Sage Seeds - Big Blue
Estimated delivery between March 27 and March 30.
Big Blue Sage (Salvia sylvestris), also known as Meadow Sage, is a stunning variety that produces deep blue flowers, making it a striking addition to any garden. This perennial sage thrives in sunny conditions and is known for its tall, upright growth, making it perfect for creating vertical interest in borders, wildflower gardens, or mixed perennial beds. It is also a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Key Benefits
- Vibrant Blue Flowers: Big Blue Sage is renowned for its striking deep blue flower spikes, which bloom in late spring to early summer, adding bold color to your garden.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enriching your garden's biodiversity.
- Perennial Growth: As a hardy perennial, Big Blue Sage comes back year after year, offering long-term beauty and value.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, this variety is drought-tolerant and relatively low maintenance, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Variety Features
- Plant Type: Perennial.
- Flower Color: Deep blue.
- Height: Typically grows to 18–24 inches tall.
- Hardiness Zone: Best suited for USDA Zones 4–9.
- Uses: Ideal for borders, garden beds, wildflower gardens, and containers.
Planting Instructions
When to Plant
- Indoor Growing: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant seedlings to your garden after the danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm.
- Outdoor Growing: Direct sow outdoors after the last frost date, once temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15°C).
Soil & Spacing
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
- Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
Germination
- Temperature: Ideal germination temperature is between 70°F and 75°F (21°C–24°C).
- Germination Time: Typically takes 14–21 days for seeds to germinate under the right conditions.
Care Instructions
- Watering: Keep soil moist until plants are established. Once grown, Big Blue Sage is drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. Avoid waterlogging.
- Sunlight: Big Blue Sage thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best growth and blooming.
- Pruning: After the flowering season, prune back spent blooms to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's tidy appearance. Cut back in early spring before new growth begins.
- Fertilization: Sage generally doesn’t require heavy feeding. Apply a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed.
Harvesting Details
- Flower Harvesting: Harvest flowers when they are fully open for use in floral arrangements or as a striking cut flower.
- Seed Saving: Allow flower heads to dry fully on the plant. Collect the seeds after they have ripened and dried for future planting.
Culinary Uses
- Leaves: While typically used for ornamental purposes, the leaves of Big Blue Sage can be used in small amounts in herbal teas or as a garnish for savory dishes, though it is less aromatic than common garden sage varieties.
- Edible Flowers: The deep blue flowers can be used as an edible garnish in salads, desserts, or cocktails, offering a unique touch to culinary creations.
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional Uses: Like other varieties of sage, Big Blue Sage is sometimes used in traditional remedies to soothe sore throats and digestive issues. However, it is more valued for its ornamental beauty than for medicinal properties.
- Aromatherapy: The flowers and leaves of Big Blue Sage can be used in potpourri, sachets, or essential oils to create a calming, fragrant atmosphere in your home.
Conclusion
Big Blue Sage offers beautiful, rich blue flowers and a compact growth habit that makes it an ideal choice for any garden. Its pollinator-friendly qualities, ease of care, and vibrant blooms provide long-lasting color throughout the growing season. Whether planted in borders, containers, or wildflower gardens, this hardy perennial is sure to make a statement with minimal maintenance required, providing years of enjoyment.
Dharaseeds
Sage Seeds - Big Blue
Estimated delivery between March 27 and March 30.
Big Blue Sage (Salvia sylvestris), also known as Meadow Sage, is a stunning variety that produces deep blue flowers, making it a striking addition to any garden. This perennial sage thrives in sunny conditions and is known for its tall, upright growth, making it perfect for creating vertical interest in borders, wildflower gardens, or mixed perennial beds. It is also a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Key Benefits
- Vibrant Blue Flowers: Big Blue Sage is renowned for its striking deep blue flower spikes, which bloom in late spring to early summer, adding bold color to your garden.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enriching your garden's biodiversity.
- Perennial Growth: As a hardy perennial, Big Blue Sage comes back year after year, offering long-term beauty and value.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, this variety is drought-tolerant and relatively low maintenance, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Variety Features
- Plant Type: Perennial.
- Flower Color: Deep blue.
- Height: Typically grows to 18–24 inches tall.
- Hardiness Zone: Best suited for USDA Zones 4–9.
- Uses: Ideal for borders, garden beds, wildflower gardens, and containers.
Planting Instructions
When to Plant
- Indoor Growing: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant seedlings to your garden after the danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm.
- Outdoor Growing: Direct sow outdoors after the last frost date, once temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15°C).
Soil & Spacing
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
- Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
Germination
- Temperature: Ideal germination temperature is between 70°F and 75°F (21°C–24°C).
- Germination Time: Typically takes 14–21 days for seeds to germinate under the right conditions.
Care Instructions
- Watering: Keep soil moist until plants are established. Once grown, Big Blue Sage is drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. Avoid waterlogging.
- Sunlight: Big Blue Sage thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best growth and blooming.
- Pruning: After the flowering season, prune back spent blooms to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's tidy appearance. Cut back in early spring before new growth begins.
- Fertilization: Sage generally doesn’t require heavy feeding. Apply a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed.
Harvesting Details
- Flower Harvesting: Harvest flowers when they are fully open for use in floral arrangements or as a striking cut flower.
- Seed Saving: Allow flower heads to dry fully on the plant. Collect the seeds after they have ripened and dried for future planting.
Culinary Uses
- Leaves: While typically used for ornamental purposes, the leaves of Big Blue Sage can be used in small amounts in herbal teas or as a garnish for savory dishes, though it is less aromatic than common garden sage varieties.
- Edible Flowers: The deep blue flowers can be used as an edible garnish in salads, desserts, or cocktails, offering a unique touch to culinary creations.
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional Uses: Like other varieties of sage, Big Blue Sage is sometimes used in traditional remedies to soothe sore throats and digestive issues. However, it is more valued for its ornamental beauty than for medicinal properties.
- Aromatherapy: The flowers and leaves of Big Blue Sage can be used in potpourri, sachets, or essential oils to create a calming, fragrant atmosphere in your home.
Conclusion
Big Blue Sage offers beautiful, rich blue flowers and a compact growth habit that makes it an ideal choice for any garden. Its pollinator-friendly qualities, ease of care, and vibrant blooms provide long-lasting color throughout the growing season. Whether planted in borders, containers, or wildflower gardens, this hardy perennial is sure to make a statement with minimal maintenance required, providing years of enjoyment.
Non-GMO
Dharaseeds are Non-GMO and free from genetically modified organisms.
High Germination Rate
Tested for high viability to ensure successful sprouting.
Heirloom Variety
Open-pollinated seeds preserved for quality and authenticity.
Chemical-Free
Free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and additives.