Introduction
White Sage can be a slow growing, difficult to establish plant that can take up to three years to reach a mature size. It has highly aromatic, waxy gray leaves and is more bloom than plant. This plant measures about 60cm from the ground to the beginning of the bloom wand. The flower wands can be 0.6–1.5 metres long and have tiny insignificant looking white flowers that are dotted with lavender.
The flowers bloom for over a month during October–November. The brittle stems break quite easily so the plant should be placed away from areas where it might be bumped or have the hose dragged across it accidentally. Native to the Southwest of the USA, White Sage likes dry conditions, especially in the winter. Over winter whole stems may turn black and die if the ground becomes too saturated. If the condition is prolonged the whole plant may die.
Growing White Sage
| Propagation: | From either seed or cuttings. |
| Yields/ha: | Unknown. |
| Full production: | In the third year plants reach a mature size. |
| Soil type: | Likes a free draining soil and a sunny position. |
| Fertilisers: | NPK fertiliser application could be used. |
| Weed control: | Weed control is needed in the blocks. |
| Pest/Diseases: | Leafrollers, aphids can be a problem on the small plants. |
| Harvesting: | The whole plant is removed from the ground or it can be cut approximately 30cm from the soil and all the foliage removed and dried. |
| Marketing: | Unknown. |