Salvia Sclarea | Approx 100 Seeds

A short-lived perennial sage seed with grey, downy leaves and pink flowers. Position: full sun Soil: well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Hardiness: fully hardy (but often short-lived) Producing a basal rosette of hairy and scented leaves the first year and flowers the second year, this deer-resistant biennial or short-lived perennial produces an essential oil used to flavour vermouth, wines and liqueurs. The pink to purple floral bracts remain showy after the white to mauve corollas fade and also attract beneficial insects including butterflies. Growing instructions: In summer, sow the seeds shallowly in seed trays filled with good seed compost and when the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin out and pot on individually into small pots. Plant out at 30cm intervals into a well-prepared, sunny bed with moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring. When watering, it is best to give the plants a really thorough soak when the soil gets dry, rather than applying a little water every day. Sow: June to August Flowering: May to July