Salvia Hispanica - Chia. The Chia is an annual herbaceous plant bearing several long stems with lime green leaves growing alternately up the stems. The Chia flowers grow in whorled spikes of small purple, blue or white flowers. The Chia is native to southern Mexico and Guatemala and is a member of the mint family, presently being cultivated exclusively for it’s well known seeds. The seeds are oval and shiny, and excretes a gel-like substance when soaked in water. The seeds are commonly found in health food stores as whole seeds, or as an ingredient in other products. The seeds are known to be high in omega 3 fatty acids and a great source of fiber. This wonderful plant is an extreme self sower, easy to grow, and is pest and disease resistant. The following are some attributes and fun facts:
*edible: seeds can be eaten whole and are easy to digest without a strong or unpleasant flavor. They can be roasted, ground to add into flour for baked goods: can be added to salads, cereals, yogurt, or added to juice or milk for a smoothie. It can also be used as a thickener for soups and pudding.
*medicinal: has been used as an appetite suppressant due to the gel excreted from the seeds making a person feel full faster. Presently being studied for reducing heart disease, stroke and cancer.
*cultural: Aztec and Myan peoples attributed their energy and increased stamina to the chia seeds. Chia in Myan means "strength”.
*religion: Myan and Aztec peoples deemed the chia seeds to have supernatural powers.
30+ seed per pack
Planting Zone: 8 – 11
Full Sun
Height: 3 feet
Width: 1 foot
Attracts Hummingbirds, Butterflies and Bees and other pollinators
Edible: seeds can be eaten whole and are easy to digest
Medicinal: has been used as an appetite suppressant due to the gel excreted from the seeds
Drought tolerant
Easy to grow
Resistant to Deer and Rabbit
Origin: South America
I urge anyone buying seed to do their homework on germination, I have not raised and cannot raise many of these plants as I am sub-tropics here in St Augustine, Florida. All seed are NOT alike! There are so many different factors in germination and not doing a search is throwing your money away. I want everyone to be successful when growing your flowers from seed it is the most rewarding experience in Gardening and you can do it, if you give the seed what it needs to grow. I always check 3 sites of info to choose how I will go about it. It is not hard to do, if you do it right!
SEED GERMINATION TIP!!!!!!!
ONLY GERMINATE A SMALL PORTION AT A TIME.
DON'T PUT ALL YOUR MONKEYS IN A BARREL.
Good Luck and Happy Planting!!!!
