Salvia sclarea var. turkistanica ‘Vatican Pink’ seeds – ( Clary sage)

Description

Picture thanks to Jelitto Seeds https://www.jelitto.com

This is a very beautiful biennial or short lived perennial. It has a rosette of large grey leaves which have a slightly felted appearance and above these are produced the lovely bracted tubular pink flowers. This is a plant which requires very little attention, and grows well and when it is at full flower display it is spectacular.  It makes an excellent container plant.It prefers full sun and well drained moist or sandy soil. Butterflies and bees are attracted to it. It is generally disease free , but slugs , caterpillars and snails like the leaves so be prepared for them.

Sowing advice

Sow in spring in trays or pots. Cover with only a sprinkling of soil as light is needed for germination. Watch out for damping off. Ideal temp. 18-20°C. If the temperature is not maintained germination can be erratic. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots. Increase pot size as the plant grows. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed with 15-30cm spacing.