California White Sage - Pretty, Easy-to-Grow With Many Culinary and Health Benefits

California white sage (salvia apiana) is a perennial shrub that can grow to almost five feet tall and four feet wide which is revered by Native American Indians.

Its leaves are evergreen, with a whitish tinge and they have a powerful aroma when they are crushed. 

About California White Sage

It is an easy plant to tend in any garden, needing only well-drained soil, occasional watering and full sunshine. 

It also prefers good air circulation.

California sage is a popular ornamental plant for gardens as it is so low maintenance, and it attracts bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.

It also has edible seeds and leaves and traditionally a tea was made from these leaves to help recover from childbirth.

Growing California White Sage

You can grow from seed or purchase young plants, whichever you prefer. 

From seed...

• Place the seeds on top of a seed tray filled with well draining seed compost and lightly cover with compost. Water thoroughly

• Whilst the seeds are germinating water sparingly and the seeds will germinate in 2-3 weeks in temperatures of 20 to 30° C (68 to 86° F)

• When the seedlings have 2-4 leaves transplant to small pots and water sparingly

• Transplant outside after the last frost and choose a location that gets full sun for most of the day. Planting next to the house in pots is a good idea

• Add compost and ensure good drainage by adding small pebbles into the hole before you plant

• At the beginning, water every other day for a week and after that, water only after the soil has dried out

Note: If you bought a young plant, plant outside after the last frosts and follow the above instructions.

Note 2: You can help it establish new growth by deadheading the tops of the stems. 

Bring those pinched-off tops into the house to burn as incense to lighten up your room just like Native Americans have been doing for centuries! Read more about this ancient ritual.

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