Pineapple Sage – 10 Seeds

Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans) is native to Mexico and Guatemala and was introduced as an ornamental garden plant around 1870. It is an herbaceous perennial with scarlet red flowers, growing 1.2 to 1.5m. The leaves have a distinct Pineapple aroma, hence the name. The leaves remain scented all year and crushing them releases the best scent.

Pineapple sage develops a dense, rounded form and produces numerous leafy, erect stems and lateral branches that hold the striking red, flower spikes, which attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. As the season progresses the stem becomes woody and the roots extend deeper underground forming a large clump.

Common Names: Pynappelsalie, Pineapple sage and Tangerine sage.

Culinary Uses

• The leaves and flowers are both edible and may be used as part of salads or as garnishes.
• They are a nice addition to fruit salads as the crushed leaves will impart a pineapple aroma.
• They can also be used in cold soups, to garnish cool drinks and iced or herbal teas.

Growing Pineapple Sage

Indoor Sowing: Late Winter and Early Spring.

Direct Sowing: Spring.

• Direct sow seeds when all danger of frost has passed in early spring.
• Sow seeds thinly and cover with 1/8 inch of fine soil.
• Firm soil and keep moist.
• Seeds emerge in 14-21 days.
• Thin to 15 inches apart when seedlings have two or three pairs of leaves.
• Alternatively you can sow the seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost in spring.
• Can be grown in Full Sun or Partial Shade.
• Does well in containers.