Flax and chia seeds are not recommended for sprouting as they have a gelatinous texture when soaked in water. Instead of producing traditional sprouts with leaves and stems, they develop a gel-like coating around the seeds when exposed to water. This gelatinous property makes them popular additions to certain foods like smoothies, puddings, and beverages, as they can thicken and add texture to recipes. So, rather than sprouting, flax and chia seeds can be used in various other ways to boost the nutritional content of your meals. However, you can grow them as tender young plants using soil as a medium.