Chia
Salvia hispanica • Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
🌱 Seed Category
Herb, Grain, Superfood
🌍 Origin Region
Central and Southern Mexico, Guatemala; adapted to tropical and subtropical climates
📅 Days to Maturity
100-150 days to harvest seeds; harvest window occurs after flower petals fall and spikes turn brown.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 8-11 as an annual; sensitive to frost and freezing temperatures.
About This Seed
Small oval seeds approx 1-2mm long with a mottled color pattern of black, brown, and white. Resulting plant is a bushy annual growing to 1.75m with opposite leaves and spikes of purple or white flowers.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Spring (warm season), non-frost tolerant, requires short days to flower in late summer/fall
Germination
7-14 days; 70-85°F (21-29°C); light helps germination; no pre-treatment but requires consistent moisture to develop its mucilaginous coating.
Planting Instructions
Surface sow or 1/8 inch deep; 12 inches apart; well-drained loamy or sandy soil; pH 6.0-8.5; scatter seeds and rake in lightly.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6-8+ hours); moderate watering until established, then drought-tolerant; prefers low humidity during seed maturation.
Companion Plants
Beneficial: Corn, Beans (Nitrogen fixers); Avoid: Heavy feeders that compete for light if the chia grows tall and shades them.
Special Characteristics
Highly mucilaginous when wet, rich in Omega-3, pollinator-friendly, naturally pest resistant due to essential oils in leaves, deer resistant.