Troubleshooting
Chia problems — and how to fix them
Chia (Salvia hispanica) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Aphids on new growth
Aphid colonies frequently colonise the soft growing tips of chia during warm weather; remove by hand or apply insecticidal soap, avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides that kill the pollinators needed for seed set.
Powdery mildew
Erysiphe spp. causes a white powdery coating on leaves in humid or crowded conditions; improve spacing for airflow and treat with a dilute potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign.
Prevent chia problems before they start
Most chia issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Chia problems — FAQ
Why is my chia aphids on new growth?
Aphid colonies frequently colonise the soft growing tips of chia during warm weather; remove by hand or apply insecticidal soap, avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides that kill the pollinators needed for seed set.
Why is my chia powdery mildew?
Erysiphe spp. causes a white powdery coating on leaves in humid or crowded conditions; improve spacing for airflow and treat with a dilute potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign.