How to Plant Chia Seeds

The word "chia" refers to two different plants in the sage genus: Salvia hispanica is native to Mexico and Central America and known for its nutritional value; Salvia columbariae thrives in the desert of the southwestern United States--as well as on chia pets. Salvia columbariae is a fast-growing annual that produces purple flowers March through June. The 6- to 10-inch blooms also attract bees and are a favorite of farmers who need their crops pollinated.

Things You'll Need

• Chia seeds
• Water
• Container
• Seed tray
• Potting mix

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Soak chia seeds in water for 15 minutes.

   • 2

     Fill a seed tray with porous potting mix in spring. Make planting holes twice the seeds' diameter.

   • 3

     Plant the chia seeds in the holes and cover them with soil. Move the planter to a sunny location.

   • 4

     Water the seeds thoroughly with a fine mist and keep them moist until germination.

   • 5

     Reduce watering once seeds germinate. Chia plants prefer arid and low-fertility conditions.

   • 6

     Transplant seedlings to a sunny, well-drained location outside. Pull weeds that sprout around the plant.