Initial Plant Write-Up

I wish to plant and harvest white sage.

• White sage is a perennial herb that is a part of the sunflower family.
• Native to Southern California.
• Drought resistant.
  
• It is best to plant in the fall. Do not plant in the summer.
  
• The flowers of the white sage bloom from August through September, however the plant actively grows in the spring and summer.
• White sage grows on dry, but well drained, sandy to rocky soils below 3500 m.

White sage can be divided from the cuttings of other pieces of white sage and replanted. I know of specific areas in east county that wild white sage grows. I can harvest the cuttings from these areas.

• For dividing the whole plant, gently loosen the soil around the plant, taking care to not damage the roots, and then lift the plant gently with a pitchfork; shake off as much soil from the roots as possible.
• Divide the plant into smaller pieces by hand, retaining only healthy, vigorous sections, each with new buds.
• The cut pieces should be replanted as soon as possible so that they do not dry out.
• The roots of the white sage should be spread out when replanted.
• White sage should be planted in full sunlight and the rooting zone should be kept somewhat moist while it is still becoming established.
• Should be planted on 12-18" centers.
• White sage can live in soil with pH levels from 6-9.
  

White sage is a medicinal herb that is sacred to most American Indian tribes. The burning and smudging of white sage is used to purify the mind, body and soul of sickness and bad spirits.

Sources

"Conservation Plant Characteristics for ScientificName (CommonName) | USDA PLANTS." Welcome to the PLANTS Database | USDA PLANTS. Web. 28 Jan. 2010. http://plants.usda.gov/java/charProfile?symbol=ARLU.

United States. United States Department of Agriculture. National Resources Conservation Services. USDA National Resources Conservation Services | Plant Guide | White Sage. USDA National Resources Conservation Services. Web. 27 Jan. 2010. http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_arlu.pdf.

"White Sage." Horizon Herbs-Organic growers of medicinal herb seeds, plants and organic vegetable seeds. Web. 28 Jan. 2010. http://www.horizonherbs.com/pilot.asp?pg=white_sage.

"White Sage Plant Guide | Salvia Apiana Plant Information | Garden Guides." Garden Guides, Your Guide to Everything Gardening. Web. 28 Jan. 2010. http://www.gardenguides.com/taxonomy/white-sage-salvia-apiana/.