The chia plant, known by its botanical name *Salvia Hispanica*, is an annual herb that belongs to the *Lamiaceae* family. Like other plants in this mint family, chia plants are low-maintenance and can thrive in warm climates, like USDA Zones 8–11. These zones include parts of the Central and Southern United States, where gardeners often grow chia plants like other annual flowers. 

The chia plant is native to Mexico and Guatemala, where pre-Columbian Maya and Aztec civilizations initially noticed the health benefits of chia seeds. The word “chia ”derives from the Mayan word for “strength,” a likely nod to the energizing qualities produced from its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential forms of healthy fats that help the body function. 

Adding a tablespoon of chia seeds to bread recipes, smoothies, oatmeal, or [chia pudding](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/simple-chia-seed-pudding-recipe) is a great way to boost the nutritional value of these food options.
Chia plants are so resilient that home gardeners can sprout chia seeds in a terracotta dish on a windowsill before transplanting them into the garden. While hardiness is one of the chia plant’s chief characteristics, some methods will give your DIY chia garden favorable conditions to thrive, like those outlined in the following step-by-step growing guide: 

1. __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.
2. __Prepare the soil__: Chia plants grow well in various soils, but clay or sandy soils with excellent drainage are the most suitable options.
3. __Plant the seeds__: Scatter the tiny seeds just below the surface of a thin layer of soil. 
4. __Water daily__: The drought-tolerant, mucilaginous seeds of the chia plant benefit from daily light watering until the sprouts establish roots. Once they have reached the height of [alfalfa sprouts](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-alfalfa-sprouts) or microgreens, natural rainfall should be sufficient. 
5. __Harvest the seeds__: To harvest seeds from your plant, wait for most of the petals to fall off the flowers, then pick the flower heads off the stalk. Place the flower heads in a paper bag, or wrap them in a paper towel to dry. Once they’re sufficiently dried out, crush the flower heads with your hands (or use a paper bag) to separate the seeds.
Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/) and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.
Chia plants became popular in the United States with the introduction of “Chia Pets,” a sprouting novelty gift. Since then, organic chia seeds have become a common health food that you can find at your local grocery store. Learn how to grow chia seeds in your garden and harvest the health benefits from this superfood in your own garden.

Chia plants became popular in the United States with the introduction of “Chia Pets,” a sprouting novelty gift. Since then, organic chia seeds have become a common health food that you can find at your local grocery store. Learn how to grow chia seeds in your garden and harvest the health benefits from this superfood in your own garden.

How to Grow Chia Seeds in Your Home Garden

The chia plant, known by its botanical name Salvia Hispanica, is an annual herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Like other plants in this mint family, chia plants are low-maintenance and can thrive in warm climates, like USDA Zones 8–11. These zones include parts of the Central and Southern United States, where gardeners often grow chia plants like other annual flowers. The chia plant is native to Mexico and Guatemala, where pre-Columbian Maya and Aztec civilizations initially noticed the health benefits of chia seeds. The word “chia ”derives from the Mayan word for “strength,” a likely nod to the energizing qualities produced from its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential forms of healthy fats that help the body function. Adding a tablespoon of chia seeds to bread recipes, smoothies, oatmeal, or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/simple-chia-seed-pudding-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/simple-chia-seed-pudding-recipe","linkCopy":"chia pudding","category":null}'>chia pudding</a> is a great way to boost the nutritional value of these food options.

What Is a Chia Plant?

Chia plants are so resilient that home gardeners can sprout chia seeds in a terracotta dish on a windowsill before transplanting them into the garden. While hardiness is one of the chia plant’s chief characteristics, some methods will give your DIY chia garden favorable conditions to thrive, like those outlined in the following step-by-step growing guide: <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. 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. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Prepare the soil: Chia plants grow well in various soils, but clay or sandy soils with excellent drainage are the most suitable options. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Plant the seeds: Scatter the tiny seeds just below the surface of a thin layer of soil. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Water daily: The drought-tolerant, mucilaginous seeds of the chia plant benefit from daily light watering until the sprouts establish roots. Once they have reached the height of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-alfalfa-sprouts' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-alfalfa-sprouts","linkCopy":"alfalfa sprouts","category":null}'>alfalfa sprouts</a> or microgreens, natural rainfall should be sufficient. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Harvest the seeds: To harvest seeds from your plant, wait for most of the petals to fall off the flowers, then pick the flower heads off the stalk. Place the flower heads in a paper bag, or wrap them in a paper towel to dry. Once they’re sufficiently dried out, crush the flower heads with your hands (or use a paper bag) to separate the seeds. </li></ol>

How to Plant Chia Seeds

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described &quot;Gangster Gardener.&quot; Get the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.

Learn More

Chia plants became popular in the United States with the introduction of “Chia Pets,” a sprouting novelty gift. Since then, organic chia seeds have become a common health food that you can find at your local grocery store. Learn how to grow chia seeds in your garden and harvest the health benefits from this superfood in your own garden.

Chia plants became popular in the United States with the introduction of “Chia Pets,” a sprouting novelty gift. Since then, organic chia seeds have become a common health food that you can find at your local grocery store. Learn how to grow chia seeds in your garden and harvest the health benefits from this superfood in your own garden.
