Question
Hi,

It seems that the Salba grain can only grow in Peru?
Is there any possibility at all that we can grow it elsewhere like upper Maine?

Answer
Dear Daniel:

Chia抯 native range extends through the coastal and inner coast ranges of California from Mendocino County in the north to Baja in the south. Chia grows throughout southern California and into adjacent areas of Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Northwestern Mexico. Chia was once more common in many of its native areas, but its populations have declined due to overgrazing, urban development, and fire suppression.  However, I would encourage experimenting with small scale greenhouse cultivation in Maine.


Annual wild flowers, such as chia, are generally planted directly into a prepared bed or border area. Chia requires full sun, good drainage and only enough water to become established. Do not plant chia near lawns and other plants that require frequent watering.

Seeds may benefit from pretreatment, but this treatment may vary depending on the origin of the seeds (Emery 1998). Ask your seed supplier as to their recommendations. Broadcast the chia seeds in autumn by sprinkling the seeds onto the surface of the soil. Rake the seeds lightly into the soil. A light sprinkling of charate (the charred remains of burned plants) over the sown seedbed has been shown to increase germination (Emery 1988). Once established, Chia is quite drought tolerant. The plants will tolerate some moisture during the growing period but should not be watered frequently. Remove weeds as they appear.

If necessary, seeds may be planted in flats in the early spring and then transplanted later into a sunny, open area. Fill flats with a light, porous soil. Appropriate soils may be purchased or a homemade combination of equal portions of compost, garden loam and sand may be used. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the surface. Cover with a fine layer of more soil not exceeding two times the diameter of the seed. Lightly press the surface to insure contact of the seeds with surrounding soil. Use a fine spray nozzle to gently water the flats. Keep the flats evenly moist and do not let them dry out. Reduce watering frequency after the seedlings emerge.

General Upkeep and Control
Chia will self-sow freely if the seeds survive predation by birds mice and ants. Several bee species have been observed pollinating chia, however it also has the ability to self-pollinate in the absence of these insect visitors (Visco & Capon 1970).

Chia hybridizes freely with other Salvia species, including perennial shrubs, such as S. mellifera (Clebsch 1997).
(Source:  USDA, NRCS, PLANTS Database, plants.usda.gov.
National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA)

Good luck with your project.

Sincerely,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee