Chia Pet Instructions: Getting Started & Care Guide

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Follow these tried-and-true techniques to sprout the perfect, as-seen-on-TV Chia Pet
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Ah, Chia Pets—the gift that grows! If the image of a clay dog or President sprouting wild green hair fills you with warm, 90s-infomercial nostalgia, you’ll be happy to know that Chia Pets are as easy to grow today as they were 30 years ago. In this article, we’ll show you the best way to “plant” your terracotta pet for fun, edible growth, plus how to tend to it so your chia seeds last as long as possible. Let’s get started!


Things You Should Know

  • Soak the Chia Pet in water in one container and a mixture of 2 tsp (8.4 g) of chia seeds and ¼ cup (58 mL) of water in another container, both for 24 hours.
  • Remove the pet, dump any water that’s inside, and place it on the drip tray. Spread the seeds evenly onto the pet’s grooves and wait 2 days to fill the pet with water.
  • Place your Chia Pet in a sunny spot and check the water level daily as the seeds sprout and grow. If you spot mold, scrub the pet clean and start over.
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Starting Your Chia Pet

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  1. Take the terracotta pot out of its packaging and put it into a bucket or pot filled with water. Make sure the Chia Pet is completely submerged. This moistens the entire pet and helps the seeds stick to it better. [1]
  2. While the pet is soaking, combine the provided chia seeds with water in another container to soften them and “wake them up.” The seeds will start growing once they get wet. Two teaspoons of seeds are enough for one pet (Chia Pet kits often contain enough seeds for several pets). [2]
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  3. This will help the seeds soak more evenly and make sure each seed is thoroughly moistened. You don't need to stir the seeds again after this. [3]
  4. During this time, the seeds will form a gel-like coating that will help them stick to the chia pet (and make them more digestible if you plan to eat them later on). Depending on your seeds, the gel may form after just a few hours or it could take up to a full day. [4]
  5. After the soaking time is over, take the Chia Pet out of the water and make sure it’s totally empty. Then, place it on the drip tray that came with your pet. The drip tray will catch any extra water and protect your desk or windowsill from getting stained.
    • If you don't have a drip tray, use a plastic dish or lid that is a little bit larger than your pet.
  6. Make sure that the seeds are somewhat sparse and spread out. Use your fingers, a small knife, or even a spatula to spread the seeds as evenly as possible (try not to let them clump in any one area). If there’s a hole in the top of your pet, take care to avoid it. This is where you will be pouring the water.
    • Wait 2 days to fill your pet with water after you apply the seeds. Filling it right away may cause the seeds to slide off before they sprout.
    • You may not end up using all of the seeds you soaked. That’s OK!
    • If your seeds aren't sticking to the Chia Pet, double check that your pet is empty of water and spread the seeds over it again.
  7. The plastic bag will help create a mini-greenhouse for your Chia pet. Keep the bag from touching the actual pet, though, or the seeds won't sprout. Take the bag off after 3 to 4 days when most of the seeds have sprouted.
    • The air might be dry in arid or desert climates, or during winter in more moderate climates.
    • If you’re having trouble getting the bag to stay up, put a long stick inside the watering hole of your pet, then place the bag on top of that. The stick will prop the bag up like a tent.
  8. Choose your favorite windowsill, shelf, or table that receives some direct sunlight throughout the day. Some gardeners recommend waiting until the seedlings have already sprouted before moving the pet into a sunny spot. You’ll probably see the seeds begin to sprout after 3-5 days. [5]
    • Ambient room lighting will usually work for a Chia Pet if you don’t have a great spot with direct sun available.
  9. By this time, the gel-coated seeds will have stuck securely to the pet. Fill the Chia Pet all the way through the fill hole located near the top of the pet. You may need a funnel or small watering can to avoid accidentally spilling water on your seeds and dislodging them.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Caring for Your Chia Pet

