Red Sage Seeds - Deciduous Perennial Flower
Salvia miltiorrhiza
 
*  Common Names = Red Sage / Chinese Sage / Red-Rooted Sage / Dan Shen
*  Species named Miltiorrhiza, which means "red root".
*  Low maintenance-- tolerates high humidity, yet hardy to cold frosts. Does well in high elevations and along river beds.
*  Perennial herb with fragrant flowers of a bright purple color, commonly grown as annual to harvest roots (Dan Shen).
*  Brings beautiful contrast of green and purple hues to accent any landscape.
*  Dried red roots (Dan Shen) are highly valued and used extensively in TCM.
*  Used in herbal remedies for circulation, kidney function, inflammation, and digestion. 
 
The dried root slices are also available in the shop, when stock is plentiful.
 
Life Cycle:  Perennial
Height:  18-24 in
Max Width:  8-12 in
USDA Zone:  5-9
Light:  Full Sun / Partial Sun
Harvest:  180 days

GROWING RECOMMENDATIONS:
1.  Soak seeds in warm water for 6 hours. Sow 1/8" deep in small pots/flats with moistened seed-starting mix. 
2.  Place in warm indirect sunlight and keep soil moist. Germination will occur in 7-21 days. 
3.  Resize into bigger pots as needed. Transplant 4” tall seedlings 12” apart after last frost. Protect young plants during the first few winters.
 
*** Salvia miltiorrhiza plants have long roots, so make sure they have plenty of room to spread.
*** Red Sage roots can be harvested anytime from late autumn through early spring.