Can I grow Russian sage from seed?
It is a durable plant that thrives in USDA zones 5–9. If you are growing Russian sage from a seed, begin your seeds indoors in the early spring and then transfer the seedlings to a garden as soon as the threat of the last frost has passed. And in terms of seasons: I wouldn’t plant spring-blooming plants next to your Russian sage ~ because they’ll never bloom at the same time! Russian sages love heat: so they’ll turn purple anywhere from mid-June thru late fall.Planting: plant russian sage in the early spring or early fall which will allow its roots to develop during the off-season.The Russian Sage are planted at 8600′ elevation (zone 4) in Colorado. Russian sage can persist for many years, upwards of a decade or more, particularly in moderate zones.Growing Conditions Both Russian sage and lavender love full sun and well-drained soil. However, Russian sage is more tolerant of poor soils and of slightly more moisture, making it easier to grow in colder zones and USDA zones 4 to 9. Lavender prefers dry climates and struggles with root rot in heavy or wet soil.Russian sage can be grown from seed, though height, flower color, and leaf shape of the seedlings may vary considerably. Sow seed at any time of the year, just covering the seed with medium.
What is Russian sage good for?
Perovskia atriplicifolia Benth. Russian sage, is an important ornamental and medicinal plant native to Himalayas and western China. In traditional medicine, it has been used in the treatment of various diseases such as stomach pain, indigestion, fever, dysentery and in various bacterial infections. Garden sage contains thujone, a neurotoxin that can be very harmful in large doses, but you’d have to consume an exceedingly high amount of sage for a long period of time for any damage to occur. Incidentally, thujone is also found in wormwood, one of the original ingredients in the alcoholic beverage absinthe.Russian sage is not a true sage and is in the mint family. It can be toxic if eaten in anything but tiny amounts. However, a few blossoms on a salad add beauty, interest and a bit of flavor to your fresh creation and shouldn’t cause any health problems.Culinary sage should not be planted near the bitter herbs rue and fennel. These can impart a bitter flavor to sage and sometimes inhibit overall growth. Onions and cucumbers will also inhibit sage growth and should be planted farther away.It may be unsafe to use sage during pregnancy because its component thujone may have harmful effects.
When should you plant Russian sage seeds?
Although you can tackle planting Russian sage from early spring to six weeks before frost, the ideal time is in late spring. At this point, soil is warm and plants should start growing quickly. If you wind up planting Russian sage further into summer, be sure to keep soil moist as young plants establish. If you’re starting seeds indoors, you can begin 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. This gives the seedlings a head start, allowing you to transplant them outdoors once the weather is consistently warm. In warmer climates, you can also sow sage seeds in the fall.Garden sage is easy to start from seed. Start sage seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost or direct sow outdoors after the last frost date.Growing Russian Sage from Seed Start your seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Cold stratification can help improve germination and mimic the natural winter cycle of the plant.Sage is a much larger seed than lavender, rosemary, or mint and actually much easier to grow, with germination known to be as quick as 7 days. Of course, the benefit to growing from seed is that you can grow completely new and exciting varieties, while clones can only ever come from established plants.
How hard is it to grow Russian sage?
Russian sage is a herbaceous woody perennial or subshrub that’s easy to grow and virtually maintenance free once established. Alliums: Onions, leeks, garlic, shallots, and chives prefer moist soil, which won’t work for sage. If you’re looking for an herb to plant near onions, try summer savory or chamomile. Rue: Common rue should not be planted near sage in the herb garden, as it inhibits sage’s growth.Sage repels the same insects as rosemary, especially snails, cabbage moths, beetles, black flea beetles, and carrot flies, as well as flea beetles, which prey on potatoes and sweet potatoes. Do not plant near cucumbers, onions, or rue.Sage needs light, well-drained soil, which makes it a good container plant. A clay pot works well for sage because it dries out quickly.Culinary sage should not be planted near the bitter herbs rue and fennel. These can impart a bitter flavor to sage and sometimes inhibit overall growth. Onions and cucumbers will also inhibit sage growth and should be planted farther away.
Can you drink Russian sage tea?
A perennial plant with purple flowers, Russian sage not only looks great in a garden, but it also has a variety of medicinal benefits. Steep sage leaves in hot water for 15-30 minutes to create a medicinal tea that can help relieve stomach pain and indigestion. According to research, sage tea reduces symptoms such as irritable mood and hot flashes, which are symptoms of menopause, as well as; It reduces cholesterol and blood sugar levels and contains plenty of antioxidants. It is also thought to be protective against brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s.Sage tea is very useful in digestive problem diseases such as nausea, but when consumed excessively, it can cause burning and pain in the stomach. Side effects may vary from individual to individual. It is healthy to consume 3 cups of sage tea during the day and it is not recommended to drink more.Sage has one of the longest histories of use of any culinary or medicinal herb. It was used by herbalists externally to treat sprains, swelling, ulcers, and bleeding. Internally, a tea made from sage leaves has had a long history of use to treat sore throats and coughs—often used as a gargle.Sage tea can be drunk at any time of the day, but it is recommended to consume it after main meals to enjoy its digestive power and its benefits on the gastrointestinal system.
Does Russian sage come back every year?
Native sages all the way, they’re gonna be way more interesting and beneficial in the long run. We planted russian sage around a retaining wall at our church. It comes back every year and is just beautiful. It grows best in full sun, which will produce better flowering on stronger stems. Plants may need staking in partial shade. Russian sage likes average to dry conditions and requires good drainage. Plants are highly drought tolerant once established.Scientific Evidence Supporting Safety Numerous botanical studies affirm that Russian sage is safe for human contact. Unlike some garden plants, which may cause contact dermatitis or other toxic reactions, Russian sage has been shown to be benign.Lavender (shown in background) is compact with gray-green leaves and a floral scent, while Russian Sage (shown in foreground) grows taller, spreads wider, and offers silvery foliage with a bold menthol fragrance – it also has a longer bloom time.Russian sage, is an important ornamental and medicinal plant native to Himalayas and western China. In traditional medicine, it has been used in the treatment of various diseases such as stomach pain, indigestion, fever, dysentery and in various bacterial infections.