Salvia hispanica CHIA SAGE (15 seeds)

Chia Sage, or Spanish Sage, is an annual herbaceous plant in the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Mexico and Guatemala. Chia gave its name to the Mexican state of Chiapas in the south of the country. The plant can reach a height of 1 to 1.5 meters.

Its foliage is characterized by oval to lanceolate leaves, generally measuring between 4 and 8 cm in length and slightly tomentose (downy). Its leaves are bright green and have a slightly rough texture. The upper surface of the leaves is darker than the underside.

Its flowers are small and bilateral, measuring about 1 to 2 cm in length. They come in various shades, ranging from purple to blue, and can also be white or pale pink, depending on the variety. The flowering period generally extends from summer to autumn.

Spanish sage seeds from Salvia hispanica are small, round, smooth, and gray in color, measuring approximately 2 millimeters in length.

- Properties / Uses:

It is primarily cultivated for its seeds, known as chia seeds, which have become a very popular "superfood" due to their exceptional nutritional profile and multiple health benefits. Their properties are mainly due to their remarkable composition.

Hispanic sage seeds were cultivated in pre-Columbian times by Native Americans who consumed them regularly. This species was one of the dietary staples for several ancient peoples of Mexico.
Do not use for medicinal purposes without seeking medical advice.

It was also used for medicinal purposes, for its many benefits, and as offerings to Aztec gods. They were also pressed to produce an oil used as a base for body paint and for painting religious statues and paintings. The cultivation of this species then almost completely disappeared, surviving only in the wild. These seeds also serve as food for birds, especially for goldfinches in captivity.

- Germination and Sowing of Seeds:

• The period for sowing chia sage is in May, not before, as temperatures are too cold.
• Sow the seeds in a tray of fine potting soil.
• Cover them with 2 to 4 millimeters of soil.
• Then, water the culture manually with a sprayer and wait until the substrate is dry before watering again.
• Place the cultivation tray in a very warm and humid place, such as a greenhouse, at a temperature close to 30°C.
• Germination generally takes place within 3 to 4 weeks after planting.

- Substrate / Soil Type:

It prefers well-drained, light, and fertile soil. A mixture of potting soil with sand or perlite is ideal to ensure good drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is recommended for effective cultivation.

- Exposure / Light:

This Mexican sage needs full sun exposure to thrive. It must receive at least 8 hours of direct light per day to develop properly.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

Spanish sage grows very well when temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C. It can tolerate higher temperatures, but heat stress can affect seed production. The plant is sensitive to frost, so it is important to protect it if temperatures drop below freezing.

- Watering / Irrigation:

Watering should be regular, but it is essential to avoid excess water, which can lead to root system rot. Moderate watering is preferable, allowing the soil to dry slightly between irrigations.

- Reproduction / Multiplication:

Cuttings can be used to propagate plants. Healthy stem cuttings should be taken and planted in moist soil until they take root, but sowing is the primary method of reproduction.

- Pests / Diseases:

Although it is a resistant plant, it can be affected by certain pests. Among them, aphids and spider mites can cause damage by feeding on the sap of the leaves. Slugs and snails, attracted by humidity, can also devour young plants. It is essential to monitor these pests to preserve the health and productivity of the plant.