How to grow chia seeds at home? Although, it is a very interesting plant what makes it more convenient is the amount of maintenance and care. Once it grows, it requires very little care and maintenance. So, the beginners and amateur people who love gardening should try this once.
The desert plant Salvia Hispanic, a member of the mint family, produces chia seeds. Despite their tiny size, chia seeds are highly nutritious. Chia seeds are high in protein and fiber, both of which have been shown to aid weight loss. However, studies on chia seeds and weight loss have provided mixed results. Chia seeds may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Chia plant is known for spreading while growing, very much similar to mint. As it grows it produces vibrant color flowers that enhance the beauty of the place. The spikes may grow up to 5 feet in length.
How to Grow Chia Seeds In Pots or Containers?
Chia Plant can actually grow very fast and long enough in a very small time. It is most preferable to grow it in your garden, but if you are planning to grow indoors through container gardening then use some big containers or buckets like 20 gallons.
Grow chia plants from seeds
In the fall, prepare your soil bed and distribute seeds lightly over it, barely covering them with soil. Each day, water softly until sprouts appear.
Your chia plants will self-sow each fall once they’ve established themselves. Pollinators enjoy them (as do many salvia flowers), but they can also self-pollinate. Underneath the blossoms, chia seeds will develop little seed heads.
The most important phase is caring the plant growth. If you want to produce your chia seeds for use at home, chia plants are quite straightforward to grow and maintain once established, especially if you live in a warmer region of North America.
LIGHT
Chia plants thrive in direct sunlight. They can withstand extreme heat, even on the hottest summer days. So it will be no problem for the plant if it gets more sun.
SOIL
These plants are extremely adaptable to a variety of soil types. They like sandy soil in their natural habitat, although they can also thrive in clay. Chia plants, on the other hand, don’t like to be too moist, thus good drainage is essential.
Use a professional growing mix with a little sand added if growing chia plants in pots, and unglazed terracotta pots for good moisture absorption.
WATER
Chia plants are drought resistant. They benefit from regular watering until they’ve established themselves, but after that, they may require little to no additional watering because they adapt to a variety of situations.
In the growing stage, you must take care of the watering to the plant. This plant can grow in less water but still in the beginning stage, water according to the need.
PRUNING
I hope you all know that pruning is the removal of dead leaves, stems, flowers from a plant. To ensure the optimal growth of your chia plant, immediately remove the dead part you see. Whether it is leave or flower, just remove it.
Fertilizers
As we all know how much fertilizers are important for the growth of plants. Especially organic fertilizers increase the yield of the plant and help them to grow fully.
Similarly before planting chia seeds in the soil, while preparing the soil add organic fertilizers or manure to the soil 1-2 weeks prior to the sowing of seeds. Doing this will supply enough nitrogen to the plant. And it will grow well.
How To grow chia sprouts from chia seeds:
- On a plate, spread a nylon or linen cloth.
- Spray the cloth with a light mist of water.
- On top of the cloth, sprinkle a layer of chia seeds. Lightly mist seeds with fresh, clean water.
- Using another plate, cover the dish. Once a day, softly mist.
- In 2-3 days, chia sprouts are ready to harvest.
Harvesting Chia Seeds
Harvesting chia seeds can be fun. You just have to pick each flower head and shake it till the seeds fall from it. This method is fun and useful for container gardening only. For mass collection, it would take time.
But again if you are planting it inside it can easily be harvested through hand-picking. leave the head to dry in a drying rack or a paper bag. Some of the Chia seeds will break themselves free in the process. Otherwise, you have to separate them out.
Also Read: How to Grow Garlic Indoors?
Also Read: How to Grow Green Beans in Container?
Why Grow Chia Seeds?
There can be several reasons to grow chia seeds at home. It is highly nutritious, rich in fiber and protein. Also, it produces vibrant color flowers while growing. Moreover, Consuming Chia seeds enhances the immunity of the body.
In short, there are various reasons to grow chia seeds.
Tips to Consume Chia Seeds
Chia seeds can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be prepared in a variety of ways, including:
1. To make chia pudding, combine them with milk or fruit juice and top with chocolate nibs or fresh fruit.
2. Making an egg substitute for use in baked goods like cakes and bread incorporating them into the muffin batter
3. Making a chia gel to use in soups and smoothies
4. Adding raw seeds to oatmeal or a salad is a delicious way to start the day.
5. To make chia sprouts, soak them.
6. To make a breading for fried chicken, combine them with almond flour and spices.
7. To make homemade energy bars, combine them with almond flour and spices.
Hence, This was all about how to grow chia seeds at home. I hope you liked the article.
Thanks for Reading.