Clary Sage – 20 Seeds

Clary Sage Seeds. Salvia sclarea, the clary or clary sage, is a biennial or short-lived herbaceous perennial in the genus Salvia which can grow up to 1m in height. It is native to the northern Mediterranean Basin, along with some areas in north Africa and Central Asia. The plant has a lengthy history as a valued medicinal, culinary and ornamental herb, and is also grown for its essential oil.

It begins as a rosette in the first year and will grow a flower stalk the second year. The green-grey leaves are big and between 30cm – 50cm long. The summer blooming flowers are held in bracts that range in color from pale mauve to lilac and extend up long, loose terminal spikes.

Clary Sage Culinary Uses

• It is used as a flavoring in vermouths, wines and liqueurs.
• Clary Sage can be used in place of culinary sage in cooking
• Fresh leaves can be made into fritters.
• Flowers can be added to salad.
• Leaves and flowers can be used to make a refreshing tea.

Clary Sage Medicinal Benefits

• Antispasmodic – aid indigestion, gas and vomiting.
• Relaxes spasms.
• Nerve calming tonic
• Stimulates uterus and estrogen production
• Valuable remedy for menopause – hot flushes
• Relieves menstrual pain and premenstrual problems

Growing Clary Sage

Indoor Sowing: Late Winter.

Direct Sowing: Spring.

• Start Seeds indoors about 8 weeks before the last spring frost.
• Seeds can also be sown outdoors in Spring once the soil has warmed.
• Surface sow the seeds on a moist growing medium and lightly cover seeds with fine potting soil or barely cover them, as they need some light to germinate.
• Keep the growing moist but not wet, until germination.
• Optimal soil temperature for germination is 18-30°C.
• Germination in about 14 days, but can take longer.
• Transplant the seedlings to the garden about a week before the last expected frost.
• Space plants 10 to 24 inches apart.
• Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry before watering again.
• After the first frost, cut the stems of first-year plants to 1 inch above the soil.
• Mulch heavily to protect the roots over the winter.
• It can also be grown in containers.