Chia

Chia is a fast-growing super-food plant that produces tiny, nutrient-packed seeds loved for their health benefits. Known for their high omega-3 fatty acids, Chia seeds promote heart health and are a great source of fiber, aiding digestion and helping to maintain a healthy weight. These seeds are rich in antioxidants that support your body's natural defense mechanisms, reducing inflammation and protecting cells from damage. Chia is a fast-growing, versatile plant that produces tiny, nutrient-packed seeds loved for their health benefits. Known for their high omega-3 fatty acids, Chia seeds promote heart health and are a great source of fiber, aiding digestion and helping to maintain a healthy weight. This leafy-green with tall purple flowers is capable of growing up to 6 feet tall. Chia plants are fast growing and resilient, it is excellent for growing indoors into unique houseplants and character-like shapes. Chia plants are easy to grow and thrive in various climates, making them a perfect addition to any garden. When consumed, the seeds absorb liquid and expand, creating a gel-like texture that adds hydration and fullness to smoothies, salads, and baked goods, providing a great energy boost.

Also Known As: Salvia Hispanica, Chia Seed, Mexican Sage, Running Sage, Spanish Sage, Chia Herb, Black Chia, White Chia, Chia Plant, Salvia Seed, Chia Flour.

Plant Name:	Chia
Latin Name:	Salvia hispanica
Days to Germinate:	4-7
Days to Bloom:	3-120
Plant Height:	3 - 5 Feet
Spread:	18 - 24 Inches
Bloom Diameter:	1/4 - 1/2 Inch
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	8-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may start planting Chia indoors in containers 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Sow Chia after all danger of frost has passed in Spring and the soil is at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting in an areas with mild winters (USDA 8-11). To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 12-18 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, seeds may be scattered and gently watered in.Or broadcast seeds and, once seedlings emerge, plants can be separated and spaced 12-18 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding.

Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet

Care During the Season:

To harvest Chia plants for seeds, wait until the flower heads have dried on the plant and turned brown, typically about 4-5 months after planting. Use garden shears or scissors to cut the flower stalks just below the heads. Once cut, place the stalks in a paper bag or on a clean, dry surface to continue drying for a few days. Once fully dry, gently rub or shake the flower heads to release the tiny seeds. Store the cleaned seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for long-term use.