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Growing Herbs and Spices
How to Grow Chia Download ArticleExplore this Article parts 1 Propagating the Seeds 2 Maintaining and Harvesting the Crops Other Sections Things You'll Need Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Janice Tieperman Reviewed by Ben Barkan
Last Updated: February 17, 2024 References
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This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 45,312 times.
Chia seeds are a nutritious plant that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Although chia seeds can be pricey at many grocery stores, it’s easy and inexpensive to plant, grow, and harvest your own chia right at home. Once you’ve found a dry, warm area to grow your chia seeds, use a rake to mix a handful of chia seeds into the soil. After watering your chia plant on a monthly basis, wait until the it has fully bloomed to harvest the seeds from the flowering chia plant. With the proper storage, you can enjoy your chia seeds for several years.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 2:
Propagating the Seeds
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1 Plant your chia seeds in a warm, temperate area. Research the average temperatures for your home, or wherever you plan on growing the chia. Before you assemble any gardening supplies, check that your planting area gets a lot of direct sunlight, and that the air temperature is around 60 °F (16 °C).[1]XResearch source If a frost forms on your chia crops, they won’t be able to grow properly.[2]XResearch source
During the colder months, chia plants can survive between 31 and 61 °F (−1 and 16 °C). In the hotter months, chia plants can survive between 58 to 90 °F (14 to 32 °C).
If you live in a warm climate, you can plant the seeds in October or November and harvest them in June.[3]XResearch source
2 Check that your chia seeds will get at least 6 hours of sunlight. Pick an area that gets a lot of sunlight, like a backyard. Since chia plants are hardy, you don’t need to worry about the seeds drying out. For a prosperous crop, choose a planting area that gets either partial or full sunlight.[4]XResearch source
Chia plants grow naturally in warm, sunny areas, like California and Southwest America.
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3 Check your soil’s pH to see if it’s between 6.0 and 8.0. Dig a narrow hole in the soil that’s at least 2 in (5.1 cm) deep. Next, fill the soil opening completely with distilled water. To get an accurate reading, stick the probe from a soil pH test kit into the water. After leaving the probe in the soil for about 60 seconds, you can remove it to check for an exact reading.[5]XResearch source
If your soil is too acidic or basic, the chia seeds won’t be able to grow properly.
You can adjust the pH of your soil if it’s too high or low.
Chia seeds thrive in soil with good drainage.
4 Dig ⅛ in (0.3 cm) into a section of soil to displace the dirt. Using a gardening shovel or trowel, scoop away a thin layer of soil from the surface of your gardening area. Arrange the soil around the edge of your gardening area so you have easy access to it.[6]XResearch source
Unlike other plants, chia seeds don’t need a lot of soil to take root.
5 Scatter the chia seeds in a thin layer over the soil. Don’t worry about using an exact measurement—instead, focus on sprinkling the seeds over the entire section of displaced soil. If you’re planting your chia in a small area, like a planter or tray, use a spoon to scatter the seeds.[7]XResearch source
Tip: You can purchase chia seeds at many plant nurseries.[8]XResearch source
6 Rake the seeds into the top layer of soil. Take a gardening rake and go over the seeds in long, vertical movements. As you work, try to cover the chia seeds with the thin layer of displaced soil. Don’t worry about burying the seeds; instead, do your best to mix them in with the surrounding soil.[9]XResearch source
If you’re planting your seeds in a planter, you don’t need to use a rake.
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Maintaining and Harvesting the Crops
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1 Spray over the crops with a garden hose once a month. Monitor the weather as your seeds begin to grow. While chia plants thrive in dry weather, you still need to water the seeds on a regular basis. Once a month, use a gardening hose or watering can to nourish your seeds, so your plants can grow at a steady pace.[10]XResearch source
Since chia plants are hardy, you don’t need to water them right away.
Try not to water your chia seeds immediately after a rainstorm.
Don’t water your seeds more than twice per month.[11]XResearch source
Did you know? Chia plants are hardy plants that are unaffected by garden pests and disease.[12]XResearch source
2 Wait 6-7 months for the chia to blossom and reach its full height. As you continue watering your plants over several months, monitor how much the chia plants grow. After at least 6 months have passed, wait for the plant to be at least 3 feet (0.91 m) tall. At this point, check that the leaves are about 1.5 to 3 in (3.8 to 7.6 cm) and 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) wide.[13]XResearch source
Chia seeds are only 2 mm long. You can find them in the blue, purple, or white flowers sprouting from the plant.
If you harvest the chia seeds too early, the seeds might not be as high quality.
3 Collect the chia seeds when the flower is dried and brown. Monitor the chia plants after they’re 6-7 months old. Once it looks dried out, lightly shake the flowering tip of the plant. At this point, listen for the rattling sound of the chia seeds inside of the flower.[14]XResearch source
4 Shake the chia flower vigorously over a bowl or bucket. Using 1 hand, hold a small bowl or bucket beneath the flowering tip of the chia plant. With your opposite hand, shake the flower quickly, or until you see chia seeds falling from the plant. Repeat this process with all of the crops in your garden.[15]XResearch source
Don’t be alarmed if you don’t get a lot of chia seeds from your harvest. Generally, a 10 by 10 feet (3.0 by 3.0 m) section of chia plants will only generate ¼ cup (40 g) of seeds.
