
Jordan Freytag

Some of you may have been sprouting and/or microgreening for some time and come across seeds that react different to water than other seeds. They get sticky and take longer to germ, making it disheartening if you haven’t dealt with these kinds of seeds before. They are called mucilaginous seeds and there are methods to dealing with their sometimes-obscure germination method.
Here are a list of mucilaginous seeds:
- Brown Mustard
- Arugula
- Chia
- Basil
- Curled Cress
Mucilaginous seeds are simply seeds whose hull forms a gel sack around itself when exposed to water. This is most likely a result of their native climate. For example, Chia is native to Southern Mexico and Guatemala, places where drought is a common occurrence. The gel sack that forms around chia, and other mucilaginous seeds, is a survival mechanism to keep the seed hydrated in times when water is scarce, giving each seed the chance to grow and thrive.

Mucilaginous seeds are some of the most difficult seeds to sprout. Traditional wet-based methods of sprouting tend to lead to over-saturation which can lead to mold and rot. Sprouting these seeds may require you to use the dry sprouting method and/or mix seeds with another non-mucilaginous seed if using a traditional wet method of sprouting, such as the jar or tray method.

Mucilaginous seeds fall somewhere between sprouting and microgreening because, although they are grown primarily using a water-based method, they are required to grow for a longer period of time, therefore, making them eatable by the stage one would normally label a microgreen. Dry sprouting is the most common and efficient way to sprout mucilaginous seeds.

Dry sprouting uses terra cotta to transfer moisture to the mucilaginous seeds in small increments. What happens when using a terra cotta sprouter or saucer, it soaks up the water through the tiny holes in its surface, and when the mucilaginous seeds rest on the terra cotta, they draw water without becoming over-saturated and forming the gel sack. Basically, the terra cotta simulates the dry conditions that mucilaginous seeds are thought to have originated from, providing just enough water to trigger germination.
Placing the terra cotta sprouter in a small amount of water in a casserole dish for a period of days should yield thin plants that resemble both sprouts and microgreens, whose roots intertwine, creating their own sort-of growth medium.

Our Recommended Picks
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
5 comments
Joey Marquez
Over the last couple months, I have been interested in Micro-Greens and have started my own research to why micro greens are beneficial. Now I see how beneficial they can be with the amount of nutrients they contain, as well as the small amount of space they occupy while harvesting. I am a senior taking a sustainable ag class looking to learn more about cultivation and being sustainable. I am working to find out how micro greens are most beneficial and sustainable for our communities. Im very interested in knowing what are more ways that microgreens can be sustainable and beneficial for communities?
Sayoko Kuwahara
VERY useful information!! Thank you. When I started arugula in the same mason jar method, I was startled by slimy seeds next day.
Trina Nelson
Thanks for sharing the article. When you harvest these, do you eat the ‘root’ or have to cut them like microgreens? Thanks.
Sara
Hello. I keep seeing terracotta sprouting trays on you website. Do you sell these?
Nancy Scott
Would you provide additional detailed directions? I’d like to try growing chia & arugula.
Further Reading
Microgreens Activities for Kids: Easy Gardening Fun at Home
Written By Lara Wadsworth Getting kids involved in gardening and food production is a wonderful way to create lasting bonds and educate them about food and nutrition. Microgreens are a super-easy way to do this! You can grow them right in your home and...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-05-147 min read0Easy Tomato Pruning Tips Every Home Gardener Should Know
Written By Ashleigh Smith Tomatoes are one of the most popular plants in the home vegetable garden. They are tasty and boast a variety of uses from pasts, sauces, salsas, and so much more! Boost your tomato yields by properly pruning your plants for gr...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-05-136 min read0Top 10 Annual Flowers For Container Gardens From Seed
Written By Lara Wadsworth Container gardens are an easy, affordable way to add vibrant color and beauty to patios, balconies, entryways, or windowsills. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned green thumb, these annual flowers are perfect for creating ...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-05-068 min read0May Planting Guide By Zone
Written By Lara Wadsworth May is a fantastic time to get your hands dirty and start planting, no matter where you live! With warmer, but still mild temperatures, and longer days, gardens everywhere are bursting with potential. But exactly what is best ...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-04-2913 min read0