Saed News: Nowruz sprouts (Sabzeh) are one of the most beautiful symbols of the Haft-Seentable, representing life, freshness, and growth. Iranians traditionally grow Sabzeh using various grains and seeds.
According to the Family Magazine Service of Saadnews, with the arrival of Esfand (the last month of the Persian calendar), the excitement and energy of the final days of the year increase among Iranians, and families prepare to welcome spring and set the Haft-Seen table. The "Sabzeh" (sprouts) of Nowruz is one of the most beautiful symbols of the Haft-Seen table, grown with different plant seeds and fruits. Depending on the seeds of grains or citrus pits you plant, the shape of the Sabzeh varies. With some care and taste, you can prepare the most beautiful Sabzeh for your Haft-Seen table. Some families plant their Sabzeh several weeks before the New Year, while others buy their favorite beautiful Sabzeh from the market on the night of Nowruz. If you are one of those who prefer to prepare the Haft-Seen items at home, follow along as we introduce you to the methods of planting and preparing different types of Sabzeh for the New Year's night.
History of Sabzeh in Ancient Iran
The Haft-Seen table of Nowruz has ancient roots in Iran, with seven sacred symbols representing life and the earth, embodying blessings and life. In the past, the symbols of Nowruz tables were based on the number seven, and some historians believe this was due to the reverence of this number by Iranians. However, over time, Haft-Seen replaced other symbols, and today, Iranians prepare their Haft-Seen tables hours before the New Year.
In ancient Iran, grains were planted at the gate of the kings’ palaces before Nowruz, and their greening until Nowruz was considered a sign of a prosperous year. Farmers would also plant the grain that had the most growth in their fields the following year.
One of the most famous symbols of the Haft-Seen table is Sabzeh (sprouts). In ancient Iran, 25 days before Nowruz, twelve columns of raw clay were built at the gates of the kings' palaces, with each column planting a type of grain. The grains included wheat, barley, rice, broad beans, millet, corn, beans, lentils, mung beans, chickpeas, and sesame. The sprouting of these seeds until Nowruz symbolized abundant blessings for the coming year. The greener and more fruitful the clay columns became, the more abundant the blessings of those seeds were in the following year. On the sixth day of Nowruz, people would joyfully gather the sprouts and scatter them in the fields.
On the other hand, farmers in ancient Iran believed that the greening of various grains at the start of each year indicated the readiness of the climate for planting a specific type of grain, and thus, they would choose the crops they intended to plant in their fields during Nowruz.
Not long ago, women at home would also plant Sabzeh with special customs. In each household, the mother would soak a handful of wheat, barley, or other seeds for each family member. Each handful would be taken with the intention of representing one person, making sure no seeds fell to the ground. Simultaneously, she would pray for health and blessings for each individual and for happiness for the whole family. She would continue to water and care for the Sabzeh until the first day of Nowruz. If the sprouts grew quickly, it was a sign of relief in the family’s affairs, but if they grew slowly or dried out, it was believed to be a sign of a difficult year ahead.
In Iranian culture, Sabzeh represents blessings, fertility, and greenery, and the growth of sprouts in spring is seen as a symbol of the renewal of life. Today, Iranians, along with many Persian speakers around the world, sprout various grains in the last weeks of Esfand and place them on their Haft-Seen tables with beautiful decorations. Unlike the old days, today, people keep their Nowruz Sabzeh until the thirteenth day of the New Year, then, by going into nature, they release it into flowing waters and fields.
In various regions of Iran, different types of Sabzeh are grown using various methods, and in many cities and villages, there are traditional customs for planting different seeds. Planting Sabzeh at home has its own special atmosphere; however, if you do not manage to plant it at the appropriate time, various types of Sabzeh with different decorations are available in the market.
Nowruz Sabzeh
When is the best time to plant Nowruz Sabzeh?
If you are interested in planting Sabzeh at home, the timing of planting each type of seed is important. To have a full and beautiful Sabzeh for your Haft-Seen table, you should plant the seeds at the right time, considering the characteristics of each seed. The minimum time for the sprouts to grow is about one week before Nowruz, but most seeds need between two weeks to 20 days to fully sprout.
Some seeds, like millet, germinate in less than a week, but to have a full Sabzeh, you should start earlier. If, in the hustle and bustle of the New Year, you forget to soak the seeds at the right time, you will be able to buy various Sabzeh in different designs and models from the market. Below, we will introduce the types of Sabzeh and the best time to plant each. You can choose the best seed for your Nowruz Sabzeh based on your preferences and time.
How long does it take to plant Sabzeh?
Some seeds need more time to sprout and turn green, while others grow faster. Citrus seeds need to stay in water for about two days for their shells to open, but seeds like alfalfa, fenugreek, and sesame need only a few hours to soak and sprout more quickly.
