How to Germinate Russian Sage
- 1). Fill 4-inch starter pots with a mixture of equal parts potting soil and medium-grit sand. Leave 1/4 inch of space between the soil and the lip of the pot.
- 2). Pour 1/4 cup of water into each pot to saturate the soil. Let the water drain for a few minutes before you sow the Russian sage seeds.
- 3). Sow two Russian sage seeds in each pot. Place the seeds on the surface of the soil. Lightly press the seeds to anchor them. Sprinkle a scant layer of potting soil over the seeds, but do not completely bury them, since they require light to germinate.
- 4). Place the starter pots inside a refrigerator set to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave the pots inside the refrigerator for two to four weeks to cold stratify them.
- 5). Remove the starter pots from the refrigerator after the cold stratification period. Move them to a warm, sunny spot where temperatures stay around 65 F at all times, such as indoors near a large window.
- 6). Mist the Russian sage seeds whenever the surface of the soil feels dry. Use a spray bottle or plant mister to water the seeds, which will provide light to moderate moisture without making the soil soggy.
- 7). Watch for germination in four to six weeks. Remove the weaker of the two Russian sage seedlings from each pot once they grow to 1 inch in height and put on a set of mature leaves.
- 8). Move the pots outdoors once the Russian sage seedlings grow to 2 inches in height. Place the pots in a sheltered spot to acclimate the seedlings to normal outdoor conditions.
- 9). Transplant the seedlings into a sunny bed with good drainage two weeks after you move them outdoors. Space the seedlings 18 inches apart.
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