Chia seeds are considered as one of the most healthy diet on earth. Lets check some of  its striking benefit : 

– loaded with antioxidants,

– excellent booster of digestion,

– great boon for loosing weight,

– promote healthy heart and strong bones.

There are number of benefits also. Since chia has these benefits so why don’t we have this plant at home. Its fun growing them also so lets learn how to grow this plant at home.

Introduction

Mexican Chia or Salba Chia commonly known as Chia is one of the species of flowering plants in the mint family. Chia is grown and consumed commercially in different countries like Mexico,  Bolivia, Argentina, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Australia. Chia seeds are considered as one of the healthiest foods in the world. Health-conscious people from all over the world consume it. Chia seeds originated from Mexico. Chia seeds are cultivated on a small scale within central Mexico and Guatemala.

Climatic Conditions requirement for chia plants

• They are hardy to zone 11 i.e. these plants can withstand up to the minimum temperature of 10℃.
• Cold winter can halt the growth of flowers and thus the seeds.
• Growth of Chia seeds is not possible in very low altitude places.
• The Recommended temperature to grow Chia seeds is 15 – 30 degrees Celsius.
• Frost is strictly forbidden for the growth of Chia seeds.
• Chia is planted in May or June and harvested in October.

Soil Type and fertilizer usage for chia plants

• Chia plant seeds can grow in drained soil, loamy soil or sandy soil. 
• Moisturized soil is preferred for growing Chia plants.
• Generally, seeds are planted into a fully tilled seedbed.
• It can be cultivated under lower fertilizer usage i.e using 89 lb per acre or even with no fertilizer usage.

Planting Technique of chia seeds

1. Grab a handful of Chia seeds, and soak them in water for a day. They sprout rapidly.
   
2. Now grab some normal soil and put it in a plastic box.
3. Take a plastic tray and poke some holes on the bottom for drainage purposes.
   
4. Put a moist paper towel in the plastic tray and then spread some of the chia seeds on it. This arrangement is for harvesting chia sprouts.
   
5. Don’t forget to put some of them in the bucket with some normal soil for later transplanting into garden. 
6. Wrap both the trays with the plastic for preserving moisture and speeding the sprouting process..
7. After a few days, you can see the seeds sprouting and leaves coming out.
8. Water them frequently and finally, after a month, transplant them onto the ground. 
9. They have a bushy structure and can grow unto 6ft tall.

Health Benefits

• They can aid the digestion of food.
• They are excellent sources for Essential Fatty Acids like Omega-3 fatty acids which is beneficial for Brain.
• Chia seeds are loaded with Antioxidants that helps to maintain your skin in good condition by removing free radicals produced in your skin. 
• They are rich in protein source. 1 oz (28.6 grams of chia has  4.7grams of health protein for the body. 
• They are very helpful in preventing heart disease. 

Specialties

• Chia plants are much easier to grow.
• It is a great energy source for the human body.
• Chia plants can self pollinate.
• They are not vulnerable to any kind of pests and diseases.
• Chia plants reach can reach a height of a little more than 6 feet at maturity.
• Chia seeds are  found to be small flattened oval in shape.

Nutrition Facts

2 teaspoon of Chia Seeds contain:

• 10gm fiber (for better digestion)
• 5.6gm protein (for muscles )
• High Omega 3 (for better brain development and memory)
• High Calcium (stronger bones)
• And several other vitamins and minerals (for better function of whole body)

Interesting Fun Facts

• It is also known as a “fire following” plant i.e they are the first plant to appear after a massive forest fire.
• The Average weight of a Chia seed is 0.020 grams.
• Chia seeds can absorb up to 9 times their weight in water.
• They are also used to make a great snack bar.
• Chia seeds are believed to be cultivated during the 16th century.
• They are gluten-free.

Check video for growing the Chia seeds at home: