clary sage

Salvia sclarea

Eventual height & spread

clary sage

Salvia sclarea

  • approx 100 seeds
  • £2.99
  • In stock (shipped within 3-5 working days)
Delivery options
  • Seed Packets (only) £2.95
  • Named Day £10.95

  • Position: full sun
  • Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
  • Rate of growth: average
    • Flowering: May to July
  • Hardiness: fully hardy (but often short-lived)


Producing a basal rosette of hairy and scented leaves the first year and flowers the second year, this deer-resistant biennial or short-lived perennial produces an essential oil used to flavour vermouth, wines and liqueurs. The pink to purple floral bracts remain showy after the white to mauve corollas fade and also attract beneficial insects including butterflies.


  • Garden care: Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring. When watering, it is best to give the plants a really thorough soak when the soil gets dry, rather than applying a little water every day.


  • Growing instructions: In summer, sow the seeds shallowly in seed trays filled with good seed compost and when the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin out and pot on individually into small pots. Plant out at 30cm intervals into a well-prepared, sunny bed with moderately fertile, well-drained soil.


  • Sow: June to August