Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) is a biennial or short-lived perennial herb known for its fragrant leaves and tall spikes of stunning lilac-to-pink flowers. A member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), this hardy plant grows up to 120 cm with a 50 cm spread. It is highly ornamental with large, soft velvety wrinkled green leaves and tall, branching spikes of pink, purple, or white flowers with decorative, papery bracts that will bloom from June to August. Clary Sage is also highly valued for its aromatic, medicinal, and cosmetic uses, thanks to its earthy, musky, and slightly sweet scent. The young leaves can be used sparingly in salads, soups, or herbal teas. In some traditional cuisines, the leaves have been used to flavor wines and liqueurs. Clary sage will attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to your garden. sparingly in salads, soups, or herbal teas. Always consult a qualified herbal practitioner before using this plant medicinally or a qualified aromatherapist if using its essential oil, especially if pregnant.
Scientific Name: Salvia sclarea
Plant Life Cycle: hardy perennial
Optimal Germination Temperature: 16-21C
Germination time in days: 14-60 Days
Indicative Days to maturity: 60-300
Sunlight: Full sun or partial shade
Soil requirement: compost-rich, well-drained soil
Sowing and cultivation: Sow indoors from February to April in compost. Lightly cover seeds with fine soil as it needs light to germinate. Or Sow directly outdoors after last chance of frost has passed from May to June into well prepared soil in a sunny spot when temperatures reach around 16-18C. Sow seeds thinly into drills 1 cm deep and 38 cm apart. Space plants by 45 to 90 cm.
