Clary Sage Seeds - White Swan

The Clary Sage Seeds – White Swan is a stunning variety of Clary Sage known for its delicate, white flowers and fragrant foliage. This variety stands out in any garden with its elegant, upright growth and eye-catching, silvery-white blooms. Known for its versatility, White Swan Clary Sage thrives in a variety of garden settings, from herb gardens to ornamental flower beds, and is also favored for its aromatic qualities, often used in herbal teas or for essential oil production. With its unique flowers and pleasant fragrance, White Swan Clary Sage is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add both beauty and utility to their space.

Key Benefits

• Elegant White Blooms: Produces clusters of soft, white flowers that create a calming and refined appearance in the garden.
• Aromatic: Known for its pleasant, aromatic scent, perfect for use in herb gardens, teas, or essential oil production.
• Attracts Pollinators: Draws bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden, supporting a healthy ecosystem.
• Versatile Growth: Suitable for a variety of garden settings, including herb gardens, flower beds, and container gardening.
• Low Maintenance: Clary Sage is relatively drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal care for continued growth.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Upright plants with silvery-green foliage and tall spikes adorned with clusters of white flowers.
• Flower Size: The flower spikes can grow up to 18–24 inches tall, with multiple small white blooms arranged in clusters.
• Bloom Color: Pure white flowers that offer a soft contrast against the green foliage.
• Growth Habit: Bushy, upright growth, forming a dense, aromatic clump of plants.
• Height: Typically grows to a height of 18–24 inches, making it ideal for borders, herb gardens, or mixed plantings.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date or sow directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
• Best planted in early spring for a long bloom period from summer to fall.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Sow seeds lightly, about 1/8 inch deep, and press gently into the soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow room for growth and airflow.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-draining, slightly alkaline, fertile soil. A pH of 6.0–7.5 is ideal.
• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade, especially in warmer climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination phase but avoid overwatering. Once established, White Swan Clary Sage is drought-tolerant and only requires occasional watering during dry spells.
• Water at the base of the plant to prevent water from collecting on the leaves, which could lead to fungal issues.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in the early spring to encourage strong growth. A second application can be made during the growing season if needed, especially in poor soil.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly weed around the base of the plants to ensure they don’t compete with weeds for nutrients.
• Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth, particularly during the hotter months.

Pruning

• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage a longer blooming period and keep the plant looking tidy.
• Cut back the foliage in late fall after the first frost to promote new growth the following season.

Pest and Disease Control

Pests

• Clary Sage is relatively pest-resistant, but watch for aphids, slugs, or whiteflies. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used for organic pest control if necessary.
• Aphids can often be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off the leaves.

Diseases

• While generally resistant to most diseases, Clary Sage can be susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew if grown in humid or poorly ventilated areas. Ensure proper spacing and good air circulation around plants.
• Root rot can occur in poorly-drained soil, so avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage.

Harvesting

Maturity

• White Swan Clary Sage reaches maturity in approximately 90–100 days, depending on growing conditions.

Harvesting Blooms

• Harvest flower spikes when they are in full bloom but before the flowers start to fade. Cut the stems early in the morning for the best fragrance and to prolong shelf life.
• Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the flower spikes, leaving a portion of the stem.

Storage

Short-Term

• After harvesting, place the flower spikes in a vase of water to keep them fresh for several days. Change the water every 2–3 days to extend freshness.

Long-Term

• To dry, hang the flower spikes upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area. Once dried, store the flowers in an airtight container for use in sachets or to make your own dried arrangements.

Culinary Uses

• Herbal Tea: The aromatic leaves and flowers of Clary Sage can be used to make herbal tea, offering a calming and soothing flavor.
• Essential Oils: Clary Sage is known for its essential oil, often used for its relaxing and stress-relieving properties. The flowers can be harvested for distillation.
• Culinary Garnish: The fresh leaves can be used sparingly in salads or as a garnish in various dishes, providing a mild, aromatic flavor.

Conclusion

Clary Sage Seeds – White Swan brings elegance and aromatic charm to any garden with its striking white flowers and fragrant foliage. Perfect for herb gardens, flower beds, or containers, this variety adds beauty, fragrance, and utility. Whether used in herbal teas, as a fresh garnish, or for essential oil production, White Swan Clary Sage offers both ornamental and practical value. Easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and pollinator-friendly, this variety is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and function in their landscape.