California Chia
Salvia columbariae
Care
full sun
very low
Fast, Medium, Slow; Prefers sandy, well drained soil but tolerates clay.
0–1ft tall , 1–1ft wide
Mar-May
Resistant
Friendly
Yes
Prized
Seeds eaten whole or ground into flour; traditional Indigenous food
Southern California and inner Coast Ranges from Ventura County to Inyo County, below 3000 ft elevation, in chaparral and desert scrub, extending to Arizona and Mexico
Care Guide
Planting
Plant from seed in fall on a sunny slope or in well-drained soil - chia needs full sun and fast-draining conditions to thrive. It tolerates clay soil but prefers sandy, well-drained earth. Seedlings will emerge early in the rainy season and grow quickly. This small annual sage (reaching about 1.5 feet tall) pairs beautifully with California poppy in mixed plantings or containers.
After Planting
Once established, chia is extremely drought-tolerant and needs water no more than twice a month during summer. The biggest mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering this annual - it evolved in dry conditions and will rot in soggy soil, so err on the side of dry. Expect vivid blue-purple flowers to emerge in spring (March through May), then let the plant complete its annual lifecycle naturally.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Larval host plant for caterpillar development in spring
Spring and summer larval host for blue butterfly
Early spring forager for nest establishment and brood rearing
Spring and early summer nectar source during active foraging
Spring larval host for early season butterfly emergence
Spring larval host for duskywing butterfly development
Spring nectar and pollen foraging for honey production
Spring desert bee foraging resource
+3 more species
Birds
Spring nectar foraging during breeding season establishment