Of all the kinds of sage (and there are over 750 species occurring worldwide), true white sage is the best for smudging. A few dried leaves of white sage curled up in the bottom of an abalone shell will ignite with the touch of a flame and emit a cloud of white, purifying smoke. The very smell of white sage invokes peace and higher thoughts. Growing white sage outside its native range can be challenging, but given the high value of the leaves, and the auspiciousness of producing this harbinger of peace on one’s own land, it is worth the effort. I found a perfect microsite for growing white sage on the south side of the seedhouse, between the cement foundation and the sidewalk, where there was a narrow strip of garden bed watered by a reluctant dripline. After spreading a 4 inch layer of coarse sand on the bed, I planted the potted white sages (which I had started from white sage seed in the greenhouse early that spring) right through the sand into the soil. The plants thrived and produced many thickly leaved white sage wands, some of which I harvested for drying and later use. That winter we had a surprise snowfall that built up heavily on the roof of the seedhouse. As the snow melted I realized the single shortsighted folly of my white sage plant placement as giant curls of sopping wet snow went cascading off the roof and dropped 20 feet to land directly on top of my revered plants, leaving them broken under piles of frigid slush. I watched in horror. I feared that the crowns would fail to overwinter after this abuse. But apparently the good drainage and hot exposure provided sufficient support to bring the plants through, and in the spring I was much relieved to see the intact white sage crowns send forth multiple rosettes of thick, greenish-white leaves. Furthermore, by early summer, many gracefully curving flower stalks rose to a height of 6 feet, studded with silvery-blue flowers, visited by native bees and sphinx moths. By fall, the racemes began to dry, shatter and drop seed. On a bright afternoon I went out with a bucket and collected much seed by means of shaking. The white sage seed was subsequently cleaned and winnowed in the wind, and as I performed these tasks I kept in mind at all times a prayer for peace. May these seeds grow again, I prayed, and may the very smell of the white sage bring peace to all who partake of it.

White sage seed. Some years ago, when we used wild harvested white sage seed, a 10- or 15% germination rate in sandy medium in the greenhouse was considered good performance. We tried fire treating the flat with slightly better results. These days, after several years of domestication and selection, I find that our home-produced seed germinates quickly and vigorously, with a much higher germination rate, and we don’t bother with the fire treatment anymore. Perhaps the more amenable growing conditions in our gardens produce a seed containing less germination inhibiting substances, or perhaps the plant is just getting hip—the native stands are fast diminishing due to new home construction in California, and domestication is a great way for white sage to remain viable on the face of the earth.

Cultivation: Sow seed shallowly in very sandy soil and water once daily. Average germination time 14 days. Wait until the seedlings have matured their second set of leaves before transplanting. White sage loves a dry, sunny exposure with perfect drainage. Use a thick mulch of sand to improve heat retention, reflect light back up into plant and keep crown perfectly well-drained and drier during the winter. White sage is hardy to 20° F—otherwise cultivate as an annual or bring indoors for winter. Choosing the right soil and sun exposure will improve overwintering, and plants that overwinter will produce northern hardy seed. Plant 2 feet apart.

Harvesting and processing of white sage leaf: Harvest in the summer or fall, when the white-leaved rosettes are at their prime. Unless you expect that the plant will die (you live in Minnesota), do not pick all the leaves, or you will divest the white sage plant of its resources to make it through the winter. Allow the leafy stalks to wilt by setting them out on a table or on drying screens for a day or two. Once the leaves are leathery, supple and limp, then it is safe to place several stalks together and tie them up with cotton string in the traditional form of a smudge stick. Tie the base of the stalks with a knot, and wrap the string fairly tightly around the bundle. Then, hang indoors to dry the rest of the way. If you fail to wilt the leaves before bundling, you risk blackening the bundle by locking too much moisture inside from the start. The bundle will last for a year or two.

Practical uses of sage: White sage is best for smudging, but other sages have broader application as spice and medicine. Garden sage (Salvia officinalis) is the most universally useful sage. Pick the leaves before the plant goes to flower and dry thoroughly on screens. Then, rub the leaves through a screen to produce the fluffy, ground sage that makes such a savory addition to roasted fowl or protein dishes. Garden sage is also a valuable antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent. Taken internally or gargled in the form of tea or diluted tincture, the garden sage will fight infection and will also diminish secretions of all kinds, including perspiration and saliva. Garden sage is also a specific for drying up milk production during weaning. The herb stimulates memory. For more information on the preparation and use of sage in home herbal medicine, see the book “Making Plant Medicine.”

New Crop of White sage, amazing fast growth.