Growing on the High Plains: Chia Plants Are BACK!

Now is a time of self-isolation to keep communities safe and healthy, so what better time to resurrect the reliable companionship of a pop-culture icon that embodies both a houseplant and a pet? That’s right: “ch-ch-ch-chia” plants are back in style. (Those who remember the iconic commercials surely have the jingle in their heads right now. Sorry for that!) Truly, these trendy table toppers haven’t gone anywhere since they hit the market in the 70s, and designers keep new options in the mix (such as a bust of the 45^th president!) On today's Growing on the High Plains, we'll look into the history of the Chia Pet, as well as the healthful plant atop the terracotta: Salvia hispanica, commonly known as chia.