Is That Mold or Mildew on My Sprouts? Or is it White Fuzzy Cilia Hairs?How to determine if you have mold or mildew on your sprouts. It could just be cilia hairs.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”