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  1. Most Chia Pets will have a hole at the top for you to pour fresh water through. Use something with a narrow spout for refills, such as a water bottle or mini-watering can. Be careful not to drip on the pet—if you get any water on the actual seeds, they may slide off. [6]
    • If you’re keeping your Chia Pet in direct sunlight, you’ll probably have to water it more frequently than if it were sitting in ambient room lighting.
  2. As you water your Chia Pet, you may notice some water gathering in the tray. Pour this water out as soon as possible or it will become stagnant (and potentially splash all over your table or floor, too). [7]
  3. This will help the seeds grow more evenly. Plants tend to grow towards the sun—if only one side of your pet is facing the sun, that side will be bushy and full while the other will be sparse and thin. [8]
  4. Some white fuzz is normal when chia seeds first sprout. This fuzz is simply the root hairs, and they’ll disappear after the first week (mist the seeds daily to reduce the fuzzy appearance). If you notice white fuzz lingering after the first week, it means your Chia Pet is probably molding. Scrape off the seeds and start your Chia Pet over. [9]
    • After you scrape the seeds off, soak the pet for 30 minutes in a solution of 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of bleach and 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water.
    • Rinse the pet well with fresh water, then plant your chia seeds again like before.
    • Mold may form if the seeds are over-saturated with water. Make sure there’s no water inside the pet during the first 2 days, and skip the “greenhouse” bag if your climate is humid.
  5. Simply pull them off and wash the Chia pet well using fresh water and a scrubbing brush. At this point, reuse the pet and plant more chia seeds if you would like. A well-cared for Chia Pet usually lasts between 2 weeks and a month. [10]
    • Don't wait until the sprouts turn brown to pull them off. They will be harder to remove.
    • Use chia seeds again or try substituting suitable seeds like alfalfa, basil, marjoram, thyme, or Timothy grass. [11]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you grow a Chia pet indoors?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    Yes. Chia can grow in average light conditions and the room temperature indoors is suitable.
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  • Question
    How long does it take to grow a Chia Pet?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    The seeds will sprout a few days after you plant them. The Chia Pet will continue growing for 1-2 weeks afterward.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Do chia seeds come from Chia Pets?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    Chia seeds come from a plant in the mint family. They can be purchased from grocery stores, health food stores, and garden centers.
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      Tips

      • Chia seeds and sprouts are usually edible. Check the packaging to make sure that your seeds are of edible grade. This way, if you have some of the soaked seeds left over, you can add them to a smoothie or use the sprouts in sandwiches and salads. [12]
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      • Chia pets grow best in sunlight, but they can grow in indoor light as well. The sprouts just won't be as full.
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      • Chia pets grow best at room temperature (about 70°F (22°C)).
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      Things You'll Need

      • Chia Pet
      • Bucket or pot
      • Water
      • Small cup
      • Measuring spoons
      • Chia seeds
      • Drip tray (usually included with pet) or plastic lid

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkCd3W4h4ZI
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkCd3W4h4ZI
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkCd3W4h4ZI
      4. ↑ https://www.yourindoorherbs.com/how-sprout-chia-seeds/
      5. ↑ http://carolinapetsupply.com/chia_pets.htm
      6. ↑ https://www.calendar-canada.ca/frequently-asked-questions/how-long-do-chia-pets-last
      7. ↑ https://carolinapetsupply.com/chia_pets.htm
      8. ↑ http://joshmadison.com/1999/05/15/chia-pet-planting/
      9. ↑ https://carolinapetsupply.com/chia_pets.htm
      1. ↑ https://www.calendar-canada.ca/frequently-asked-questions/how-long-do-chia-pets-last
      2. ↑ https://carolinapetsupply.com/chia_pets.htm
      3. ↑ https://healthyeaton.com/eat-chia-pet/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To grow a Chia Pet, first soak the empty terracotta pot in a container of water for 24 hours. At the same time, soak 2 teaspoons (5 g) of chia seeds in ¼ cup (60 mL) of water. After 15 minutes, stir the seeds with a spoon, then let them continue to soak for 24 hours. You may notice a gel-like coating forming around the seeds, which is normal and will help them stick to the pot. Once the pot is done soaking, set it in the drip tray and fill it completely with fresh water. Spread the seeds evenly over the grooves on the outside of the pot. Then, place a plastic bag around the outside of the Chia Pet and let it stay there for 3-4 days to help trap humidity while the seeds are sprouting. Inflate the bag slightly or put a stick in the pot’s watering hole to prop it up so the plastic doesn’t cling to the outside of the Chia Pet. Keep your Chia Pet in a sunny spot, like a well-lit window. Once the seeds sprout, check the water level in the pot every day and top it off whenever it starts to drop. Empty the excess water out of the drip tray daily. Turn the pet 180° once a week to make sure all the sprouts get plenty of exposure to sunlight. Once the sprouts become overgrown, pull them off of the pet and wash the pot well with clean water and a scrubbing brush. Then, mix up more seeds and use it again. For tips on how to care for your chia pet from our Horticulturist reviewer, keep reading!

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        Jan 1, 2017

        "I inherited a chia Christmas tree, and didn't get the instruction or seeds. Turns out the seeds were the the ..." more
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