Salvia hispanica (Chia)

Salvia hispanica (Chia) blue flower close up, small buds emerge near green textured foliage.
Salvia hispanica (Chia) showing tiny blue flower clusters nestled among soft green serrated leaves.

Botanical name: Salvia hispanica

Common name: Chia

Family: Lamiaceae

Origin: Mexico, Guatemala

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-11

Plant type: Fruit or edible; spice or herb
Fruit type: Fruit or edible
Small plant 2-5 ftPlant form: Small
Plant mature sizeMature height: 2-5 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
White, off-white flowersBlue, lavender, purple flowersFlower color: White and off-white; blue, lavender, purple
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

Chia was cultivated by the Aztec in pre-Columbian times, and was so valued that it was given as an annual tribute by the people to the rulers. It is still used in Mexico and Guatemala, with the seeds sometimes ground, while whole seed is used for nutritious drinks and as a food source. The word chia is derived from the Nahuatl word chian, meaning "oily". The present Mexican state of Chiapas received its name from the Nahuatl "chia water or river."

Chia seed may be eaten raw as a whole seed and is an excellent source of omega-3 and dietary fiber (both insoluble and soluble). Ground chia seed is sometimes added to pinole, a coarse flour made from toasted maize kernels. Chia seeds placed in water or fruit juice is consumed in Mexico and known as chia fresca. The soaked seeds are gelatinous in texture and are used in gruels, porridges and puddings. Ground chia seed is used in baked goods including breads, cakes and biscuits.

Chia sprouts are used in a similar manner as alfalfa sprouts in salads, sandwiches and other dishes.

Similar plants: Salvia hispanica (Chia)

More similar plants


Salvia hispanica (Chia) grey white brown seeds close up pile of oval nutritious fruit
Salvia hispanica (Chia) showing tiny grey white brown seeds in a dense close up pile
Salvia hispanica (Chia) seeds, black and white oval fruit on a plate close up
Salvia hispanica (Chia) seeds scattered on a plate appear in shades of black and white.
Salvia hispanica (Chia) blue flower and green leaves close up plant
Salvia hispanica (Chia) blue flower and green leaves on the stems
Salvia hispanica (Chia) plant with green leaves and small blue flowers close up.
Salvia hispanica (Chia) plant with small blue flowers among many light green textured leaves.


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