This is our very favorite flower in the food forest! This beautiful herb has spires of delicate purplish pinkish flowers. It gives off an intoxicating balsam-like scent that is considered to be an aphrodisiac and is very balancing for women's health. (Salvia sclarea)
Why We Love It
Here are some of the reasons why we love Clary Sage...
1) DELICATE FLOWERS - this is one of the most beautiful flowers in our garden. When its flowering, it takes center stage and stops people in their tracks.
2) INTOXICATING SCENT - in addition to being beautiful, the scent of these flowers is considered one of the most powerful aphrodisiacs. It is thought to open one's intuition and is very calming and feminine.
3) WOMEN'S BALANCING - Clary Sage is one of the pre-eminent herbs for balancing women's hormonal challenges. It is often used as an essential oil. This is an extremely powerful herb, and it is used to stimulant uterine contractions to induce labor, so it's important for pregnant women to avoid it.
How to Grow It
Here's how to grow Clary Sage:
| SUN | FULL SUN |
| MOISTURE | WELL-DRAINED SOIL |
| GROWING ZONES | USDA 5-9 (Not sure? Find your growing zone here) |
| SIZE | 3 FEET TALL and 2 FEET WIDE |
| PRO TIP |
Clary Sage grows beautiful leaves in its first year. In its second year it shoots up its tall, magnificent medicinal flower stalks. It will then set seed and often reseeds itself freely. To start from seed, barely cover seed with soil and tamp firmly, then keep moist and in the light until germination, which occurs in 1 to 2 weeks. Thin or transplant to 3 feet apart. Flowers in the second year and then self-seeds freely. If you don't want your clary sage to reseed, simply cut off the flower stalks before they set seed. Winter Sowing is the easiest way to start these seeds. Here's a seed-starting tutorial for you. You won't believe how easy it is! *Because this herb is so effective at stimulating uterine contractions, it's important to avoid smelling, consuming, or handling this herb during pregnancy. |
How to Harvest & Use It
Here's a video that shows the gorgeous, seductive Clary Sage blossoms (with some funky music just for fun. ha ha!)