How to sprout Chia!

(This comes from the Oregon State University Extension Service)
Chia Seed

Suggested Method: Sprinkle

Temp: 70 to 80 degrees

Rinsing/sprinkling frequency: 1 time daily/(or as needed)

Sprouting time: 4 days

Length of sprout at harvest: 1 1/2 inch

Yield: 2 Tbsp = 3 1/2 cups sprouts

Sprinkle Method Equipment:
* glass tray, glass pie plate, or stainless steel pans
* aluminum foil or plastic wrap
Procedure:
Don't presoak seeds. This method is designed for seed that become gelatinous when water is added to them, such as chia seed and garden cress. Gelatinous seeds don't drain well, and they may decay from too much moisture.

Measure equal amounts of water and seed. Poor water into container and sprinkle the seeds evenly over the water. Let seeds stand for about 1 hour, then check them. If they appear dry, sprinkle a little more water over them.

Tip the container slightly and carefully pour off any water that flows to the side. The seeds will have formed a solid jellylike mass and will remain in place if you drain them carefully.

Cover the container with a piece of loosely fitting foil or slip into a large, food-grade plastic bag. If you use a bag, leave the end open for air circulation. Keep the container in the cupboard or, if you use a foil covering, in the light.

Sprinkle a small amount of water over the seeds if they appear dry. (I suggest using a small spray bottle of water to mist the seeds with) Once a day is enough, except in hot, dry weather. When the sprouts are the desired length, place in indirect sunlight or artificial light for "greening," if you wish.

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Ann's Agent’s Editorial comment:
I have not tried this yet -- at first glance I think it would be pretty tricky to drain the water off w/o spilling or glopping the seed out of the container. However, I think the next method may work better and I will put my comments in brackets. I'm considering this next method instead, based upon my experience with using the "chia pet" years ago -- by having a place to smear the gelatinous seeds after they've been soaked. I have used some of the Chia Pet instructions in parenthesis and adapted them to the Paper Towel Method:

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Paper Towel Method

Equipment * glass tray or stainless steel pan with draining rack * paper towels * Pre-soak chia seed 24 hours prior Procedure: (To presoak chia: 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.)

Place the rack inside the tray. The rack makes it possible for the air to circulate more freely around the seeds. Soak a two-layer thickness of paper towels in water. Squeeze out excess water. Spread the damp towels over the rack, leaving room at the edge of the rack for air circulation.

(Carefully apply the seeds evenly to the paper towel, using your fingers, a small knife, or a spatula. Check the moisture of the towels level daily and mist with water whenever necessary. Some leakage in the drip tray is normal. Discard the accumulated water daily.)

[This method recommends covering the top of the seeds loosely with another double thickness of moist paper towels, but I don't think its necessary because the chia has its gel layer to keep the seed moist -- just be sure to] slip the container into a plastic bag leaving the end open for air circulation and don't let the bag touch the sprouts -- you are creating a 'green house' effect to help the seeds sprout.

Place in a dark cupboard, leaving the door ajar.

To water the seeds, mist the seeds with water using a spray bottle. Water only enough to keep the the surface from drying out.

On the 4th day, take off the bag, and place in a sunny location to green the sprouts.

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if you're sprouting other types of seeds, it does have you cover the top with another double layer of paper towel which you remove and re-wet or spray with a bottle to maintain moisture. which is then removed on the 4th day for greening.

note: 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 do have a mildew problem.