How To Grow Chia Microgreens

<a href='https://typesofmicrogreens.com/author/admin/'>Jon Smith</a>Jon Smith
June 5, 2021

Many microgreen gardeners do not think of chia microgreens when deciding on a microgreen crop; however, you should not discount these easy-to-grow microgreens. Chia microgreens are filled with nutrients to help improve your health.

Chia microgreens are high in calcium, in fact, they contain three times the amount of cow’s milk. Calcium strengthens your bones and teeth as well as improving your heart health. They also contain omega 3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function and brain health.

Chia microgreens contain potassium, iron, chlorophyll, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin K. These nutrients work together to increase platelet counts and improve your blood health. When chia microgreens enhance immunity so your body can resist disease.

Check out our other how to grow microgreens content here.

Chia Microgreen Profile

This brief profile will provide you with all the information you need on how to grow chia microgreens.

AttributeProfile
FlavorChia microgreens have a tangy, yet slightly bitter flavor.  
Pre-Soak (Yes/No)   Chia seeds are mucilaginous seeds and do not need to be presoaked.
Color  Chia microgreens have dark green leaves on pale stems.
Germination Time  Chia microgreens will germinate within 2 to 4 days.
Harvest Time  You can expect to harvest chia microgreens within 8 to 12 days from planting
Green Thumb Level (1-5)   3 – Chia microgreens are easy to grow; however, they must be watered every 12 hours.

Chia microgreens are easy to grow; however, they must be kept damp. These delicious microgreens are chockful of nutrients and will be ready for harvest about a week and a half after sowing your chia seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most frequently asked questions concerning chia microgreens.

Do Chia Microgreens Regrow After Harvesting?

No, once you harvest chia microgreens, they will not regrow. Once you harvest your microgreens, compost the roots and any remaining stems.

How Fast Do Chia Microgreens Grow?

Chia microgreens are fast growing. The seeds will germinate in 2-3 days and will be ready to harvest in about a week after germination.

What Is a Mucilaginous Seed?

A mucilaginous seed is a seed that develops a mucus membrane when it is exposed to water. This mucus membrane helps to keep the seed moist during the germination process.

Equipment Needed to Grow Chia Microgreens

We recommend growing chia microgreens hydroponically as this method typically produces the best results. Certain microgreen gardeners have successfully grown chia microgreens in the soil; however, this method is more difficult and typically does not produce as large of a harvest. The following information will provide you with the information needed to grow chia microgreens all year long.

Starter Kits

A hydroponic starter kit will provide you with almost everything you will need to successfully grow chia microgreens.  The kit will include growing trays without drainage holes, bamboo microgreen growing pads, pH test strips, and a spray bottle.

Specific Equipment Needed for Chia Microgreens

If you decide to purchase your hydroponic equipment separately, you will need:

Growing Medium for Chia Microgreens

If you will be growing your chia microgreens hydroponically, you will not need soil or a soilless growing medium. Instead, you will use a hydroponic mat for chia microgreens. The natural jute mat is made of biodegradable materials which are fully compostable. Jute hydroponic mats are highly absorbent and will help your microgreens retain the water they need for proper growth and development.

You can grow chia microgreens with coco coir or another microgreen growing medium.

Sale
Pack of 20 Jute Plant Grow Mat- Hydroponic Grow Pads Fits for Standard 10" X 20" Germination Tray Home Microgreens Growing Kit for Wheatgrass Sprouts and Organic Production
  • Package Include: 20 packs 9.8" × 19.6" hydroponic grow pads are included in this package. The quantity is sufficient to satisfy your planting needs in daily use. You can put it on countertop for gardening at both indoor and outdoor.
  • Reliable Material: Our carefully selected hydroponic grow pads are all made by 100% natural jute fibers, which are made through multistage non-woven process carding, these jute grow pads of great durability can well help your plants germinate.
  • Wide Application: These hydroponic grow pads are perfect for various plants, such as plant microgreens, wheatgrass, sprouts, micro herbs, pea shoots, barley grass, etc.
  • Biodegradable Grow Mat: Our jute grow pads are all made of 100% biodegradable material, so these disposable and fully compostable pads will provide a strong and light environment for the plant growth.
  • Highly Absorptive: These hydroponic grow pads can absorb and hold the most appropriate amount of water, so your plants can evenly absorb the water needed for growth for a long time, creating a stable growth environment for the roots of the plants.

Growing Trays for Chia Microgreens

You will need two growing trays without holes. You will use one for a cover and one for the hydroponic pad. We typically recommend using 10 inch by 20 inch growing trays for Chia microgreens; however, there are other size options available, including 10 inch square growing trays.

Sale
10 Plant Growing Trays (No Drain Holes) - 20" x 10" - Perfect Garden Seed Starter Grow Trays: for Seedlings, Indoor Gardening, Growing Microgreens, Wheatgrass & More - Soil or Hydroponic
  • Quantity 10 - Durable Plastic - NO Drain Holes
  • Perfect for use as a drip tray, hydroponic growing and seed starting
  • Approx: 21" by 11" (top measurement). 20" by 10" bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
  • Accomodates 20" x 10" Sure to Grow Hydroponic Grow Pads and Micro-Mats Perfectly
  • Reusable - Great for Greenhouse, Seedlings, wheatgrass, microgreens and more.

