A Chia Homer with a Chia Elmer Fudd in the background

Chia Pets are a collectible animal figurine, originated by the San Fransico-based company Joseph Enterprises Inc. Chia Pets are traditional Mexican animal-shaped clay figures covered with chia, where the chia sprouts resemble the animal's fur.

Chia Pets achieved widespread popularity in the 1980s following the 1982 release of a ram, the first Chia Pet. Subsequent decline in popularity has relegated these objects to fad status.

Chia Pets are grown by applying moistened seeds of chia, the sprout-like plant from whose common name the, “Chia Pet” gets its name, to the grooved terra cotta body. After three to five days of filling and refilling the Chia Pet with water as well as discarding water that has accumulated in the provided drip tray, the seeds sprout, having formed a sticky coat that adheres to the Chia Pet's body. At this point, little effort is required to maintain the plant covering of the Chia Pet.

Enough seeds are provided with the Chia Pet for three plantings. Additional seeds can be purchased for use with the Chia vessel, which is reusable. Several Chia Pet animals are currently available, including a turtle, pig, puppy, kitten, frog and hippopotamous. Sculpted Chia Heads and Licensed Pets based on popular cartoon caracters like Garfield, Scooby Doo, Looney Tunes, Shrek, The Simpsons and most recently the Chia.

(Resources: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)