Chia Pet and Chia Head Growing Tips

Following are suggestions to help you produce a lush, healthy "coat" on your Chia Pet or Chia Head. Need more information? Check out "Frequently Asked Questions," too.

Add 1/4 cup of water to 2 teaspoons of Chia seeds. Stir the mixture after 15 minutes to moisten all seeds, then let it set for 24 hours. This process softens the seed coat and begins the growth cycle of your Chia seeds. In another container, also soak your Chia planter for 24 hours.

Carefully apply the seeds evenly to the grooves of your planter, using your fingers, a small knife, or a spatula. Fill your Chia to the top with water. Check the water level daily and add additional water whenever necessary. Some leakage in the drip tray is normal. Discard the accumulated water daily.

Keep full of water. Moist seeds should sprout in 3-5 days.

When the air is dry, it is more challenging to keep the seeds moist enough to sprout properly. To promote germination of the seeds, "tent" a plastic bag over your Chia. Do not allow the plastic to touch the planter! This will create a greenhouse environment for your Chia. When most of the seeds have sprouted (about 3 to 4 days), remove the bag and place your Chia in a sunny location.

A small amount of white "fuzz" is normal when your Chia seeds first sprout. This is actually the emergence of "root hairs," and is the second stage of growth for your Chia seeds. "Misting" your Chia with a spray bottle will give the root hairs a less fuzzy appearance. If the fuzz persists past the first week, it is likely that you have a mildew problem. Your Chia can still be used. Scrub the seeds off the planter using a brush. Soak your chia in a solution of 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 gallon of water for a half hour to remove any mildew residue. Rinse well with clear water and proceed as above. Grows quickly to full coat. Reuse your Chia Head indefinitely. Simply replant with Chia (extra seeds included) or similar herb seeds, such as basil, timothy, alfalfa, marjoram or thyme.