Rosmarinus officinalis seeds, Salvia rosmarinus, Rosemary

Sowing **Salvia** (sage) seeds is a simple method to grow this aromatic and ornamental plant, which can be annual, perennial or shrubby depending on the species. Here is a detailed guide to successfully sowing Salvia seeds:

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### **Materials required:**
- Salvia seeds.
- Light, well-draining substrate (mixture of seedling compost and sand or perlite).
- Seed tray or small pots.
- Spray bottle or watering can with a soft tip.
- Plastic film or mini greenhouse (optional).

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### **Steps to sow Salvia seeds:**


#### 1. **Choosing the time to sow:**
- **Under cover:** Sow in late winter or early spring (February-March) to obtain robust plants to transplant after the last frosts.
- **In open ground:** Sow directly in May, when all risk of frost has passed, especially for annual species.

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#### 2. **Substrate preparation:**
- Mix seedling soil with a part sand or perlite to ensure good drainage.
- Fill your trays or pots with this substrate and press down lightly.

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#### 3. **Sowing:**
- Arrange the Salvia seeds on the surface of the substrate.
- **Attention:** The seeds are small and should be simply pressed into the substrate without being buried deeply. They need light to germinate.
- Cover them lightly with a very thin layer of substrate or simply leave them on the surface.

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#### 4. **Germination conditions:**
- **Humidity:** Keep the substrate moist but not soggy. Use a spray bottle to avoid moving the seeds.
- **Temperature:** Salvia germinates best at a temperature of **20 to 25°C**.
- **Light:** Place the pots in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight.
- You can cover your pots with plastic wrap or use a mini greenhouse to maintain humidity.

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#### 5. **Germination:**
- Salvia seeds typically germinate in **1 to 3 weeks**, depending on species and conditions.

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### **Seedling care:**

#### 1. **After germination:**
- Once the seedlings appear, remove the plastic film to avoid excess humidity.
- Place the seedlings in a bright location, but always protected from direct sunlight.

#### 2. **Watering:**
- Continue to water moderately to keep the substrate slightly moist.

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#### 3. **Replanting:**
- When the seedlings have **2 to 3 true leaves**, transplant them into individual pots or thin them out if they are sown in a container.
- Use a rich, well-drained substrate to promote their growth.

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### **Transplanting into open ground or pots:**

#### 1. **When to plant:**
- Plant in open ground after the last frosts (usually in May).
- For perennial species, such as **Salvia officinalis** (common sage), choose a permanent location in full sun.

#### 2. **Spacing:**
- Leave **30 to 50 cm** between plants, depending on the species, to allow them to develop well.

#### 3. **Ground and location:**
- Salvia prefers well-drained, poor to moderately rich soil and a sunny exposure.
- Some species, such as **Salvia splendens**, tolerate partial shade.

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### **Maintenance after planting:**

1. **Watering:**
- Salvia prefers dry to moderately moist soil. Water regularly during dry spells, especially for young plants.

2. **Size:**
- Prune perennial Salvia after flowering to encourage new growth and prolonged flowering.

3. **Fertilization:**
- Fertilizer or compost can be added once a year, but sages do not necessarily need it in rich soil.

4. **Hardiness:**
- Some species, such as **Salvia officinalis**, are hardy and can withstand moderate frosts.
- Protect less hardy species in winter by covering them or growing them in pots to bring them in under cover.