Production Considerations
Crop description and cultivars
Chia is an herbaceous plant with opposite,
serrated leaves approximately 1½ to 3 inches long
and 1 to 2 inches wide. Also known as “lime-leaf
sage,” plants reach a height of a little over 3 feet
at maturity. Clusters of blue to purple to white
flowers develop on spikes forming at the end of
each branch. Seeds are oval and approximately
2 mm (0.08 inches) long and 1 mm (0.04 inches)
wide. The shiny seed coat varies in color from
cream to charcoal grey with darker irregular
markings or specks.
The patent-pending varieties developed as a
result of UK’s selective breeding program are
available only from KSG and Kentucky Chia.
Lines differ in oil quality, seed color, height, and
maturity.
Site selection and planting
Chia is a low-maintenance crop that prefers
moderately fertile, well-drained soils. While
moisture is necessary for seedling establishment,
this crop is highly intolerant of wet soils. Seeds
are planted into a fully tilled seed bed using a
standard grain drill or planter with small seed
metering capability; some adjustments to this
equipment may be necessary. Because of the
small seed size, precision planting is important
to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Chia is
planted in April or May and harvested in October
in Kentucky.
Cultural requirements, such as plant spacing and
nutritional needs, are still being refined. Chia is
harvested early enough that it may be possible
to double-crop chia with winter wheat, but the
feasibility of this has not been fully researched.
Pest management
Neither insects nor diseases have posed a problem
in Kentucky to date. Weed management is most
critical during establishment; however, weeds
become less of an issue once the canopy closes.
Despite the fact that chia is an aggressive crop,
researchers are not concerned that it could become
invasive or present a problem for subsequently
planted crops; most commonly used herbicides
tested against chia have succeeded in killing it.
Harvest and storage
Chia is mechanically harvested with a standard
combine. Unlike other grains that may be stored
on-farm immediately following harvest, chia is
expected to go directly to the processor/cleaning
plant after harvest.