Question
Hi Mack
I intend to start growing chia in a regioin from my country (Iran).But I don't know a reliable chia seed supplier.Would you like please help me.
Regards.
Homayun.

Answer
Dear Homayun:

My research found four Internet sources of Chia seed including:

http://www.HidalgoFoods.Com
http://www.GetChia.Com
http://www.Amazon.Com
http://www.ResearchedProducts.Com

I have not used any of the above, therefore cannot vouch for their quality and service.

Some important considerations and guidelines for planting Chia.  Chia plants and seeds are very hardy. This is not surprising considering that they thrive in low-moisture areas like California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona. In fact, the danger for chia plants comes with potential over-watering. This is why it is important to grow any chia shrub away from lawns and other thirsty plants.

Chia seeds are mucilaginous. When they get wet, a slippery, mucus layer begins to form. The seeds then become hard to handle. This can happen in as little as five minutes. For this reason, the seeds must be carefully stored and kept dry.

Planting chia seeds simply requires scattering them over soil and raking lightly. If starting these plants in flats, they do best in light, porous soil. Later they should be transplanted to an area that gets a lot of sun.

Chias are what are know as "fire following plants." Ancient cultivators found that if they burned the plant after harvest, next year's crop was more plentiful. Sprinkle some burned remnants of the shrub over newly planted seed to quicken germination.

In addition, the chia plant is self sowing because the seeds naturally drop off the plant. If they are not eaten by birds and mice, they should grow into new plants.

Best wishes for your success.

Sincerely,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee USA