Canary Sage (Salvia canariensis) - Seeds

Canary Sage (Salvia canariensis) - Seeds

Seed information

• Origin: Austria
• Harvesting the seeds: 2025
• Germination period: 10-20 days at 20-24 °C
• seeds per serving: approx. 20 pieces - Larger quantities on request!

Information on the species

• Family: Lamiaceae (labiates)
• Synonyms: no common synonyms - accepted name Salvia canariensis L.
• Original origin: Canary Islands (endemic to Tenerife, La Gomera, Gran Canaria)
• Type of use: Ornamental and scented plant

General description 🌿

Salvia canariensis, Canary sage is a spectacular, perennial, highly fragrant shrub from the Mediterranean flora of the Canary Islands. It forms strong, slightly woody shoots and can grow up to 2 m tall under optimal conditions. The leaves are gray-green to silvery-felt hairy and exude a pleasant, spicy-resinous fragrance when rubbed. The large pinkish-purple bracts, from which contrasting light purple flowers emerge, are particularly striking - a real eye-catcher in the summer garden. In our latitudes, Canary sage is usually cultivated as an annual or as a frost-free container plant, where it impresses with its lush flowering and exotic appearance.

Cultivation & care 🌱

Sow from March in sowing soil at around 20-24 °C. Germination after 1-3 weeks. Prick out young plants after the second pair of leaves and place in a sunny, warm location. Preferred outdoors Salvia canariensis Full sun with well-drained, rather dry soil. Avoid waterlogging at all costs - the species is adapted to dry, stony conditions. Regular pruning of the shoot tips promotes branching and prolongs the flowering period. The plant can be cultivated in a pot for several years; it should be kept frost-free (at least +5 °C) and overwintered in as bright a place as possible. Outdoors, it dies back in frost, but sometimes self-seeds in mild locations.

Use 🌸

Canary sage is an outstanding ornamental plant for Mediterranean borders, rock gardens, dry plantings and large containers. Its eye-catching flowers and silvery soft leaves create strong contrasts and add exotic flair to any garden. The plant is also extremely insect-friendly - bees, bumblebees and butterflies are magically attracted to it. In its native habitat Salvia canariensis traditionally used as a fragrant plant and as a natural pest repellent; crushed leaves exude an ethereal aroma that keeps mosquitoes and aphids away. It also unfolds its Mediterranean charm in scented bouquets, potpourris or as a dried flower. Its size makes it ideal as a solitary plant or an impressive background in herb and ornamental gardens.

Worth knowing 📖

Salvia canariensis is endemic to the Canary Islands and perfectly reflects the semi-arid climate there: lots of sun, little water, but enormous resilience. In the ethnobotanical tradition of the Canary Islands, the species was seen as a symbol of warmth, purification and vitality. In ancient folklore, it was used as a protective plant whose scent was said to drive away „evil air“. Botanically, it belongs to the same family as the well-known medicinal sage (Salvia officinalis), but differs in its significantly more vigorous growth and almost tropical flowering effect. In modern garden culture, Canary sage is one of the most impressive species of its genus - a prime example of Mediterranean adaptability and visual opulence. Even dried inflorescences retain their structure and are often used in floristry. So if you are looking for something really special in the garden, you will find it in Salvia canariensis a charismatic, magnificent plant personality.

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