Overview of Spanish Sage 

Spanish sage, Salvia lavandulifolia, is a small woody herbaceous perennial native to Spain and southern France. It grows in rocky soil in Maquis shrubland with rosemary, Lavandula lanata, and Genista cinerea. Herbs of this species can grow 30 centimetres tall and wide, with narrow, lanceolate, whitish-grey leaves less than 50 millimetres long.

On the stem, the leaves grow opposite each other and seem to grow in bunches. During late spring and early summer, 25 mm long, pale lavender flowers bloom on short inflorescences. 

More to love in Spanish Sage: 

• There are very few flowers on widely spaced whorls on the flowering stems
• Dark calyxes are found in some varieties
• The leaves give off a fragrance similar to that of rosemary when rubbed
• Soaps are scented with the oil extracted from sage

Benefits of Spanish Sage 

Sage's flowers grow upright in the spring. Usually, sage flowers appear in whorls on tall spikes and are red, bluish-lavender, or bicolor. The best time to see sage flowers is during the summer. Leaf blades range in length from 5 to 10cm and are elongated, oval-to-lance-shaped, wrinkled, grayish-green, with coarse, pebbly surfaces.

Varieties of Salvia come with variegated leaves that can be purple, yellow, green, or green and white so they look amazing in your garden.

How to Sow and Care for Spanish Sage Seeds

Sage seeds should be sown in full sun. Sage can tolerate partial shade, but its leaves will have a diminished flavour. It grows best in soil that drains well. Sage grows well in sandy loam, but will also grow in average soil. Sage thrives when the pH of the soil is between 6.0 and 6.7. You can start Sage seeds indoors six to eight weeks prior to the average last frost date.

Plant sage seeds in your garden about one month after the last frost in late spring. Seeds should be sown shallowly. Plant sage seeds about one centimeter deep. Sage seedlings should be planted at least 50 cm apart or thin transplants. Spacing between rows should be between 50 and 70 cm. Seedlings can be planted in the garden after the ground has thawed following the last frost.

Until the sage is established, water it regularly. As soon as the sage has established itself, keep it dry. It is best to keep the soil moist in order to prevent the sage from dying. Sage will benefit from a lack of moisture, but should not become wilted due to a lack of moisture. Overhead watering could result in serious mildew problems.

For sage to grow, sandy-loam soil is ideal, but it does not require fertilizer. Spread compost tea on the sage a second time during the growing season. Sage can be mulched with compost or chopped leaves in very hot climates. Weeds will not grow because the soil will be protected from evaporation.

Note: This Overview is intended as a guide only since cultural practices and climatic conditions may vary.

Specifications:

• Product: Sage Seeds
• Sowing Time: Spring
• Height: 60cm
• Mature: 12-24 Months
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Temperature: 15 degrees c, 
• Use: Dyspepsia, skin
• More: Reproductive
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Tracheophytes, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Asterids
• Order: Lamiales
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Genus: Salvia
• Species: S. Officinalis