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About this seed
Chia (Salvia hispanica) is a frost-sensitive annual sage that grows 60–90 cm tall; sow outdoors after the last spring frost, or start seed indoors 8–10 weeks earlier. The seeds are small and mottled.
Also known as: Chía (Spanish), Mexican chia, Chia sage, Sauge chia (French).
What the plant becomes
An upright plant of about 60–90 cm and 30–60 cm across. In frost-prone gardens it dies back in winter, so treat it as an annual; in frost-free microclimates it may persist as a perennial. Left unharvested, it self-seeds for the next season.
Because it is frost-sensitive, the sowing date matters most: seedlings put out too early are at risk from frost, while a late start shortens the season.
Choosing the right chia
"Golden chia", "desert chia" and "California sage" are names of a different species, Salvia columbariae. This card is Salvia hispanica.
Growing steps
- Choose your date by the last spring frost: indoors 8–10 weeks before it, or outdoors after it.
- Sow into a clean, well-drained mix and keep it evenly moist while seed germinates.
- Move seedlings to stronger light gradually.
- Transplant only when frost danger has passed.
FAQ
Can I leave it outdoors through winter?
Only where frost does not occur. In colder gardens the plant dies back, so lift it or replant each year.
What is the germination time?
We have no sourced germination temperature, depth or emergence time for this lot, and we do not state any.