Misting Bottle for Chia Microgreens

Your chia microgreens will need to be sprayed a couple of times a day. You want a misting bottle for chia microgreens that will deliver a fine mist that does not disturb your seeds.

GETTON 2.0L Garden Sprayer, Hand-held Pressure Pump Sprayer Plant Mister Spray Bottle with Adjustable Nozzle and Detachable Wand for Indoor Outdoor Household Cleaning Garden Lawn Watering
  • 【Safe Pressure Valve】The garden spraying bottle equipped with a safety pressure release valve, which allows you to control the pressure of water and automatically releases the excess pressure. The pump holds a good amount of pressure while offers a place reducing fatigue while operating the equipment.
  • 【Adjustable Nozzle】The premium adjustable nozzle of this garden sprayer can be easily adjusted the intensity of the water from direct injection to fine mist spray as desired. Greater even coverage for a better performance.
  • 【Durable & Easy to Clean】The pump sprayer is manufactured from PP material for excellent durability. 2L Translucent water tank can clearly show the liquid level inside so you can add more in time. It is also convenient for cleaning.
  • 【Wide Application】This universal pressure sprayer can accommodate your daily cleaning and watering needs both indoors and outdoors . Ideal for household cleaning, watering plants and flowers, misting veggies, pet bathing, and moisturizing flowers.
  • 【Ergonomic Handle】The pump pressure sprayer comes with an ergonomic 4-finger handle that is non-slip for effortless use and convenient to be carried anywhere. A removable long wand is good to help spray more spaces or hard-to-reach places.

pH Test Strips for Chia Microgreens

Mucilaginous seeds are sensitive when it comes to the pH of the water used during the growing process. These Chia microgreen pH test strips will be used to ensure your water’s pH is in an acceptable range.

Plastic pH Test Strips, Universal Application (pH 0.0-14.0, 0.5 pH Intervals), 100 Strips
  • Ideal for testing Water, Soap, Soil, Kombucha, Beer, and much more!
  • Sold as One Case of 100 Plastic pH Strips
  • pH 0.0-14.0 Full Range Test Strips - Increments by 0.5 pH units
  • pH Color Chart Intervals: 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, 10.0, 10.5, 11.0, 11.5, 12.0, 12.5, 13.0, 13.5, 14.0
  • Laboratory and Diagnostic grade pH test strips

Light Source for Chia Microgreens

An LED full spectrum grow light for chia microgreens is used to aid in photosynthesis, ensure your microgreens grow evenly, and promote a large harvest.

Sale
Barrina LED Grow Light, 144W( 6 x 24W, 800W Equivalent), 2ft T8, Full Spectrum, High Output, Linkable Design, T8 Integrated Bulb+Fixture, Plant Lights for Indoor Plants, 6-Pack
  • Full Spectrum - Barrina grow light is a great option for plants that in seedling, vegetative and flowering cycle. It provides light that plants need, especially blue and red light
  • Integrated Plant Light Chips- Compare with the lamp consisting of only "blue chips" + "red chips", integrated plant light chips have more efficiency and better color layout
  • Super Bright - Consume only 144W with 576 LEDS totally, replacing 800W general plant lights. These grow light provid a higher PPFD
  • Easy Installation - Plug and play. And could link up to 6 grow lights in a series by 48 inches connecting cords. Also, you could mount to ceiling or hang up for shelf. Saving your installation cost and time
  • Quality Assurance - 2-year unlimited warranty, easy and fast replacement is offered if any quality issue

(Optional) Chia Microgreen Planting Rack

A planting rack for chia microgreens is the perfect solution for microgreen gardeners who are limited on space. This rack allows you to store your chia microgreens vertically.

Storage Shelves 2100Lbs Capacity, 6-Shelf on Casters 48" L×18" W×82" H Wire Shelving Unit Adjustable Layer Metal Rack Strong Steel for Restaurant Garage Pantry Kitchen,Black
  • IMPRESSIVE STORAGE CAPACITY - With six tiers of shelving, this unit boasts an enormous amount of space and shelving. It’s able to provide a great deal of additional storage without taking up too much space itself.
  • STURDY AND DURABLE - Constructed from heavy-duty steel wire, this shelf is durable and resistant to dirt buildup and corrosion. Each shelf has a capacity of up to 220 lbs when properly assembled, with a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs total.
  • ADJUSTABILITY - You can adjust the height of the storage shelves in one-inch increments, creating a customized unit best suited for your specific storage needs.
  • MULTIFUNCTIONALITY - This metal shelving unit can be used virtually anywhere, in the kitchen, the bathroom, the garage, outdoor shed, and more. It’s perfect for storing tools, clothes, books, and whatever else is taking up space in your home or office. Equipped with wheels, you can transport this unit smoothly and efficiently room to room.
  • FAST, EASY ASSEMBLY: The shelving unit comes packaged ready to assemble, and doesn’t require any tools for installation. In just 15 minutes, your unit can be installed and ready to save space.

