Hello, aspiring gardener. I am a common sage plant, Salvia officinalis. Yes, you can grow me from seed indoors, but it requires patience. My seeds are small, oval, and possess a quiet potential. However, I must be honest; I have a variable and often low germination rate. This means not every one of my seeds will awaken. Do not be discouraged; this is simply my nature. I contain a tiny embryo, a blueprint of the fragrant, woody herb I can become. To break my dormancy, I require the right signals: consistent moisture and warmth. This tells me it is safe to emerge from my shell and begin my journey.
To coax me from my slumber, you must create a perfect nursery. I need a light, well-draining seed-starting mix. Heavy, soggy soil will drown my delicate roots before they even develop. Sow my seeds on the surface and gently press them in, as I need some light to germinate. Covering me too deeply will block the signal I need to sprout. Next, provide me with consistent, gentle moisture. A spray bottle is ideal to avoid washing me away. My preferred temperature for germination is a cozy 60-70°F (15-21°C). A warm spot, like on top of a refrigerator or with a seedling heat mat, will encourage me greatly. With these conditions, I will do my best to send out my first root (radicle) and lift my seed leaves (cotyledons) towards the light within 10 to 21 days.
Once I have emerged, my needs change immediately. I am incredibly vulnerable at this stage. I require abundant, bright light to grow strong and not become leggy and weak. A south-facing window is good, but a grow light placed just a few inches above my leaves is even better, providing consistent intensity for 12-16 hours a day. Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged. My roots are fine and need oxygen as much as they need water. Good air circulation is also vital to prevent a fungal condition called damping-off, which can swiftly end my life. When my first set of true leaves (the ones that actually look like sage) appear, I am telling you I am ready for the next step.
As I develop several sets of true leaves, I begin to outgrow my initial nursery. This is the time to carefully transplant me into my own larger pot with a well-draining potting mix, perhaps amended with a little sand or perlite. I am a Mediterranean plant at heart, built for sun and sharp drainage. Acclimatize me slowly to indoor room conditions, and place me in the sunniest spot you have. Water me deeply, but then allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again. I would rather be slightly dry than constantly wet. With this care, I will focus my energy on building a strong root system and producing the aromatic, gray-green leaves you desire.