Some chia seeds will fall back into the soil.
Healthy, matured chia seeds are speckled with cream and gray, while immature seeds look brown.[16]XResearch source
5 Store your chia seeds in an airtight container for 2-3 years. Pour your seeds into a plastic, airtight container. Use a label or piece of masking tape to note when you harvested the seeds, so you can keep track of how old they are. Leave the container in a dry, cool area so the chia seeds can stay as fresh as possible![17]XResearch source
Don’t store your chia seeds in the refrigerator.
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Things You’ll Need
Soil
pH testing kit
Distilled water
Shovel
Gardening gloves
Rake
Hose or watering can
Bucket or bowl
Airtight container
Tips
Continue watering the same section of soil over the next few months, and into the next growing season. Since many seeds tend to fall back into the soil, you might have a new chia crop next year![18]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Garden & Landscape Designer This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 45,312 times. 35 votes - 100% Co-authors: 7Updated: February 17, 2024 Views: 45,312 Categories: Featured Articles | Growing Herbs and Spices
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Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Propagating the Seeds 2 Maintaining and Harvesting the Crops Other Sections Things You'll Need Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Janice Tieperman Reviewed by Ben Barkan 
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Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Garden & Landscape Designer This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 45,312 times. 35 votes - 100% Co-authors: 7 Updated: February 17, 2024 Views: 45,312 Categories: Featured Articles | Growing Herbs and Spices 
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1 Plant your chia seeds in a warm, temperate area. Research the average temperatures for your home, or wherever you plan on growing the chia. Before you assemble any gardening supplies, check that your planting area gets a lot of direct sunlight, and that the air temperature is around 60 °F (16 °C).[1] If a frost forms on your chia crops, they won’t be able to grow properly.[2] 
2 Check that your chia seeds will get at least 6 hours of sunlight. Pick an area that gets a lot of sunlight, like a backyard. Since chia plants are hardy, you don’t need to worry about the seeds drying out. For a prosperous crop, choose a planting area that gets either partial or full sunlight.[4] 
3 Check your soil’s pH to see if it’s between 6.0 and 8.0. Dig a narrow hole in the soil that’s at least 2 in (5.1 cm) deep. Next, fill the soil opening completely with distilled water. To get an accurate reading, stick the probe from a soil pH test kit into the water. After leaving the probe in the soil for about 60 seconds, you can remove it to check for an exact reading.[5] 
4 Dig ⅛ in (0.3 cm) into a section of soil to displace the dirt. Using a gardening shovel or trowel, scoop away a thin layer of soil from the surface of your gardening area. Arrange the soil around the edge of your gardening area so you have easy access to it.[6] 
5 Scatter the chia seeds in a thin layer over the soil. Don’t worry about using an exact measurement—instead, focus on sprinkling the seeds over the entire section of displaced soil. If you’re planting your chia in a small area, like a planter or tray, use a spoon to scatter the seeds.[7] 
6 Rake the seeds into the top layer of soil. Take a gardening rake and go over the seeds in long, vertical movements. As you work, try to cover the chia seeds with the thin layer of displaced soil. Don’t worry about burying the seeds; instead, do your best to mix them in with the surrounding soil.[9] 
1 Spray over the crops with a garden hose once a month. Monitor the weather as your seeds begin to grow. While chia plants thrive in dry weather, you still need to water the seeds on a regular basis. Once a month, use a gardening hose or watering can to nourish your seeds, so your plants can grow at a steady pace.[10] 
2 Wait 6-7 months for the chia to blossom and reach its full height. As you continue watering your plants over several months, monitor how much the chia plants grow. After at least 6 months have passed, wait for the plant to be at least 3 feet (0.91 m) tall. At this point, check that the leaves are about 1.5 to 3 in (3.8 to 7.6 cm) and 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) wide.[13] 
3 Collect the chia seeds when the flower is dried and brown. Monitor the chia plants after they’re 6-7 months old. Once it looks dried out, lightly shake the flowering tip of the plant. At this point, listen for the rattling sound of the chia seeds inside of the flower.[14] 
4 Shake the chia flower vigorously over a bowl or bucket. Using 1 hand, hold a small bowl or bucket beneath the flowering tip of the chia plant. With your opposite hand, shake the flower quickly, or until you see chia seeds falling from the plant. Repeat this process with all of the crops in your garden.[15] 
5 Store your chia seeds in an airtight container for 2-3 years. Pour your seeds into a plastic, airtight container. Use a label or piece of masking tape to note when you harvested the seeds, so you can keep track of how old they are. Leave the container in a dry, cool area so the chia seeds can stay as fresh as possible![17] 