Salvia sclarea

Clary Sage is a striking and aromatic Mediterranean herb long valued for its fragrant oil and gentle medicinal properties. Known historically as “Clear-eye,” this biennial or short-lived perennial forms a lush rosette of broad, crinkled leaves in its first year. By the second season, it sends up tall, branching flower stalks that reach 1 to 1.5 metres, crowned with pastel blooms in shades of lilac, soft pink, and pale blue that draw bees and beneficial insects into the garden.

The entire plant carries a soft, musky scent with sweet, wine-like undertones. Clary Sage is the source of muscatel oil, widely used in perfumery, skin care, and aromatherapy. Herbalists have used it to ease anxiety, balance hormones, calm the nervous system, and relieve menstrual and muscular tension. In earlier traditions, its leaves were used in teas and to flavour wine and beer.

Start seeds indoors in early spring or sow directly once soil has warmed. Seeds should be lightly pressed into the surface of well-drained, sandy soil and kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination occurs in 10 to 20 days at 18 to 24°C. Clary Sage thrives in full sun and will tolerate light drought and poor soil.

Harvest flowering tops in the second year when blooms are at their fullest, typically in early summer. For essential oil use or drying, collect stems in the early evening when oil content is highest. Deadheading will prolong blooming and may encourage reseeding for future seasons.

Standard packet contains approx. 200 seeds

Petite packet contains approx. 70 seeds