Sage, Clary - Salvia sclarea
30 Seeds.
Sow March - May
Hardy biennial.
Height and spread 90cm-1.2m (3-4ft).
Prefers a fairly rich, light, dry, well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Sow seeds underglass 0.5cm (¼") deep, in small trays of compost and lightly cover the seeds with a sprinkling of compost , and place at a temperature of 15-20°C. Alternatively sow direct outside in April and May into shallow seed drills.
Prick out seedlings individually to 7cm (3") pots, once large enough to handle. Grow on in cooler conditions, then gradually harden off plants in a cold frame before planting out after risk of frost has passed. Transplant to final positions 30cm (12in) apart or into larger containers, or grow a few in pots on a light windowsill all year round. Direct sown seedlings can be thinned to 15cm (6in) apart then lifted and transplanted to final positions once large enough to handle.
The thick square stems are covered in hairs. The upper leaf surface is wrinkled, and covered with glandular hairs. The flowers are in a circular arrangement, with 2-6 flowers in each circle and are held in large colourful bracts that range in colour from pale mauve to lilac or white to pink with a pink mark on the edge and appear in summer. Sage attracts bees and grows well with rosemary. It also helps repel cabbage butterflies.
