There are thousands of crops, but if you want to learn how to grow chia seeds here you will find in a practical, easy, organized, and effortless way everything about the cultivation of this plant that brings great benefits to the body. Read carefully and you will become an expert in chia cultivation.
Perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions related to chia seeds is how they could be grown. They likewise wonder how to harvest it without facing the dilemma of searching for it in grocery stores. Chia seeds could be grown by people in the comfort of their homes. The surprise is that this could happen in an easy and hassle-free way.
(Salvia rhyacophila) is a hardy annual herb 3.2-5 ft (1-1.5 m) tall, belonging to the Salvia family. Its name comes from the Latin ‘salare’, meaning to keep, about its healing properties.
Table of Contents
How to Grow Chia Seeds Step by Step
The following instructions are different from those printed on chia seed packets, but they are procedures used, learn how to grow chia seeds step by step.
Step 1:
Soak your chia seedling in water for half an hour.
Step 2:
In a separate bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of chia seeds with 1/4 cup of water. Combine the mixture on and off for half an hour to form a gel-like paste that will help the seeds adhere to your chia planter.
Step 3:
Drain excess water from the planter and place the planter in the drip tray provided.
Step 4:
Spread the chia seed mixture evenly on the ribbed surface of your pot, using a small knife, spoon, or fingers. Depending on the surface of your pot, you may not use all of the seed mixtures. Do not water the pot for 2 days to allow the seeds to adhere to the pot so they will not come off.
NOTE: Don’t worry if the chia seeds look too dry, they will start to sprout once you add water.
Step 5:
After letting the seeds adhere to your pot for 2 days, fill your chia planter with water. Place the planter in the drip tray. Keep your planter filled with water daily. Once you add water to your chia planter, the seeds will moisten and begin the germination process.
TIP: Place a loose plastic bag over the Chia Planter for a few days until the seeds sprout. You can also mist your pot daily to moisten the seeds.
Step 6:
When the growth looks leggy or too large, it’s time to remove the previous growth. Chia pots should be washed and can be replanted indefinitely.
Growing Chia Seeds
It is always best to prepare chia seeds for planting in the garden. They should be germinated first in the house until sprouts form and then brought to the outdoor garden. It usually takes four to six weeks for the sprouts to reach 6 inches. That is exactly when you can start planting them in the garden. That’s the time when it starts to get about six to eight leaves.
In the garden phase, there are different things to pay attention to. First of all, when you place these sprouts in the ground, be sure to leave some space between them. It is important to note that when they grow they can get to be about 4 feet tall and 18 inches wide, and that is why they try to leave about 12 to 18 inches of distance between them.
Chia plants always prefer a sunny, moist draining spot in the garden. So be sure to choose the right spot for them, and always remember that this plant is drought resistant. However, it thrives when watered regularly. Water only when the soil is dry.
How to Care for Chia Plant
The soil must have very good drainage since Chia is native to central and southern Mexico where it does not rain too much, also because of its origin it likes a warm climate and does not tolerate frost.
It does not need very fertilized soils it is not practically necessary to fertilize the crop and it is ideal for sandy soils.
This plant can be planted in direct sun or half shade but with at least 8 hours of direct sun, it needs little water because as we saw it does not need much water.
It can be planted in direct sun or half shade but it must have at least 8 hours of direct sun, it is watered little because as we saw it does not need much water.
Although in the first stage of cultivation if it requires more constant watering, this plant is a Lamiaceae like mint.
It is planted in spring when the risk of frost has passed.
Cultivation takes between 120 to 180 days, varying according to the area, climate and altitude.
