Annual Clary -salvia viridis-

Salvia viridis (Painted Sage) is a fast-growing annual with striking pink and violet bracts that surround its small, less conspicuous flowers. Growing around 30–50 cm tall, it brings colour and structure to flower beds and is also excellent as a cut flower. It has a long flowering period from June into autumn and, when cut back, quickly produces another flush of flowers. It is particularly attractive to insects and bees.

Sowing: Direct-sow outdoors from April or indoors from March onwards, about 0.5 cm deep. Keep the seedbed evenly moist during germination.

Planting: For young plants, plant out once the risk of frost has passed, spacing plants about 20 × 20 cm apart. Choose a sunny position with well-prepared soil.

Harvesting: Cut flowering stems for bouquets as soon as the colourful bracts are well developed. Regular cutting encourages the plant to flower again.

Fertility: Salvia viridis does not require heavy feeding. Grow it in a well-prepared, moderately fertile garden soil; avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.