Salvia sclarea CLARY SAGE (10 seeds)

Clary Sage, also known by its Latin name Salvia sclarea, is a biennial herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family. This species is native to Southern Europe and Western Asia. It has a majestic appearance and gives off an intoxicating scent that is both musky and amber-like. It is an imposing plant that can reach heights of 1 meter to 1.50 meters. Its robust stem has a square cross-section and is covered in sticky, aromatic hairs.

The leaves are large, petiolate, and arranged in a basal rosette during the first year. They are oval to heart-shaped with a waffled (wrinkled) texture that feels rough to the touch. Their color is a grayish-green, covered in a fine downy hair that gives them a velvety look. They release a powerful and characteristic aromatic odor.

The summer flowering occurs in the second year in the form of tall, upright, and branched stems. They feature a two-lipped corolla that is pale blue, lilac, or pinkish-white. Each cluster of flowers is supported by large colored bracts, often tinted with pink or mauve.

Clary Sage seeds are found at the bottom of the persistent calyx, which hardens after flowering. They are small, smooth, oval seeds, ranging from brown to blackish in color.

- Uses:

It is cultivated for its leaves, which are used fresh or dried to flavor meat dishes (pork, veal, mutton, game), charcuterie, and sauces. Historically, the leaves were used to flavor wine to give it a musky taste and were also used in the brewing of beer.

The essential oil extracted from its leaves possesses significant therapeutic properties. It is widely grown for both its medicinal qualities and its use in the fragrance industry.
Do not consume without medical advice from a healthcare professional.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The most favorable period to sow Clary Sage is starting in May.
• the seeds in a tray of fine potting soil rich in organic matter.
• Sprinkle only 2 to 3 millimeters of fine soil over the seeds.
• Water gently using a sprayer.
• Place the tray in a horticultural greenhouse for seedlings.
• The cultivation temperature should be around 25°C.
• Germination generally begins 2 to 4 weeks after planting.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

It prefers light, well-drained, and preferably calcareous (limestone) soils. It adapts perfectly to poor, stony, and dry land. It dislikes heavy, clayey soils that retain moisture during the winter.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

Full sun is essential. Clary Sage needs plenty of heat and light to grow and to promote the production of its aromatic essential oil. It can tolerate very light shade in the most southern regions.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

This is a very hardy plant that can withstand temperatures dropping as low as -15°C to -20°C. However, its cold resistance depends on the soil remaining dry.

- Watering / Water Needs:

Water needs are low. Once established, it handles drought very well. Watering is only necessary during planting and during the first summer if the heat is extreme.

- Pests / Diseases:

Clary Sage is generally resistant. Its main enemies are slugs and snails, which can devour young shoots in the spring. In very humid summers or if there is a lack of air circulation between plants, powdery mildew may appear on the leaves. It can also attract leafhoppers, though the damage is usually minor.