How to Grow Clary Sage
Salvia sclarea
Hardy Any Season Single Harvest
Clary sage is a tall biennial (up to 120cm) with large velvety leaves and spectacular pink-purple flower spires in the second summer. Self-seeds prolifically once established. Very different from woody perennial common sage. Sow in spring or autumn, plant out in full sun with well-drained soil. It flowers in its second year then dies, but seedlings appear freely. Used in aromatherapy and perfumery.
In your Leaftide garden 
- Hardiness
- Hardy
- Season
- Any Season
- Harvest
- Single Harvest
- Spacing
- 45 cm
- Height
- 120 cm
- Min. soil temperature
- 10°C+
- Start from
- Seed
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 10°C — typically early to mid spring. Can also be started indoors 6 weeks earlier for a head start.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Sow seeds
Day 0 Germination
~21 days Flowering
~365 days Seed to harvest ~365 days
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
—
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 10°C+
Pet Safety
Don't know your frost date? Find it here
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 45 cm |
| Row spacing | 45 cm |
| Mature height | 120 cm |
| Mature spread | 40 cm |
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 10°C |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Clary Sage?
- Plant Clary Sage 45cm apart with 45cm between rows.
- Is Clary Sage frost hardy?
- Clary Sage is classified as Hardy.