After citrus seeds, legumes need to soak in water for a full day. Legumes take more time to sprout than seeds like wheat and barley. Planting seeds in soil takes more time than sprouting them in moist cloth, and although the sprouts last longer using soil, they sprout more slowly.
If you have between two weeks and 10 days before Nowruz, soak seeds like wheat, mung beans, and millet for about 10 hours, then wrap them in moist cloth. Purslane, sesame, and watercress also sprout and turn green very quickly. To have beautiful sprouts until the thirteenth day, avoid planting seeds too early, as they will wither by then.
Which seeds are suitable for Nowruz Sabzeh?
For planting Nowruz Sabzeh, you can use various grains or citrus seeds. Seeds that have longer-lasting sprouts are better than more delicate seeds. Wheat and barley are the best seeds for Nowruz Sabzeh because they sprout easily even if left in the house for a while.
Citrus seeds are also suitable for Nowruz Sabzeh. These seeds are easy to access and last longer when planted in soil. If you don't have much time before Nowruz, it's best to choose seeds that sprout quickly, such as sesame, fenugreek, wheat, watercress, millet, and mung beans.
Some seeds sprout in a regular pattern and take the shape of the container they are placed in, while others are more intricate and require more time to grow. The appearance of the sprouts also varies. Some seeds grow with thin, needle-like leaves, while others are wider and shorter. Based on the appearance of the sprouts, you can choose your preferred seed for Nowruz Sabzeh.
If you are interested in creating variety in the shape of your Nowruz Sabzeh, there are different options available. Jelly-based Sabzeh, two-colored sprouts, doll-shaped sprouts, and sprouts shaped like stars or hearts are some of the most popular decorative types. These require more time and patience to plant, so if you don't have enough time or patience, it’s better to avoid choosing these options.
Methods for Growing Sprouts (Sabzeh)
There are various ways to grow different types of sabzeh for Nowruz. Some methods are traditional and simple, passed down through generations, while others are more modern, catering to those who wish to create luxurious Nowruz tables. With a little creativity, you can plant your sabzeh in different baskets, empty eggs, or glass jars to give a more beautiful look to your Nowruz sprout. Here, we will introduce some of the most well-known methods for growing sabzeh:
Traditional Method for Growing Sabzeh
In the traditional method, seeds are soaked and, depending on the hardness of the seed's shell, given time to puff up and separate from the shell. After this stage, the seeds are carefully separated from their shells and wrapped gently in a damp cloth. At this stage, some seeds can be planted in soft potting soil.
In the past, people used the direct planting method by sowing seeds in the ground, which is still practiced today in many rural areas and regions with favorable climates. During the growth of the seedlings, taking care of the sprouts is the most important task, as sudden temperature changes, lack of water, and intense sunlight can destroy the seeds. Once the sprouts grow, there is no longer any cause for concern.
After the sprouts have grown, the need for water decreases, and if you have enough time before Nowruz, direct sunlight is not necessary. At this stage, water the sprouts once a day and place them in a location with a balanced temperature. After a few days, you will have a full and beautiful sprout. Wheat and barley are the oldest seeds used for Nowruz sabzeh, which you can easily grow using the above method. In the past, the most important point when planting sabzeh for the New Year's night was that family members would plant it together.
Method of Growing Sabzeh with Gel Soil
Planting sabzeh in gel soil is a more modern method that is popular due to its high variety of colors and simplicity. For this method, you need to buy a pack of gel soil from a flower shop and soak it in water for at least 12 hours until it expands completely. At this stage, depending on the type of seed, you can plant your sprout in two ways.
If you are using large, hard seeds like sunflower seeds, after draining the excess water from the gel soil and placing it in your desired container, sprinkle the seeds over the gel soil. Cover the container with a layer of plastic and place it in a well-lit location with indirect sunlight. Due to the adequate moisture of the gel soil, spraying water on the sprouts once a day will be sufficient.
If you have chosen smaller seeds for planting in gel soil, crush part of the gel soil where you will place the seeds and cover them with the crushed gel soil.
After the seeds have sprouted, you can remove the plastic layer, but do not forget to spray water daily. Gel soil is a great option for people with busy schedules or limited time for growing sabzeh, as it provides excellent moisture retention, ensuring the longevity of your sabzeh. The gel soil will expand several times after absorbing water, so make sure to choose a large enough container for soaking the gel soil and leave room at the top. Keep in mind that clover and mallow seeds are not suitable for planting in gel soil.
Method of Growing Sabzeh with a Pot
Planting sabzeh on pots and earthenware containers is not a new method, but it remains quite popular. Setting the Nowruz table is one of the most traditional rituals of Iranians, and many families use traditional utensils and handicrafts to decorate their tables and set up the "seven Sins" (seven symbolic items of Nowruz). As a result, various earthenware containers are commonly used to decorate Nowruz tables.
