Family Owned Since 1979
Cultivating Gardeners

SMUDGE

SMUDGE

Product Description:

Salvia apiana This sacred plant is the same one used by Native Americans in the southwestern US for spiritual cleansing rituals. Valued for its highly aromatic, volatile oils, its leafy branches are traditionally dried upside-down, bundled together and wrapped with thread to make smudge sticks. New leaves unfurl with a crinkly texture and grayish-green color. As they develop and mature, the foliage smooths and takes on a silvery-white sheen with a lightly fuzzy finish. Earning its species name—roughly 'for the bees' in Latin—the tall spikes of white flowers beckon bees of all kinds. In ideal conditions Smudge sage may grow up to 5 feet tall and wide. Hardy in zones 8-10, but note that this desert plant resents excessive water.
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TRANSPLANT

$8.45

$8.45

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Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
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C
Chris
Salvia apiana.

The sage is doing great, just hoping I can overwinter it.

C
Carol L.
Smudge

It's growing very nicely. I'm going to dry it.

Herbs feed the palate and the soul! They add color and contrast to the landscape, perfume our homes, heal our wounds, and tantalize our taste buds. They are easy to grow. Whether in the garden or on the windowsill, learn their likes and dislikes, and you'll be rewarded with flavor and beauty.

Germination Codes
Check the code at the end of the description for specific germination requirements.
(1) Germinates at temperatures between 60-75°F.
(2) Larger seeds need to be covered with soil at least as thick as the seed itself. May be slow and erratic to germinate.
(3) These seeds need a period of cold stratification for successful germination. Best results are obtained when the seeds are kept warm and moist for 2 weeks followed by temperatures of 33-35°F for 4-6 weeks or until germination starts.
(4) No special requirements, but germination may be slow and erratic.

Culture
• Fertile, well-drained soil provides the best results• Harvest and fertilize regularly to encourage vegetative growth
• Apply 1 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer per 5 row feet, and 1 inch of compost
• For leafy herbs snip off flower buds as they appear

Transplanting
• Start seeds 6-8 weeks before anticipated transplant date
• Small seeds (thyme, savory, marjoram, oregano) can be gently pressed onto surface of the soil—don't cover or bury seed
• Fertilize with Age Old Grow every 10-14 days for optimum growth
• Small seedlings such as thyme, savory and sweet marjoram may be successfully transplanted in small clumps
• Hardy herbs can be transplanted after the last frost
• Transplant tender herbs after last frost when weather has stabilized

Harvest & Storage
• Fresh use: Harvest only as needed
• Drying: Harvest at peak maturity, hang small bunches from ceiling in a dry, warm (80-90°F), dark location with good ventilation for 1-2 weeks
• Distilling: Harvest when blooms are just beginning to appear; at this point the leaves contain the highest level of essential oils

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