How To Grow Chia Microgreens: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Chia microgreens are filled with many nutrients to help improve your health. Chia microgreens are high in calcium. They’re easy to grow, incredibly healthy, and incredibly versatile.

How to Grow Chia Microgreens

What Are Chia Microgreens?

Chia microgreens are a nutritious, flavorful, and versatile addition to any meal. They are rich in several vitamins and minerals, and their small size makes them perfect for adding to salads, soups, sandwiches, and more. Growing Chia microgreens is easy and only requires a few simple supplies. In just a few weeks, you can enjoy fresh, healthy microgreens.

Can Chia Seeds Be Used as Microgreens?

Yes, Chia seeds can be used as microgreens. Chia microgreens are a great way to add nutrition and flavor to your diet. Chia seeds are very easy to grow and can be grown year-round.

Why Grow Chia Microgreens?

Chia microgreens are an excellent source of nutrition.
They are easy to grow and require minimal care.
Chia microgreens can be harvested in as little as two weeks.
They have a mild flavor that everyone can enjoy.
Chia microgreens are a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
Chia microgreens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Soil and Seed Preparation to Grow Chia Microgreens

The most important part of growing Chia microgreens is preparing the soil and seeds. If you want to have healthy plants that produce a bountiful harvest, it is crucial to take the time to do this step correctly. To start, you will need to purchase a high-quality potting mix or seed-starting mix. If you are using a commercial mix, follow the package directions carefully. Once you have your mix, fill your planting containers nearly to the top.

Next, it is time to sow your Chia seeds. You can do this by sprinkling them evenly over the surface of the soil or planting them in small groups. Once they are sown, gently press them into the soil so that they make good contact with the growing medium. Now, all you need to do is water your seeds and wait for them to germinate.

Tips to Grow Chia Microgreens

Choose the right type of Chia seeds.
Soak Chia seeds in water for about 12 hours. This will help them germinate faster.
Drain the seeds and mix them with your growing medium.
Place the paper towel or cheesecloth in a container with drainage holes and cover it with another wet paper towel or cheesecloth.
Fill your container with the seed/growing medium mixture and water it lightly.
Place the container in a sunny place and moisten the soil by watering it regularly.
Water regularly, but don’t overdo it. Chia microgreens should be kept moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to mold growth.

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Materials Needed to Grow Chia Seeds

Seeds – certified organic Chia seeds
Seed-starting trays – they should be shallow without drainage holes, like these trays
Growing medium- Seed-starting soil or coconut coir
Light
Spray bottle
Sharp kitchen scissors – use a multipurpose pair of scissors or a set of pruning snips.

Do Chia Microgreens Regrow After Harvesting?

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

Growing Medium for Chia Microgreens

If you are growing Chia microgreens hydroponically, you will not need soil or a soilless growing medium. Instead, use a hydroponic mat for Chia microgreens. The jute mat is made of biodegradable materials which are fully compostable. Jute hydroponic mats are absorbent and help your microgreens retain the water they need for proper growth. You can grow Chia microgreens hydroponically with coco coir or another microgreen growing medium.

Steps to Grow Chia Microgreens

To grow Chia microgreens, you will need the following- Chia seeds, A growing tray or container,Potting mix or soil and Water.
Fill your tray or container with potting mix or soil and moisten it with water.
Sprinkle a thin layer of Chia seeds over the soil’s surface.
Cover the seeds with another layer of potting mix or soil, and mist them lightly with water.
Place the tray in a warm, sunny spot, and keep the soil moist by misting it with water daily.
Within 7-10 days, you should see tiny green sprouts peeking through the top layer of soil.
Once the sprouts are a few inches tall, they’re ready to harvest. Cut them just above the soil line with a sharp knife or scissors.
Enjoy your fresh Chia microgreens as is, or use them to top salads, soups, sandwiches, and more.

Harvesting Tips for Chia Microgreens

When the microgreens are about 2-3 inches tall, they are ready to harvest.
Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut the microgreens at the base of the stem.
Harvesting Chia microgreens is extremely easy. You will need a sharp kitchen knife or a pair of scissors. Because these microgreens are so small, cut them extremely close to the soil level.
If you will be eating Chia microgreens immediately, rinse them in cool water and allow them to air dry on a paper towel.
Wash the microgreens thoroughly and dry them before consuming or storing them.
Eat the microgreens raw in salads, sandwiches, or wraps, or use them as a garnish on cooked dishes.

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Grow Chia Microgreens Hydroponically

Soak your Chia seeds in water for about 24 hours. This will help them germinate faster.
After 24 hours, drain the seeds and rinse them well.
Place the seeds in a growing tray or container filled with hydroponic media such as vermiculite or coconut coir. You can also use soil, but hydroponic media will help the greens grow faster and with less effort from you.
Water the seeds lightly, just enough to moisten the media.
Place the tray or container in a warm, sunny spot and wait for the seeds to sprout. This usually takes about five days.
Once the greens have sprouted, water them lightly daily to moisten the media. Don’t let them dry out completely, or they will wilt and die.

Conclusion

Growing Chia microgreens is a great way to add nutritious greens to your diet. The process is easy and requires minimal effort and tools. Chia microgreens are easy to grow but must be kept damp. These delicious microgreens are full of nutrients and ready for harvest about a week and a half after sowing your Chia seeds.

How to Grow Chia Microgreens: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners