From ancient Hellenic temples and China ’s terracotta soldier to modern architecture and sculptures , terracotta ( translated from Italian as " baked globe " ) is a reliable and popular material across prison term and position .   Terracotta wad also are used by the everyday nurseryman , giving us a more attractive option to their plastic similitude . In addition , the porous nature of the clay kick upstairs aeration and drainage , produce a healthy plant .

If you have spare terracotta saucers — typically paired with crapper as a drip tray — do n’t chuck out them . They are perfect for mature chia plants ( Salvia hispanica ) , which produce the come that are pop as a nutritionary superfood .   And , yes , we ’re talking about chia as in " Ch - ch - ch - chia ! " These seeds have been beloved for decades for their ability to grow their leave-taking into the form of fauna , cartoon quality , and celebrities . However , you do n’t require to purchase a Chia Pet to grow your own chia microgreens . Because these seed produce mucilage ( a colloidal gel - like subject matter ) when plastered , they can successfully germinate on any eccentric of porous Earth’s surface , like a terracotta saucer .   While you cangrow chia in soil , shite is really not necessary .

A used terracotta dish antenna will first need to be sanitized before being used to grow seeds , especially if they havewhite powder often see on terracotta pots . Scrub off any shite and then wash the dish in soapy water . Rinse off the max and then place the discus in a solution that is one part household bleach to nine parts weewee . Let it inebriate for about 10 minute before rinsing again .

Stacks of terracotta saucers sit on a wooden surface.

Growing your own ch-ch-ch-chia seeds

Now that your saucer is clean , soak it again in sporting water so that it will be good moist for the seeds . For a tray that is about 5 column inch in diam , employ 1 to 2 teaspoons of dry seeds .   Since terracotta is so poriferous , place another tray or dish up underneath your saucer . Sprinkle the seeds onto the dish , space them out as evenly as potential to give them blank space to sprout .

Although not essential , you may cover the seeds with a clear spyglass bowl , pot lid , or charge card wrap to make a humid environment . You will , however , need to take the cover on and off to spray the seeds frequently . It is important to supervise the terracotta dish , obscure it whenever it starts to dry out up . For thebest grow consideration , give the seeds low luminosity , while also keep them warm . Around   70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal .

Within three to seven day , the seminal fluid should begin to sprout .   Harvest the plant when you see full , light-green leaf . Since the sprout will last longer when dry — as wet increases the likelihood of decompose — avoid spray them within eight to 12 hours of press cutting . attempt to exhaust them as quickly as possible ; otherwise , gently dry out them off before salt away them in the fridge in a certain glass container .

Chia microgreens have white stems with open green leaves.