clary sage
Salvia sclarea
- approx 100 seeds
- £2.99
- In stock (delivery within 3-4 working days)
Delivery options
- Seed Packets (only) £2.99
- 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, Salvia sclarea is a deer-resistant biennial or short-lived perennial that produces an essential oil used to flavour vermouth, wines and liqueurs. The pink to purple floral bracts of clary sage remain showy after the white to mauve corollas fade and also attract beneficial insects including butterflies.
Sow in late spring to early summer onto the surface of moist seed compost and cover very lightly, keeping trays warm and bright until germination. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick out and grow on in small pots, then plant out at around 30cm (12in) spacing into a sunny, well-drained spot with moderately fertile soil.
Autumn sowing is also an option for earlier flowers the following year, as it’s a biennial.
Autumn sowing is also an option for earlier flowers the following year, as it’s a biennial.
