Salvia Tricolore

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Sage

Species

officinalis

Description

Defined as 'sacred herb' by the ancient Romans, sage is one of the most popular aromatic plants, thanks to its leaves with their characteristic aroma, in different areas of use, from culinary to phytotherapeutic and cosmetic. A perennial with a bushy habit and abundant branching, it is easy to grow, preferring Soil free of waterlogging and balanced fertilisation. Suitable for mild climates but tolerant to short periods of cold weather.

Species video

https://youtu.be/lB-vBoaREk8

Variety description

This is a variety of sage that is particular mainly due to the colouring of its leaves, which are not homogenous but two-coloured. This variety both because of the different colouring and the abundant branching lends itself well to possible combinations with other plants. Intense taste of the leaves and good final quality. It can be grown without any problems in the open field or in pots. Cultivation is simple and does not require much cultivation care. Occasional pruning is useful from the point of view of constant production. Flowering takes place in the spring-summer period.

Curiosities and special features

The plant's phytotherapeutic value also emerges from its generic epithet, Sage, which derives from the Latin sálvo, meaning to save or heal in reference to the medicinal properties attributed to it, as well as from the specific term, from the Latin 'officina', meaning pharmaceutical, officinal use.

Sage leaves, rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, are widely used in traditional Mediterranean cooking, and sage oil is also used to treat fungal infections, dermatitis and acne.

Origin and distribution

A plant native to the Mediterranean basin, it has been known since antiquity for its use in popular medicine for its therapeutic properties as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory; today, the available varieties, distinguished in relation to habit as well as size and colour of foliage, are naturalised in almost all parts of the world.

Flower size

The flower is singularly medium in size, united in a larger inflorescence.

Leaf

Leafs, with an intense aroma, have a lanceolate, oval, elongated lamina that is typically tomentose.

Fruit

The leaf contains no seeds and has a tender texture with a length of between 3 and 7 cm. The taste is fresh and strong, characterised by a penetrating aroma and an aromatic, strong and intense flavour. The colouring is two-tone, while the skin is not edible. Available all year round, the leaf has a good shelf life and is of good quality overall. It is a variety with intermediate organoleptic characteristics.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from mid- to late spring for a duration of 25 to 30 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence spike.

Leaf colour

Unicolour shades.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.5 to 0.7 m.

Lifespan

Perennial plant.

Where to plant

Easy to grow, suitable as bedding plants , balcony plants , large pots, open field, terraces, outdoor tubs

Stem

Semi-woody stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is shaped with a labial or bilabiate corolla of medium size and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in spike-like inflorescences of medium size. It blooms from mid to late spring, with a flowering period of between 25 and 30 days. It is unmistakably fragrant, with a penetrating aroma. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

Variety with vigorous growth; reaches final size at maturity.

Plant habit

Growht habit is bushy.

Branching

Theabundant branching adds value to the variety, which has an excellent production level.

PH

For sage, the ideal pH of the soil or medium is relatively broad, ranging from slightly acidic to alkaline, between 6.0 and 8.2. Soils that are too acidic should be avoided.

Soil preparation

To prepare the soil for transplanting, it is advisable to carry out 20/30 cm deep digging, eliminating any weeds, residues of previous crops and bulky stones, then burying organic or chemical slow-release fertiliser, also breaking up the coarsest and most compact clods. To improve the drainage of excess water, preventing water stagnation, continue by slightly bouldering a raised bed where the seedlings will be transplanted according to a suitable planting pattern, then carefully level the surface.

During the cultivation cycle continue working, by hoeing, the first 2/5 cm of soil to remove weeds adjacent to the crop and break up any surface crust, thus improving water retention.

Sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, full sun, afternoon sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 30 °C; it prefers mild, sunny climates but can withstand short periods of cold.

Use

The variety is widely appreciated in a wide range of uses such as:

Agribusiness Cosmetic Medicinal / phytotherapeutic Profumeristic field Aromatics

Hardiness

A variety with medium to high rusticity, it shows remarkable adaptability and does not require special cultivation care.

Soil

It adapts to different soil conditions, however, the ideal Growth medium textured soil is Amended, well draining and not too acidic; for cultivation in pots or planters, a horticultural soil based on blond and brown peat is recommended.

Difficulty

Cultivation is extremely easy for professionals and hobbyists alike, requiring an overall low level of management effort.

Growing tips

In order to achieve optimum vegetative growth, the following measures and cultivation aspects are indicated:

Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering Correct pruning

Intercropping/combination

During the first year of Growth, intercropping/combination with French bean and fennel is recommended.

Combinations with other plants

Also suitable in compositions mixed with other aromatic plants or with ornamental Flower Species to give a unique accent to flowerbeds or borders. When transplanting, consider the Growht habit and height attained by each individual plant for well-proportioned and harmonious final results.

Planting

When transplanting into the flowerbed, prepare the planting holes in advance, spacing each plant correctly to ensure that they can express the best growth vigour, also in relation to the size reached at maturity we recommend an average density of 8 plants per square metre. Use seedlings with intact, white roots, taking them out of the container without damaging them and placing them on a raised bed with the vegetative apex above the soil surface, also water immediately after planting.

Pruning

It is advisable to harvest in pre-flowering as this is when the plant produces most; the number of cuts is on average 2-3 per year.

Also carry out maintenance pruning by clear cutting to remove dry or possibly diseased portions of the plant.

Propagation

Reproduction can be by sowing in containers or by cuttings.

Repotting

Repotting in late spring if the plant shows stunted Growth with roots completely enveloping the medium; use a larger pot size with suitable potting soil.

Watering

Sage is a species that benefits from soil water conditions that are not very wet. Use rainwater, or alternatively canal or aqueduct water with an optimal neutral pH, either manually or by sprinkling, sub-irrigation or drip irrigation. When transplanting, assist the plant, which may be more exposed to water stress at its new site, by maintaining a constant soil moisture level without overdoing it and preventing water stagnation. Then allow the soil to dry slightly between one watering and the next, keeping it slightly damp but avoiding dry patches; it is advisable not to water the aerial part of the plant during the late afternoon/evening to prevent the spread of phytopathologies, also water after the harvest cut. The water requirements of the sage plant are relatively low, but it is important to meet the water needs, particularly during the hottest and driest days.

When sowing, moisten the seed to allow it to germinate and, after it has been completely buried and covered with a layer of substrate and inert material, keep the soil wet until the sprout emerges.

Fertilising

During pre-transplant soil preparation, carry out a background fertilisation by burying organo-mineral fertiliser. Afterwards, it is advisable to use a specific water-soluble fertiliser for horticultural crops to be diluted in the irrigation water and distributed to the soil or substrate according to suitable dosages and frequencies, depending on the plant's needs and the availability of elements in the soil in the different phases of the production cycle. Sage has no particular needs in terms of fertilisation, however it is recommended to increase the frequency of application, particularly in summer.

Edibility for humans

Leafs, properly picked and washed, are edible.

Tip

It is advisable not to overdo watering as this may diminish the organoleptic characteristics and flavour of the sage. Pay attention to the possible occurrence of various diseases, mainly powdery mildew. With regard to intercropping, it is advisable to do this only in the first year, as in subsequent years the sage reaches such a large size that intercropping is not possible.