How to Grow Indian Sage

Harvest Indian sage seeds from an existing plant after the blooms wilt in late summer or early autumn. The seeds are best collected when the flowers are completely dry and the seeds are light and fluffy. If the seeds are collected earlier, place them in a paper sack to dry for one or two weeks.

Place a handful of commercial seed-starting mix in a small bowl. Moisten the mix.

Push the Indian sage seeds into the middle of the moistened seed-starting mix. Add extra seed-starting mix if the seeds aren't completely covered.

Squeeze excess moisture from the seed-starting mix. Transfer the seeds, still covered with seed-starting mix, to a plastic bag.

Place the bag in a warm area, such as the top of a refrigerator, for three days. This allows the seeds to absorb moisture.

Store the bag in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator for one to three months. This process of chilling seeds is known as stratification. The process mimics nature, in which seeds fall on the ground, where they remain buried in damp soil or snow until spring.

Remove the seeds from the refrigerator. Plant the seeds in seed-starting trays or other planting containers filled with good quality, lightweight potting soil.

Cover the seeds lightly with soil equal to no more than two or three times the diameter of the seeds. A thin soil cover is critical, as the seeds won't germinate without exposure to light. Alternatively, instead of covering the seeds with soil, just press the seeds lightly into the surface of the soil. Avoid heavy or coarse potting soil, which may inhibit germination.

Place the containers in a sunny area where daytime temperatures are maintained between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't place the containers too near a sunny window, as direct sunlight may scorch the seeds.

Move the containers into a dark, cooler area at night, where temperatures are approximately 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Plant the Indian sage seedlings outdoors in full sunlight or partial shade when the seedlings are three to four inches tall. Allow 24 to 36 inches between each seedling. To plant the seeds, use a trowel to make a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball. Place the seedling in the hole and then pat the soil gently around the roots.

Water Indian sage regularly, providing enough water to saturate the roots to a depth of six to eight inches. Although the plant grows in damp areas in its native habitat, it tolerates drought and heat if the soil is kept consistently damp.