Chia seeds have become a superfood for different reasons. They're said to help with digestion, reduce bloating, and even improve your skin and hair. Most people are familiar with soaking chia seeds and eating them in that jelly-like form, but did you know that you can grow microgreens from chia seeds right at home?

Here are some simple steps to grow chia seed at home:

Materials needed

  • Around 20–30 grams of chia seeds

  • An old jar, ceramic bottle, or any tall container with a smooth surface

  • Some thick tissues (ideally 4-ply) or a soft cloth

  • A spray bottle filled with clean water

  • A window or balcony that gets at least 3 hours of direct sunlight

Try to use tissues that won’t tear easily, since you’ll be spraying water on them daily.

Steps to sow the seeds:

  1. Soak the seeds: Take about 2–3 tablespoons of chia seeds and soak them in water overnight (or for at least 2–3 hours). They’ll absorb the water and turn slimy texture

  2. Prepare the surface: Clean your jar or bottle thoroughly. Lay the tissues over it and spray water on it so they stick to the surface. Make sure they’re damp, not soggy.

  3. Spread the seeds: You can either sprinkle dry chia seeds or gently spread the soaked, slimy ones over the damp tissue. The soaked ones usually stick better.

  4. Sunlight and mist: Using the spray bottle, lightly mist the seeds with water. Then, place the jar in a spot where it’ll get 2–3 hours of sunlight daily. Mist once more during this time to keep them moist.

  5. Daily care: Check on your setup every day and mist as needed. Keep the tissues damp but not soaking wet, or you might end up with mould.

When do they sprout?

If the seeds are kept in the right condition, then you’ll see tiny white roots peeking out in 3–5 days. Keep misting and giving them sunlight. Within 10–15 days, the microgreens will grow tall enough to trim.

Once the leaves are about 5–8 cm tall, you can cut a bit off the top to harvest and encourage regrowth.

What if they stop growing?

After two or three harvests, if the leaves stop growing, it is a sign that they might need a little boost. Mix a water-soluble fertiliser into your spray bottle and mist the tissue and plant stems. In about a week, they will start sprouting again.