California White Sage
Salvia Apiana
Also known as desert sage or sacred sage, this is an extremely pungent,
delicious White Sage native to the mountains and deserts of California.
Bushy plants with thick stems and dusty gray-green foliage are great for
bee and wildlife forage.
Great for smudging and blessing, Salvia apiana is prized for its strong
aromatic qualities!
This perennial evergreen adds a wonderful "presence" to the garden!
Your sage plant can grow up to 3 feet wide and will have summer flower
stalks reaching 6'-7'!
California White Sage is a surprisingly adaptable plant. It has been
reported to handle
temps down to 15 degrees and up to 115 degrees or
more and is incredibly drought tolerant!
For cooler climates you will
want to winter the plant indoors or mulch heavily.
It prefers full sun and well drained
almost sandy soil.
Plant seeds in flats or in pots in an appropriate
planting soil.
Seeds respond to light, so plant seeds at the soil
surface or plant 1/8 to 1/4 in a well-drained soil mix. After planting,
soak the soil thoroughly, and then water sparingly as needed making sure
that the soil never completely dries out. Seeds germinate in 2-3 weeks
at 20 to 30° C (68 to 86° F). It is very important to maintain this temperature 24/7 during germination! Plant your seedlings into 2" or 4" pots after they grow 2-4 leaves beyond the cotyledons. Water as needed, but
do not over water. Salvia apiana plants grow rapidly once sprouted. They are usually
ready to transplant outdoors in about 1 month. Hardiness zones: 6-9.
The smudge sticks and the bulk dried sage in the photo
are just to show how the plant can be
used and are NOT included.
This listing is for seeds to grow your own California white sage.
If you would like to purchase smudge sticks or dried loose sage please
visit my store :)
Sage is used like incense; its leaves are burned and will produce a
wonderful fragrant smoke.
Medicinally used for skin washes and as a natural deodorant.
Mild tea made from the leaves have been used by natives as a general
tonic.