Chia Microgreen Seed Options

Organic Chia Microgreen Seeds – True Leaf Market’s organic chia microgreen seeds have a high germination rate, grow fast, and are filled with omega 3 fatty acids and nutrients.

Step by Step Growing Guide for Chia Microgreens

Chia microgreens are easy to grow; however, you must understand the planting and care requirements for a large crop. Our easy to follow, step-by-step instructions will help guide you through the process of growing chia microgreens.

Step 1: Balancing Your Water’s pH

Chia microgreen seeds are sensitive when it comes to the pH of the water used. Use pH test strips to determine your water’s pH level. When it comes to microgreens, you will want your water’s pH to be between 5.5 and 6.5. When watering your chia microgreens, you should only use water within the acceptable pH range. Only use filtered water to prevent watering your plants with chlorinated water.

Step 2: Prepare Your Chia Microgreen Grow Tray

Fill your microgreen growing tray for chia microgreens with 2 cups of water that is pH balance. Tip the tray from side to side to ensure the water is evenly distributed.

Place a hydroponic pad in your grow tray and press the grow pad gently down into the bottom of the tray to ensure the bottom side of your hydroponic grow pad for chia microgreens is thoroughly saturated. Grab your misting bottle and evenly mist the top of the grow pad to ensure no dry spots remain.

Step 3: Plant Your Chia Microgreen Seeds

Your chia microgreen seeds do not to be presoaked. Simply spread them across the saturated chia microgreen hydroponic grow mat. The seeds should be sprinkled evenly. You will need approximately one ounce of chia microgreen seeds per 10 inch by 20 inch hydroponic tray.

Step 4: Understand the Germination Process

Once you have evenly distributed your chia seeds, you will need to mist the seeds. On average, it will take ten to twelve sprays from your misting bottle to ensure the seeds are wet.

You will also want to spray the inside of your tray that you will use during the blackout period. Doing this will ensure your seeds will get the humidity and darkness to thrive.

Carefully set your tray on your warming mat, avoiding sloshing the water or disturbing your seeds. Your chia microgreens seeds germinate best at 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Misting Your Chia Microgreens

Your chia microgreen seeds need to be misted twice daily. Use your misting bottle and evenly distribute water across your seeds every 12 hours. You will not need to add any water to your trays other than the twice daily misting. Re-cover your trays with your blackout humidity dome for chia seeds.

Step 6: Place Your Chia Microgreens Under Grow Lights

Your chia microgreen seeds should germinate in 2 to 4 days. The complete darkness created during the germination process forces your crop to grow upward as they struggle to reach the light, just like they would when if they were planted into the ground.

When the first baby leaves, known as cotyledons, emerge, you will need to wait one more day and then uncover them. We recommend using LED grow light rather than incandescent, fluorescent, or direct sunlight. Full spectrum LED grow lights help your microgreens grow so you can reap a large harvest.

Step 7: Inspect Your Chia Microgreens Daily

Your chia microgreens must have the correct balance of water until it is time for harvest. Lift one corner of the grow pad and check how moist the pad is. You want the hydroponic pad to be fairly damp. If the pad begins to dry out, you will need to replenish the water.

Once your microgreens are uncovered and placed under your grow lights, you should not use your mister any longer. You should only water from the bottom up to help decrease the risk of fungal diseases and mold.

Step 8: Know When to Harvest Chia Microgreens

Your chia microgreens will be ready to harvest approximately 8 to 12 days after you have planted them. Chia microgreens are ready for harvest when the cotyledons have formed, and the first set of true leaves begin to form.

Once your microgreens are ready for harvest, you should withhold water for 8 to 12 hours. This will allow your microgreens to slightly dry out, which increases storage times and improves the overall flavor and texture of your chia microgreens.

Harvesting Chia Microgreens

Harvesting chia microgreens is extremely easy. All you will need is a clean, sharp pair of scissors or a sharp kitchen knife. Because chia microgreens are so small, cut them extremely close to the soil level. If you will be eating your chia microgreens immediately, rinse them in cool water and allow them to air dry on a paper towel.

Storing Chia Microgreens

Chia microgreens can last 5 to 10 days when properly stored. If you will be storing your microgreens, do not wash them when you harvest them. Instead, wait until you are ready to eat your microgreens to rinse in cool water and allow to air dry.

If you will be storing chia microgreens in the refrigerator, wrap them in a paper towel and place them in your crisper drawer. Conversely, if you will be shipping chia microgreens, wrap the greens in a paper towel and place them in an airtight storage container for transport.

Final Thoughts

Chia microgreens are best eaten raw, so all of the nutrients are retained. You can eat them on a salad or sandwich. Chia microgreens are slightly bitter and pair wonderfully with something sweet like a bit of orange in your salad or a little bit of honey mustard.

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How To Grow Chia Microgreens
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About The Author
I have been growing microgreens for myself and others for quite some time now and I absolutely love the process.

Even more I love spreading awareness of an amazing crop that has so many nutritional benefits for our bodies which improve our overall health and wellbeing.

Jon Smith

Founder/Writer
Copyright 2021 TypesOfMicrogreens.com All Rights Reserved!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.