Contrary to what one might think, planting sabzeh on the surface of earthenware pots is not difficult and differs little from the traditional method. The ceramic material, due to its high moisture retention properties, is an excellent medium for planting seeds with adhesive qualities.
For a beautiful, lush sabzeh on a pot, the best seeds are glazed and gel-like seeds.
To plant sabzeh on a pot, after soaking your desired seeds, fill the pot with water to cool and moisten it. After the necessary time for the seeds to absorb moisture, stretch a thin cloth like a towel over the surface of the pot and moisten it until it sticks firmly to the pot. At this stage, drain the water from the seeds and, using your hands, press the gel-like, sticky seeds onto the pot’s surface and cloth. Ensure that the seeds are spread evenly on the surface.
The rest of the process is quite simple. Fill the pot with water, and if all the seeds are not receiving equal sunlight, rotate the pot several times throughout the day. Don’t forget to spray water on the sprouts during the day. The best seeds for planting on pots are mustard and watercress. For this method, start planting 10 to 12 days before Nowruz. If you plant the sabzeh too early, it may grow too much and lose its shape, which would make it less visually appealing for the Nowruz table.
Method of Growing Tree-shaped Sabzeh
Tree-shaped sabzeh is a popular model for planting Nowruz sprouts. Like some other types of sabzeh planting, glazed and sticky seeds are ideal for this model. Soak your chosen seeds for several hours or a full day in water. While the seeds are soaking, you can build your desired tree model.
To create the tree model, you can use sponge or polystyrene foam. Cotton pieces or small plastic trays are also useful for highlighting branches or creating levels in the tree design. If you are not experienced in making models, you can follow simple patterns as templates. The sponge, due to its ability to retain moisture, is a better option for creating various shapes. Once the model is completed and the seeds have soaked, cover the surface of the tree with plastic and a towel, and spray water over it. However, before doing so, make sure to create a few holes in the plastic layer. The plastic layer helps keep the sponge and sprouts moist.
At this stage, spread a thin layer of seeds over the tree model, then spray water on the surface. To maintain moisture for the seeds until the sprouts grow, you can cover them with a thin, perforated plastic layer. Once the sprouts begin to grow, remove the plastic and place the tree-shaped sabzeh in a location with consistent temperature and light. If the sprouts grow too quickly, move the tree-shaped sabzeh to a cooler place to preserve its longevity. In this method, you can replace the tree design with other creative shapes, like stars, and plant various shapes and colorful sprouts.
Method of Growing Two-Colored Sabzeh
To create a two-colored sabzeh, you should use a combination of different seeds for planting. The seed of the mallow plant is red, and its sprout differs in color from other seeds. Therefore, by combining mallow seeds with other seeds, such as watercress, you can grow a two-colored sabzeh. If you create shapes like flowers and stars using sponge and polystyrene foam, your two-colored sabzeh will have an enhanced effect. For example, fill the petals with mallow seeds and the center with green-colored seeds.
Purslane seeds are another option that can be mixed with other seeds to create a two-colored sabzeh. However, since purslane seeds are not sticky, they should be combined with other sticky, glazed seeds. The other steps for planting a two-colored sabzeh are the same as for tree-shaped sabzeh, and by using a model and creatively distributing the soaked seeds, you will end up with a beautiful, two-colored sabzeh.
Method of Growing Sabzeh in Water
For planting sabzeh in water, the best container is a crystal vase. This method adds a special touch to your Nowruz table, though it may be a bit challenging for some to maintain. In this method, cover the bottom of the vase with sand and soft soil. Then, gently sprinkle "Monte Carlo" plant seeds over it. These seeds can be purchased from greenhouses or flower shops. Next, lightly spray the interior of the vase with water and cover the container with plastic wrap. Make sure that the inside of the vase remains moist. At this stage, place the vase under soft artificial light and wait a few days until the sprouts grow about two centimeters. Once this happens, remove the plastic cover and carefully pour water along the edges of the vase. As the water level rises, the sprouts will float on top of the water, creating a beautiful effect.
Types of Nowruz Sabzeh
Various grain seeds and citrus seeds are suitable for growing sabzeh for Nowruz. However, there are slight differences in the process of growing these seeds, which we will explain in this section. You can choose one of the following seeds based on your preferences and plant them according to the method specified:
Wheat
Wheat sprouts are among the most common on Nowruz tables and have a long history. To grow wheat sprouts, you will need about 20 days, and you can start soaking the wheat seeds on the 10th of Esfand (the last month of the Iranian calendar). Although wheat seeds have a long shelf life, using fresh seeds ensures faster growth and better results.
