Chia, Ziegler's sage
Salvia columbariae
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Salvia columbariae is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.7
Where it is found
Dry open places below 1200 metres.
South-western N. America - California.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Seed - raw or cooked. Usually ground into a powder and used as piñole or made into dark-coloured cakes and loaves, it has a nutty flavour. It can also be mixed with corn meal when making mush or with ground wheat for gruel. Rich in niacin, thiamine, zinc, calcium and manganese, it is also a good source of protein and easily digested fats. It has a high food value and is easily digested. The sprouted seeds can be added to salads and sandwiches. A refreshing drink can be made by steeping the seed in cold water. Alternatively, the seed can be roasted and ground into a powder then mixed with water when it soon becomes a copious gelatinous mass. It is very palatable and nutritious. The seed has been used to render water palatable by removing the alkalis. The leaves are occasionally used as a sage-like seasoning.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Drink: not including plant saps, tea or coffee substitutes.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The seed is digestive, disinfectant, febrifuge and ophthalmic. An infusion can be used in the treatment of fevers. A poultice of the seed mush can be applied to infections. The seeds have been kept in the mouth, and chewed during long journeys on foot, in order to give strength. The seeds have been used to cleanse the eyes or remove foreign matter from the eyes. No more information is given here, but in other instances the seed has been placed in the eye, it then forms a gelatinous covering to which any foreign matter in the eye adheres. The seed is washed out of the eye by the eyes own tears.
Digestive: Aids digestion.
Disinfectant: Used for cleaning wounds.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.
Other
Rating:
Disinfectant: Plants used for disinfecting.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position. Prefers a rich soil. Plants are lodge resistant. This plant was a staple food crop of the Aztecs. It is often cultivated for its edible seeds, which are used to make a refreshing and nourishing drink. A good bee plant. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagating it: Seed - sow April in situ. The plant dislikes root disturbance. If seed supplies are limited then it can be sown in a pot in a greenhouse in March/April, potted up into individual pots as soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle then planted out in May. Germination usually takes 10 - 14 days at 20°c.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual/Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist