Chia seeds are enjoying newfound popularity due to their wide range of potential nutritional and health benefits. The chia is an annual herb that grows freely in warm zones and is native to Mexico and Guatemala. These plants are known for assertive growth and, in some cases, aggressive spread, as with many mint plants. Once established, chia plants are very low-care. Read on for our care and growing guide.
The chia's flowers form spikes that resemble wheat on stalks that can grow up to five feet tall. The tiny bell-shaped flowers, which are on display from late spring to early summer, are a pleasing violet-blue color. Although the ornamental plant is pretty, the chia's real star quality comes from its seeds.
| Common Name | Chia |
| Botanical Name | Salvia hispanica |
| Plant Type | Annual |
| Mature Size | 3-5 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full |
| Soil Type | Clay, sandy |
| Soil pH | Acidic, neutral, alkaline |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Flower Color | Blue |
| Hardiness Zones | 8-11 (USDA) |
| Native Areas | North America, Central America |
Chia Plant Care
If you want to harvest these seeds for use in your home, fortunately, chia plants are easy to grow and low-maintenance once established, especially if you live in a hot region of North America. Here are their basic requirements:
- Needs full sun.
- Adapts to a variety of soils.
- Does not require a lot of water or fertilizer.
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Light
Chia plants do best in full sun. They're very tolerant of heat, even in the hottest days of summer.
Soil
These plants are very adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions. Their native regions tend to have sandy soil, but they'll also grow in clay soils. Good drainage is essential, however, as chia plants don't like to stay too wet.
If you grow your chia plants in pots, use a commercial growing mix with sand added, and use unglazed terra cotta pots for good moisture absorption.
Water
Chia plants are very drought-tolerant. They benefit from regular watering until they're established, but after that, they may need little to no additional watering as they tend to adjust to all sorts of conditions.
They're known to be among the first plants to re-emerge after a fire, which indicates their hardiness and adaptability.
Temperature and Humidity
Chia plants grow well in warm weather and are not cold-tolerant. Keep your plant between 61 degrees and 79 degreesFahrenheit.
Fertilizer
If your soil is rich, your chia plant won't need fertilizer. In poor soil conditions, consider adding a small amount of compost.
Types of Chia Plant
- Salvia hispanica, also called Mexican sage, is an annual herb native to Mexico that can grow up to 6 feet tall.
- Salvia columbariae (desert chia) is native to the Southwest; this is an annual, low-growing plant that produces a minty smell.
How to Harvest Chia Seeds
It takes about four months from sowingseedstoharvest. A sign the plant is ready to harvest is when the flowers lose their petals and begin drying out. Don't wait for the flowers to entirely brown; otherwise, you risk losing all the seeds.
Use sterilized pruning snips or scissors to cut off the flower below the spike. Then, place the flowers in a paper bag. Store the bag in a warm, dry place, giving the flowers time to dry out completely. Shake the bag to release the seeds after one to two weeks.
When stored correctly, chia seeds generally last four to five years. This usually means keeping them in an airtight container, away from moisture, and at a consistent temperature.Dispose of chia seeds that have become slimy, moldy, have bugs, or clump together. They should have a lovely, subtly nutty scent, not rancid or bitter.
How to Grow Chia Plants From Seeds
This plant grows in USDA zones 8 through 11, and newly developed seed strains have shown promise for increasing in even colder zones for commercial purposes. If you live in the appropriate growing zone, you can sow chia seeds like other annual flowers.
- Prepare your bed of soil in the fall, scattering seeds lightly over it, just barely covering them with soil.
- Water lightly each day until sprouts appear.
- Once established, your chia plants should self-sow each fall.
- They're well-loved by pollinators (as many salvia flowers are), but they will also self-pollinate. The chia seeds will form in small seed heads beneath the flowers.
Overwintering
Chia plant is not cold-tolerant. This plant will die in cold temperatures. Grow as summer annuals.
How to Get Chia Plant to Bloom
The chia plant is a flowering annual plant. Read on to learn how to encourage bloom.
Bloom Months
This is an annual plant that blooms from late spring to early summer, varying based on rainfall.
What Do Chia Plant's Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The chia plant produces white or purple flowers in clusters at the end of a stem. They have a minty aroma.
How to Encourage More Blooms
To encourage blooming, avoid overwatering and give yourself at least six hours of direct sun each day.
Common Problems With Chia Plant
While chia plants have virtually no pests or diseases, they are susceptible to several common problems.
Root Rot
If you overwater your plant, you may notice root rot, and browning can occur in tandem. To avoid this, give less water, as these plants are drought-tolerant and can thrive with less water, which is better than overwatering.
Singed Plant
Chia is sensitive to extreme heat, even though it is drought-tolerant. To keep it healthy, give the plant extra water during a heat wave.
FAQ
What are the health benefits of chia seeds?
The seed's high oil content makes it high in protein, fiber, and fatty acids. It is also bursting with nutrients, including thiamine and niacin, and various dietary minerals, including manganese, selenium, phosphorous, and copper. The seeds also contain antioxidant compounds, including quercetin.
What are chia seeds used for?
Chia seeds are commonly added to commercial foods like cereal, granola bars, yogurt, and baked goods. They are frequently added to smoothies for a nutritional boost.
Can you grow a chia plant from store-bought chia seeds?
You can grow a chia plant from store-bought chia seeds, as chia seeds are always sold raw.
What do chia seeds taste like?
Chia seeds have a mild, neutral taste. When eaten dry, they have a crunchy, slightly nutty taste similar to poppy seeds. When mixed into pudding or added to recipes, they tend to absorb the flavor of the other ingredients.
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Chia seed benefits: What You Need to Know. Harvard Medical School.