To grow wheat, soak a handful of wheat in water and let it soak for one to two nights. During this period, change the water once or twice to prevent it from smelling. Keep in mind that the presence of foam and bubbles on the water's surface indicates spoilage, and you should change the water immediately in such cases. Once the wheat has puffed up, drain it using a sieve. Then, place the wheat in a damp cloth and ensure that the cloth stays moist.
Once the wheat sprouts, you can transfer them to your desired container or pot. At this stage, expose the sprouts to sunlight and regularly spray them with water to prevent them from drying out. Lack of water in the sunlight will cause the wheat sabzeh to turn yellow quickly. Wheat sprouts grow rapidly in sunlight and become tall. The process of planting barley seeds is quite similar to that of wheat.
Lentil
Lentils are one of the most popular legumes and seeds for planting on Nowruz (Persian New Year). The best time to plant lentils is around 20 days before Nowruz. To plant these seeds, first place them in an appropriate container and cover them with warm water. You don’t need a large amount of water—just enough to cover the lentils slightly.c
After 24 hours, the lentils will swell and change shape. Make sure to change the water if it forms foam or bubbles. Lentils absorb water, so whenever the water level drops, add a little warm water. Once the lentils change shape, place them between a damp cotton cloth. Keep them in the cloth until the sprouts grow, but make sure to moisten the cloth regularly.
When the sprouts change from white to green, it’s time to move the lentils to their final container. Place them in the sunlight and regularly spray water on them to prevent them from drying out. The more direct the sunlight, the faster the sprouts will grow. Rotate the container to make the sprouts grow evenly, and you’ll have a beautiful, uniform lentil sprout on your Nowruz table.
Green Bean
Green beans are another popular seed for planting for Nowruz. The green bean sprouts are delicate and take on the shape of different containers easily. This seed also requires about 20 days to fully sprout and become beautiful. To plant green beans, soak them for a full 24 hours. After 24 hours, the size of the seeds will double.
Next, place the soaked seeds on a damp cloth or wrap them around a clay pot or bowl. Green bean sprouts are very delicate, and the large quantity of seeds makes them dense, without blocking the growth of the seeds underneath. Keep the cloth damp until the sprouts grow. Once the sprouts start growing, place the pot in the sun and spray water on it regularly.
Green beans grow quickly in sunlight, so if they grow tall before Nowruz, move the container to a cooler place to slow down their growth. Do not use very cold water to water them. Green bean sprouts are one of the most beautiful Nowruz sprouts and have many fans.
Citrus Seeds
Citrus seeds are widely available and many people use them to grow sprouts for Nowruz. These seeds need to be soaked for one to two days to swell. After swelling, gently remove the outer shell and soak the inner seed for another day. Use soft soil for planting these seeds. Unlike other sprouts, citrus seed sprouts do not require many seeds; just a few seeds in a pot will suffice.
Plant the peeled seeds at a depth of about 2 centimeters in the soil, making sure they have enough space to grow. To maintain soil moisture, cover the pot with a thin, perforated plastic layer for the first two days and regularly check the moisture of the soil. You can spray water on the soil to prevent over-watering. It will take between two weeks to a month for the sprouts to appear.
Once the sprouts grow and the greens emerge from the soil, the leaves will gradually show, and you’ll have a beautiful, long-lasting sprout. With proper care and good soil, you can eventually transfer a beautiful plant to your garden. Start planting citrus seeds from early February for the best result. These seeds last a long time and can stay in the pot for over two years.
Other Seeds for Nowruz Sprouts
There are many other types of seeds that are used for growing Nowruz sprouts, including flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and more. Each type of seed requires a different process for soaking and growing, but they all need care and attention. Make sure to follow the correct soaking and planting methods for the best results.
For detailed care, remember to change the water regularly, provide enough light, and ensure the sprouts stay moist but not too wet. Proper care will help your sprouts grow strong, beautiful, and last through the Nowruz celebrations.
Important Tips for Growing Nowruz Sprouts:
Avoid using metal containers for planting sprouts.
Clay pots are the best option for growing sprouts.
Plastic containers are not ideal as they absorb bad smells.
Change the water regularly during the soaking process.
Use warm water for soaking grains.
Use high-quality seeds for a healthy, thick, and uniform sprout.
Proper sunlight is essential for quick growth.
Regularly spray water to prevent sprouts from drying out or turning yellow.
Keep the sprouts in a balanced temperature environment.
Spread the sprouted seeds evenly to ensure uniform growth.
Do not over-water or leave water stagnant at the bottom of the container to prevent rotting.
After the sprouts have grown well, place them in a cooler place to extend their lifespan.
By following these tips, you can enjoy beautiful, lush sprouts for your Nowruz table!
