch of sprouts.
Cilia hairs wash away very easily, so taking the time to make the
determination could save you money and effort.
There are ways to change the sprouting method by lowering the
temperature of the growing sprouts and prevent the occurrence of
mold and mildew.
10. For additional information:
▪ To purchase organic non-GMO sprouting seeds and sprouting
devices, visit
▪ The Sprout House at www.sprouthouse.com
▪ To learn more about sprouting you can read Home Grown Sprouts A
Fresh, Healthy, and Delicious Step-by-Step Guide to Sprouting
Year Round
▪ by Rita Galchus “Sprout Lady Rita”