Chia Pet

Chia Pets are American styled animal-shaped terracotta figurines used to sprout chia, where the chia sprouts resemble the animal’s fur.

Chia Pets achieved popularity in the 1980s following the 1982 release of a ram, the first Chia Pet. The catch phrase sung in the TV commercial as the plant grows in time lapse is “Ch-ch-ch-chia!”. Moistened seeds of chia (Salvia hispanica) are applied to the grooved terra cotta figurine body.

A range of generic animals has been produced, including a turtle, pig, puppy, kitten, frog, and hippopotamus, but cartoon characters including: Garfield, Scooby-Doo, Looney Tunes, Shrek, The Simpsons, and SpongeBob have also been licensed. Additionally, there are Chia Pets depicting presidents, including Barack Obama.

2 Comments to Chia Pet

1. 

   Now I have the song stuck in my head – ch ch ch chia! Aaahh!
Kendall on April 28th, 2011
2. 

   My dad got one as a gag gift when he turned 50. My dad’s bald and our family friend said she wanted to give him some “hair” for his 50th. LOL!!! He’s now 63 and still has it. (Never grew his hair.)
nostalgia75 on November 3rd, 2011

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