Chia seeds
Chia is a superfood that is full of protein, low in calories, and high in fiber. Chia plants are a salvia variety and are part of the sage and mint family. The word salvia comes from the Latin word ‘salare’ which means to save, due to their curative properties. They are fast growers and are naturally heat and drought-tolerant. They are low maintenance and require little to no fertilizer.
Chia plants are self-pollinating. They will drop seeds and come back every year. they are great at crowding out weeds and attracting butterflies and bees on account of their high nectar content. The plant in its entirety is useful. The leaves can be steeped fresh or dried, with a little lemon and honey to make a delicious tea. Both the tea and the leaves have an enormous amount of study-backed benefits. It's an interesting herb, to say the least.
Our favorite way to utilize chia seeds is to make a pudding out of them. Once you harvest your chia seeds, add a little bit of water, some sweetener and your favorite fruits or topped with yogurt. Its full of protein and guilt free! This is a tender perennial that has no soil preference. These will need full sun and will grow about 3 - 5 feet tall.
Seed count: .07 grams
Botanic name:
Salvia Hispanica
Plant spacing:
12" - 18" apart
Color:
Bold purple blooms / black seeds
Sowing depth:
Surface sow, barely cover with soil, soil should never dry out
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
The entire plant is edible although the seeds are the most highly valued part of the plant. Use these on salads, in smoothies, to make chia pudding or chia milk, or to top bagels and homemade breads.
Frost hardy:
No
Maturity days:
95-150 days
Life cycle:
Annual
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes
Other names:
Huile de Chia, Pinole, S. Hispanica, Salba, Salba Grain,
