Sage, Gallo Cresta (Salvia valentina), Packet of 20 seeds, Organic

Family:  Mint (Lamiaceae)

Hardy to Zones 7 to 9, otherwise profitably grown as an annual (flowers in the first year)

(Strong Spanish Sage, Meadow Sage, Gallo-cresta)  (Salvia nemerosa ssp valentina) Herbaceous or evergreen perennial native to Spain, flowering lavender to 18 inches.  This is one of the most petite of the Sage family, making a small rosette of aromatic, rugose, scalloped leaves (shaped a bit like lyre-leaf sage) that give rise to multiple, branched stems carrying the outsize, lavender flowers that blossom over a long timeperiod.  I class this as one of the meadow sages as it cohabits readily with grasses and may be found volunteering luxuriously in grass thatch.  Traditional use (TWM): thrombic woes, general prophyllactic to illness, promotes memory, potherb.  Source of staeric (octadecanoic) acid, one of the “healhy” fatty acids that promote venous health, is nontoxic, and is used as a substitute for “bad” fats, and in a concentrated form is used in cosmetics and soaps.  Plant prefers sun to part shade and is elevation tolerant.  Sow seeds in spring.  Germination is fast and reliable.  Prick seedlings to larger pots and transplant out after frost.  Space plants 6 inches apart.

20 seeds per packet, certified organically grown