Full Sun
Medium
Chia plants exhibit photoperiodism, requiring less than 13.5 hours of daylight. They prefer a tropical to subtropical climate, growing best in regions between latitudes 23 deg north and south of the equator. Seed oil content will increase and the seed to harvest period will shorten when grown in areas closer to the equator.
Although chia requires little water, they will respond well to good irrigation and a rich soil which may bring about earlier maturity.
While chia may be wind pollinated, it should be noted that plants are also self-fertile.
Harvest seed heads when most of the petals have dropped from the spent flowers. Do not wait for seed heads to turn brown, as plant tends to cast its seeds as soon as seed head dries. Chia will readily self-sow. Alternatively, bag seed heads to catch seeds.
These estimates for how long Chia takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.
Average 4 days | Min 2 days | Max 9 days (7)
Average 49 days | Min 49 days | Max 49 days (1)
Average 289 days | Min 273 days | Max 307 days (2)
Our when to plant Chia estimates are relative to your last frost date.