Id-Code: SA 060
Family: Lamiaceae, Labiatae
Origin: Europe to central Asia
Special Features: A well-known species that has been grown for economic, culinary and medicinal uses, as well as for its handsome ornamental virtues. It is grown as a farm crop for the cosmetic and fragrance industry for its valuable sclareol resin. In the kitchen, it can be used to flavor omelets and stews. Medicinally, it has been used to freshen the eyes and to treat kidney and stomach ailments. And interestingly, it has alleged value in slowing the aging process
Colour: The widely branched flowering panicles hold flowering buds shaped like hops that eventually develop into brilliant white bracts. The flowers open from June to July but the flowering effect with its colorful bracts extend the season from May through September
Natural Flowering Period: June - July
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z4-8
Growth Habit: Upright
Foliage: Large, grey-green, leathery leaves, attractive from spring through late fall, strongly aromatic
Height with Flower: 75 cm (30'')
Spacing between Plants: 60 cm (24'')
Soil Requirement: Well-drained soils, pH 6.8 - 7.8
Location: Full sun
Use: Plant together with Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm', Heuchera 'Palace Purple Select'
Specialities: Salvia is short-lived, but self-sowing
Cultural Tips: Scheduling:
Growing On:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 4,348
Seeds per Gram: 230
Seeding Recommendation: 10 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 2 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72 or 128
Germination: Rapidly germinating, keep seed in constant moisture (not wet) with temperatures of about +20°C [68°F]. Do not cover the seed but tightly press into the earth. Keep in cooler conditions after germination occurs. The germination might be slower and more irregular. This poses no problems.
Best Sowing Dates: Anytime
Sowing to Germination: 2 - 3 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 3 - 4 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 4 - 8 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Not Necessary
Container Size(s): 1-2 plugs per 11/12 cm (4 1/2'')
Vernalization: There is no current research on vernalization but a prudent recommendation for any perennial would be 6-12 weeks (a few might need 15 weeks!) at an average daily temperature of 40°F (5°C). Exposure to cold may not be necessary for flowering but might improve quality.
Forcing: An obvious place to experiment - following vernalization - would be raising daytime temperatures to 60° - 65°F (15° - 17°C). Provide 16 hours of continuous lighting. During the short days of winter, provide a night interruption lighting of 4 hours between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.
Fertilization: Medium (150-200 ppm)
