Chia seeds come from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family. Salvia hispanica seed often is sold under its common name "chia" as well as several trademarked names. Its origin is believed to be in Central America where the seed was a staple in the ancient Aztec diet.
How to Sow Chia Seeds
Sow seeds directly in the garden 3mm deep and 30cm apart, with rows 150cm apart.
Keep soil moist but never wet or dry.
Seeds should germinate in around 1-4 days at a soil temperature of 20-22°C.
Young seedlings will need protection from pests, pets and weather until they are established.
Choose a site: Chia plants require full sun and ample space to grow, as they can reach heights of up to five feet. Choose a planting site with ample space that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Both the leaves and the seeds are nutritionally dense and are good sources of dietary fibre, calcium, and iron; the seeds are also high in protein. The leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked like spinach and are often added to salads or soups.
