Sage - Ceres

SKU:
CA$3.50
3.5 9 CA$3.50 - CA$9.00
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per item
Approximately 75-130 seeds per gram.
Lot# SA14001
Salvia officinalis
Ceres Sage is a hardy perennial plant that resembles a low shrub.  The leaves are soft, very aromatic, and have a silvery green texture. It grows to around 70 cm (28") in height with a 50-76 cm (20-30") spread.  The flower colors can vary from purple, pink, blue, or to white. Harvest half of the plant before the purple flowers open in June, and dry leaves carefully.  Cut back in the spring to get a burst of fresh leaves.
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Planting Instructions:  
  • Start indoors mid-February to mid-April. Transplant seedlings out or direct sow seed mid-April. Starting indoors may be more reliable. Seeds should sprout in 2 to 3 weeks. Sow seeds 3 mm (1/8") deep, and keep soil just moist, not wet. Space plants 45-60 cm (18-24") apart.  In spring, trim established plants back by a third to encourage new growth.  After a few years, sage bushes can become quite large. Keep in check by pruning.   Sage likes full sun.  Morning sun is very important in that it dries the thick furry leaves preventing fungus.  If you live in a humid climate try putting some gravel underneath the plants.  The rocks hold the heat and slowly release it at night helping keep the leaves drier.  Sage also appreciates rich, humus, sandy, well-draining soil.  Water only when the soil is dry.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked loose soil. Sow the seeds on the surface of dampened, sterilized seed starting mix under bright light with bottom heat. Keep watering to a minimum.  Herbs grow best in well-drained fertile soils, so a garden bed that is well prepared with plenty of organic matter will increase your chances of success. Maintain a soil pH of 6.5.  After seeding or transplanting, keep the soil moist and well weeded. When seedlings are large enough, harden them off and transplant to the garden or to containers spacing them at 20 cm (8”) apart.   Grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil  in full sun.  Sage tolerates very light shade. Plants tend to sprawl, particularly when grown in less than full sun. Wet soils can be fatal.
  • Planting Depth: (Surface Seed and moisten seed).  Lightly press into the planting medium.
  • Germination: 14-21 days.  Temperature: 15.6-21°C (60-70°F)
  • Height at Maturity: 45-76 cm (1½ -2½')
  • Days to Maturity: Pick leaves when plant is able to support harvesting. 
  • Sun/Shade: Full Sun 
  • Spacing after Thinning: 45-60 cm (18-24") apart.​
Additional Information
Sage dries very well, retaining its color and aroma. It has spiky mauve flowers and grey-green velvety leaves. Ceres has a high content of essential oils. This woody-stemmed, semi-shrubby perennial typically grows 45-76 cm (1½-2½') tall. Features whorls of two-lipped, lavender-blue flowers 2.5 cm (1”) long in short, upright spikes in late spring. Wrinkled, gray-green leaves 10 cm (4") long are strongly aromatic and are frequently used fresh or dried in cooking as a seasoning. A mint family member that is attractive to bees and butterflies.