Re: Russian sage

> > For those of us in the Northeast, this sage and any sages for that
> matter are
> > not happy with the short growing season.
>
> Interesting Claire - something that had never occurred to me....

I find that if I determine what the native habitat is for a plant and try to
duplicate it, that they do much better.  An example would be plants that
need a long growing season or frost free climate, grow either in pots and
bring inside for the winter or cover with a makeshift greenhouse to keep it
warm.  It's easier to keep something warm than it is to keep it cool, at
least here.

> Also interesting as I have never had a culinary sage (S. orientalis &
> cvs.) bloom in all the years I've grown them....could be that I've
> never been able to offer true full sun?

Culinary sage has been developed over the years to be grown as a foliage
plant more than for it's flowers.  The leaves are continuously harvested and
dried for seasoning.  Having it flower would be analogous to having your
broccoli bolt to soon.

S. officianalis and other culinary sages are best grown for their foliage,
especially the variegated ones.  If you get flowers some day, it's gravy.
(pardon the pun)  If your soil is to heavy or rich, grow in a hanging basket
in light soil with good drainage.  Since they tend to trail and not get
tall, they look terrific in a planter or hanging basket.

Hope this helps,

Linda
Leming TX (south of San Antonio)
zone 8b
heat zone 10

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