Family: Lamiaceae
This is a cross-section of the great variety of Sage species available worldwide. We feature the main species used in medicine, as well as some of the strikingly decorative species.  General cultivation:  Easy to germinate and grow.  A period of cold, moist conditioning may improve germination.  Sow from early spring to early summer, directly in the garden or in the greenhouse.  Transplant seedlings to garden after soil has thoroughly warmed up.  Seedlings require plenty of moisture to get started, but develop definite drought tolerance as they mature.  Sage prefers partial shade to full sun, dryish soils.

Sage, Black.........................Salvia mellifera
Native to the dry hills of Southern California, from the Ocean to the Mojave Desert.  Naturally low germination rate.  Blue-flowered and highly aromatic.  Plant 2 to 3 feet apart.  Flowers to 2 to 5 feet.

Sage, Blue...............................Salvia azurea
Perennial.  Native to the American Southwest. Easy and hardy. Beautiful light blue flowers with a ruffled, plate-like lip on the corolla.  These are awesome in the fall.  The seed of this species is a traditional food of the native people, nutritive and sustaining.  Average germ. time 7 days. Space 1 foot apart.  Flowers 3 to 5 feet tall.

Sage, Chinese Red ......................Salvia multiorrhiza
(Tan-shen or Dan-shen)
Herbaceous perennial.  Native throughout China. Rare. The part used is the root that is red in color.  Naturally low germ. rate.  Average germ. time 14 days.  Prefers moist, well-drained soils, compost.  Space plants 1 foot apart.  Flowers large and decorative, sky blue to purple, to 1 foot.

Sage, Clary............................Salvia sclarea
Biennial.  The purple-pink inflorescences are covered with glandules, redolent of Clary’s peculiar essential oil.  Used extensively in perfumes as a fixative and fragrance.  In aromatherapy, Clary is the scent of “Euphoria.”
Not for sale to WA state.

Sage, Ethiopian................Salvia aetheopsis
Biennial.  The herb makes a decorative and downy, grey-green rosette the first year, and flowers in a pyramid shape the second year.  Good subject for dried displays.  Average germ. time 6 days.     Not for sale to CA, WA, OR states.

Sage, Garden....................Salvia officinalis
Woody perennial.  This plant is simply a must for any traditional herb garden.  Visitors will run their hands over the soft, grey-green leaves to release the essential oils.  Sage makes an antibacterial mouthwash or gargle for sore throat, indespensable spice.  Average germ. time 10 days.

Sage, Meadow ........................Salvia pratensis
(Meadow Clary)
Herbaceous perennial.  Native to temperate Europe.  In nature, Meadow Sage grows amidst the grasses of the field, and thus can be naturalized in wildflower gardens.  Strongly aromatic. Favoring for beer and wine. Germ. in 20 to 50 days.  Plant prefers full sun, average soil, alkaline conditions.  Cold hardy.  Plant 2 feet apart.  Flowers blue to 2 feet.

Sage, Mid-Eastern.............Salvia fruticosa
Woody perennial with trilobed leaves.  Purple-pink flowers are delightfully fragrant.  This species has great potential for adding variety to dried displays and is a well-respected medicinal.  Used for stomachaches, high blood pressure, coughs and dysentery.  Antifungal.  Improves appetite.   Average germ. time 14 days.

Sage, Scarlet.......................Salvia coccinea
Annual.  Cardinal scarlet flowers. Quick color for borders and beds.  Average germ. time 6 days. Flowers to 1 to 2 feet tall.

Sage, White............................Salvia apiana
Herbaceous perennial.  The beautiful white foliage of this indigenous plant from the California coast sets off the light-blue flowering spikes.  This is the most highly valued and revered of all North American Sages, burned ceremonially to cleanse the spirit and welcome positive thoughts.  Cultivation: Extra care.  Sow seeds in very sandy soil and water once daily.   Average germ. time 14 days. Naturally low germ. rate.  Fire-treatment gives improved results. Cultivate as an annual or bring indoors for winter, unless you live in a very warm and dry climate.  Loves a dry, sunny exposure.  Plant 2 feet apart.  Grows 2 to 3 feet.