Salvia hispanica (Chia) is a flowering annual plant that is native to Mexico and Guatemala. Chia is grown predominantly for the seeds which are highly nutritious, have a wide range of uses and is a staple food in some cultures. As part of the Sage family, its purple flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Suitable for Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Chia is a popular pseudo cereal food source in many countries including Bolivia, Argentina, United States, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and in the plants native Mexico and Guatemala.
In recent years, with the increase of vegan and vegetarian diets, Chia seeds has become a hugely popular addition to smoothies, juices and breakfasts across the western world. This is largely because of the seeds high content of both fibre and particularly Omega-3.
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Growth
Salvia hispanica is an upright annual herb that grows to as high as 1.8 metres (6 feet) by as wide as 45cm (18 inches). Chia plants require full sun, good drainage and temperatures that remain consistently over 10°C / 50°F for their entire growth period.
Young seedlings require regular light watering to keep the soil moist but not wet. When they have grown but not yet in flower, Chia plants require a period of dryness, only watering when the soil is dry to the touch. Once the flowering period begins it a return to regular watering is required to produce the best possible harvest.
The full growing cycle from seed takes Chia plants around 6-8 months in ideal conditions.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Tropical and Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10-35°C / 50-95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 180cm (6 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 45cm (18 inches)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Bees and can Self Pollinate.
MATURITY:
6-8 months.
GERMINATION RATES:
75-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
5-10 days at temperatures between 18-25°C / 65-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 550
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT SALVIA HISPANICA (Chia)
Across 33 countries, over 370,000 hectares of land was devoted to the cultivation of Chia in 2014.
Chia was a staple food to the Aztecs and was said to be only third in importance behind corn and beans. The seed was used as a form of currency to trade in many cultures that were based in today’s modern region called Mexico.
In 1977, Joe Pedott created figurines called Chia Pet out of sprouted Chia seeds. They were popular in the 1980s and still sell around 500,000 per year today.
For every ounce (28 grams) Chia seeds contain 10 grams of Fibre, 5 grams of Protein and 5 grams of Omega-3.
For a deep dive on the history and nutritional value of Chia click here.
