The information on this page applies to seedlings sold by LEAF Nursery during our 2021 Seedling Sale.
Salvia apiana. Woody perennial native to Southern California and Baja, Mexico. Rosette usually grows to 2 or 3 feet tall, flowering light blue to a height of 6 feet on multiple upright racemes. The beautiful white foliage of this indigenous plant sets off the silver-blue flowering spikes. Foliage is light green to white when the plant is young, and turns very white as the plant matures, and especially after drying the leaves. This is the most highly valued and revered of all North American Sages, burned ceremonially to cleanse the spirit and welcome positive thoughts.[1] [4]
If you’re concerned about your “right” to use this plant, seed company Strictly Medicinal Seeds has 2 suggestions. 1) grow your own, using cultivated (not wild) seed. This creates a connection between the grower and the plant, which helps validate the medicine. 2) Sit with the plant. Enjoy its essence. See if it feels right for you to be growing and using it, and if so, then pray that all who touch, smell, see or think about these plants be purified and in peace. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. If it feels right, go ahead.[1]
Seed Type
| Organic | Heirloom | Non-GMO | Hybrid | Open-pollinated | Untreated |
Additional Information
| Container Friendly | Trellis Needed | Easy to Grow | Pollinator Friendly | Native to CA |
Planting Season
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Growing Conditions
| Light | Temperature | Soil | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sun | Sandy | Drought tolerant; minimal watering once established |
Planting Tips
| Plant Spacing | Plant Size | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3' | 2-3' tall |
- Additional instructions: Plants grow quickly during the summer and may be trimmed back in the fall, after flowering is complete. Winter survival encouraged by planting on the south side of a building, where it gets reflected light and protection.[1]
- Harvesting instructions: Cut the leafy wands in the fall, semi-dry them, then tie into bundles for use during the winter.[1]
Common Diseases and Pests
- Pests: aphids, thrips
- Disease: powdery mildew, leaf spots, rust
Useful Resources
- https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/product/sage-white-salvia-apiana-seeds-organic/ (seed source)
- http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/salvia.html
- https://calscape.org/Salvia-apiana-(White-Sage)?srchcr=sc568b84829b162
- https://www.fbts.com/sacred-salvias/guide-to-growing-and-respecting-sacred-white-sage.html
If you bought this seedling and have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comment section below.