Chia Salvia hispanica
Chia (Salvia hispanica) is an annual herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Mexico and Guatemala. It grows 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) tall and 40–70 cm (16–28 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Chia in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Chia at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–70 cm (16–28 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | about 13–19 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 120 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: seeds, sprouts, leaves |
| Native to | Mexico and Guatemala |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇵🇪 Peru |
Is Chia toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Edible seed crop; pet toxicity of the plant is not documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Chia
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Chia
- How far apart should I plant Chia?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–70 cm (16–28 in).
- Does Chia need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chia need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Chia?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Chia flower?
- About 13–19 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Chia poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Edible seed crop; pet toxicity of the plant is not documented.
- What grows well with Chia?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Chia. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Strongly short-day: at high latitudes most varieties flower too late to set seed before frost.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare