Stuff You Should Know – Short Stuff: Chia Pet

Intro

In this episode of “Short Stuff” from the podcast “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts delve into the fascinating history of the Chia Pet. They explore how these iconic terracotta planters shaped like figurines, which grow chia sprouts resembling hair, became a popular pop culture phenomenon. From their humble beginnings to their involvement in predicting presidential elections, Chia Pets have captured the hearts of many. Join the hosts as they uncover the story behind these quirky and beloved gifts.

Main Takeaways

The Origins of Chia Pets

• The founder of Joseph Enterprises, Joe Pedott, discovered Chia Pets at a trade show in the 1970s and decided to brand and sell them.
• Chia Pets are now licensed with popular characters like Homer Simpson and Baby Yoda.
• The first Chia Pets were the Chiabul and the Chiaram, but the first one ever made was a Chia Dude that looked like a cross between Homer Simpson and Woody from Toy Story.
• Chia Pets got into licensing in the early 80s with Looney Tunes characters, and now they license around three or four things a year.

The Popularity and Cultural Impact of Chia Pets

• Chia Pets sell themselves with very little advertising, with over 80% of their inventory sold around the holidays.
• Chia Pets are known for predicting presidential elections, with the candidate that sells the most Chia version going on to win the presidency.
• Chia Pets also partner up with pro sports teams and companies to create Chia versions of their logos.
• The Smithsonian National Museum of American History requested advertising tapes from the Joseph company because Chia Pets were so huge.
• The success of Chia Pets can be attributed to the catchy jingle “Ch-ch-ch-chia.”

Growing and Caring for Chia Pets

• Soak both the terracotta pot and chia seeds before planting.
• Chia seeds used for Chia Pets are not for human consumption.
• It is possible to grow Chia Pets hydroponically with added nutrients.

Summary

The Origins of Chia Pets

The story of Chia Pets begins with Joe Pedott, the founder of Joseph Enterprises, who stumbled upon these unique terracotta planters at a trade show in the 1970s. Recognizing their potential, Pedott decided to brand and sell them, leading to the birth of Chia Pets. From their early days as Chiabul and Chiaram to their licensing deals with popular characters like Homer Simpson and Baby Yoda, Chia Pets have become a beloved pop culture icon.

The Popularity and Cultural Impact of Chia Pets

Despite minimal advertising, Chia Pets have managed to capture the imagination of consumers, with over 80% of their inventory sold during the holiday season. These quirky planters have also gained fame for their ability to predict presidential elections, with the candidate whose Chia version sells the most ultimately winning the presidency. Additionally, Chia Pets collaborate with pro sports teams and companies to create Chia versions of their logos, further expanding their cultural reach.

Growing and Caring for Chia Pets

To successfully grow a Chia Pet, it is essential to soak both the terracotta pot and the chia seeds before planting. However, it’s important to note that the chia seeds used for Chia Pets are not intended for human consumption. For those interested in experimenting further, it is even possible to grow Chia Pets hydroponically by providing additional nutrients. These simple yet fascinating steps contribute to the fun and enjoyment of owning a Chia Pet.

Conclusion

From their humble beginnings to their widespread popularity, Chia Pets have become a beloved and quirky gift choice for many. With their catchy jingle and ability to predict elections, these terracotta planters have carved out a unique place in pop culture history. Whether you’re a fan of Homer Simpson, Baby Yoda, or your favorite sports team, there’s likely a Chia Pet version to suit your tastes. So, next time you’re looking for a fun and iconic gift, consider adding a Chia Pet to your list.