Chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses and have a huge range of versatility in the kitchen. They are my very favorite seed to use in the kitchen. But what about chia plants? In this article, we’re going to look at how to grow these awesome little plants that are easy to grow and beautiful to look at.
Chia plants are the flowering plants grown from chia seeds. A member of the mint family, these plants (Salvia hispanica) are easily grown from seed and can sprout as quickly as two days. In fact, it happens all the time in my kitchen when chia seeds get stuck to the dish sponge or hide on the countertop!
Despite their tiny seed size, chia plants can grow quite big: upwards of about 6 feet! They require quite a bit of space in the garden and would do best in a garden bed rather than a pot. They will need as much space as a large bush or small tree would. These plants, with their large flower stalks of purple flowers, will attract bees and butterflies to your garden.
Why Would You Grow Your Own Chia?
Chia is easy to grow, beautiful to look at, and offers lots of nutritional value. It deserves a place in any garden. I have been growing chia organically for the past ten years, and in that time I have fine-tuned my growing and harvesting techniques. Chia is one of the easiest plants to grow, and it’s one of the healthiest.
Nutritional Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a very high source of linolenic acid (LNA) and linoleic acid (LA). Both these essential fatty acids attract oxygen and help cell membranes to be flexible and fluid, plus they strengthen our immune system to help protect our bodies from viruses, bacteria, and allergies.
Most people’s diets are dangerously low in essential fatty acids, which results in tired muscles, fatigue, and a range of health problems. We need to eat EFAs daily because the human body cannot manufacture them. If your diet includes a lot of refined oils and processed foods, you are most at risk. EFAs, such as those found in chia, can assist with weight loss and removal of toxins from the body. Enzymes in chia also help with the digestion of other foods.
How To Grow A Chia Plant
To direct seed chia, weed out the garden in your selected spot. You’ll want to choose a location that has well-drained soil and gets plenty of sun. Loosen the topsoil and layer in the chia seeds. Chia seeds are always sold raw, and you can plant the same ones you’d use in the kitchen. Thin out the chia sprouts after they are a few inches tall, leaving about 12-18 inches of spacing on each side. This ensures that the chia plant can grow in all directions.
During the growth phase, keep the soil moist. Once established, chia plants can handle drier conditions, as its desert-based Meso-American roots imply. The plant will flower after about 12 weeks of growth. Chia plants will need to flower in order for you to harvest seeds. If your plant doesn’t flower, you can use the leaves as a tea; although I think that might be a bummer consolation prize to the expected seed harvest!
Harvesting Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are easy to harvest from slightly dried flower heads. As the pretty purple flowers of the chia flower stalk start to dry, they will lose their petals. This is the ideal time to harvest. Don’t wait until the flower browns, as this will compromise the harvest.
5 WAYS TO USE THE ENTIRE CHIA PLANT
1. CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds are certainly a superfood that have loads of nutrition! Per ounce (about two tablespoons), chia seeds provide 137 calories with an excellent source for fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain phosphorous manganese calcium among many other nutrients too.
Chia seeds are natural. They can be eaten raw, and the saliva in your mouth will cause them to swell before they travel down into your stomach! You could also grind up chia for use with many different foods or drinks that need thickening properties – like smoothies and puddings.
To harvest chia seeds, wait until most of the flower petals have dropped but make sure they don’t turn brown.
Dry cut spikes in a paper bag, and allow air to circulate at room temperature so that your plant remains fresh-smelling without any molding growing on top! Crush dried heads on an even surface with good traction – this will release all those tasty goodies hiding within each dry bract inside its shell.
2. CHIA OIL
Chia seeds are a source of numerous beneficial compounds that can be harnessed for healthy skin and hair.
Chia oil is an excellent natural moisturizer that helps to soothe, protect and heal your skin. It also has anti-aging effects on the dermis which makes it great for wrinkles prevention!
Making your own botanical oils may be an investment, but if you’re serious about the quality then an expeller press will give you what’s required.
If not, milling chia seeds into a paste will do the trick. Using a cloth, squeeze the oils from the chia mash into a jar and you’ll have your chia oil.
3. CHIA SPROUTS
Microgreens are small, leafy plants that can be harvested and eaten in two weeks. They pack plenty of flavor for their size with nutrient density on top!
Chia seeds lend themselves well to sprouting – in fact, the hair or fur of Chia Pets are merely chia sprouts! Sprouts add a bit salty- tangy flavor that can be sprinkled on salads and sandwiches as an appetizer.
To sprout chia seeds, soak a clean terracotta saucer in water for several minutes before sprinkling about one tablespoon of the tiny black flakes over dry surface. Place this dish into your larger bowl and add enough liquid, so that it stays moist at all times.
The chia seeds will puff up when they’re wet, but make sure to drain off any standing water or else the gel-like consistency that forms is not something you want. Cover with a plate and place in a completely dark place.
4. CHIA LEAVES
Chia is not just for toppings! The leaves of this unusual plant are entirely edible and contain several antioxidants, including two uncommon ones.
Analysis has found that chia contains flavonoids like acetyl vitexin or orientin which can help fight inflammation in the body.
Chia leaves are very mild in flavor and can be used as salad bedding, added to stir fries or green smoothies. They’re also tasty when steeped with honey for a therapeutic tea that relieves pain and sore throats – just add some lemon juice if you want it extra zesty!
5. CHIA MULCH
Chia is a garden staple, perfect for fertilizing your soil. Once you’ve harvested the seeds and leaves from this plant—the leftover stems can be chopped up as mulch in order to improve its fertility! Add one inch deep in autumn for best results!
When they decompose, their decay adds nutrients to the earth which helps boost growth for next season.
Chia plants are a great defense against pesky insects! Essential oils found in the leaves and stems of chia also provide natural protection from whitefly, other bugs including fungus or disease causing bacteria.