Golden Sage – 5 Seeds

Golden Sage (Salvia aurea) is an aromatic hardy evergreen perennial shrub native to South Africa. The plant is used in traditional South African medicine. It has numerous woody stems growing to more than 1m in height, with sparse grey-green leaves. The flowers start out as a bright yellow, fading into a rusty-orange color and then to reddish brown, with the dark rusty-colored calyx persisting long after fruiting begins. Flowering start in early spring and the flowers occur in pairs at the ends of branches. The aromatic fleshy leaves are oval-shaped, greyish-green and finely hairy, sometimes toothed. The shrub prefers light, well-drained soil and full sun, tolerates strong winds, and is drought resistant.

Common names: golden sage, beach sage, dune sage, sand sage (Eng.); bruinsalie, sandsalie, strandsalie, geelblomsalie (Afr.)

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Medicinal Benefits:

• It was used by early European settlers to treat colds, tuberculosis, and chronic bronchitis.
• Traditional indigenous healers use it for respiratory ailments, influenza, gynecological complaints, fever, headaches and digestive disorders.

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Growing Golden Sage:

Indoor Sowing: Late Winter and Early Spring.

Direct Sowing: Spring.

• For indoor sowing, fill seed trays or individual containers with compost that has good drainage.
• Gently press the seeds onto the surface of the soil.
• The seeds need light to germinate, so barely cover with a very thin layer of soil or do not cover the seeds at all.
• Place the trays in a sunny location or under grow lights.
• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Consistent soil temperature of 18–24°C, promotes germination.
• Germination in about 30 days, but may take longer.
• Once seedlings sprout, continue to provide consistent moisture and bright light.
• Before moving seedlings permanently outdoors, gradually introduce them to outside conditions over a period of 7–10 days.
• Plants should be planted in full sun with light, well-draining soil. Amend heavy clay soil with compost and coarse sand to improve drainage, before transplanting.
• Seedlings will flower from 1 year to 18 months after sowing.