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.
This brief profile will provide you with all the information you need on how to grow chia microgreens.
| Attribute | Profile |
| Flavor | Chia 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.
Here are the most frequently asked questions concerning chia microgreens.
No, once you harvest chia microgreens, they will not regrow. Once you harvest your microgreens, compost the roots and any remaining stems.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you decide to purchase your hydroponic equipment separately, you will need:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
