How to Troubleshoot Russian Sage Seed Growth

Observe the area where you've planted the seeds. To grow well, Russian sage needs a spot that receives at least six hours of full sun a day. If the area where you planted the seeds is shady or partially shaded, the seedlings will not survive.

Consider your climate. If you live in a region that rarely experiences hot weather, your Russian sage will suffer. First, the plants themselves love hot weather and will not thrive in cool conditions. Second, the soil you planted your seeds in may not warm up enough for the seeds to germinate. To sprout, Russian sage seeds need a soil temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Analyze your soil. Russian sage is adapted to poor, dry soils that drain well. If your garden has clay soil that retains moisture, most of your seeds will rot in the ground before they sprout. If the seeds do sprout, the seedlings will eventually die in the heavy, wet soil. For best germination rates, plant your seeds in an area with loose soil that stays dry.

Check the area around where you planted your seeds for the mucous trails of slugs. Slugs have a knack for finding seedlings and will devour them overnight. To protect your seedlings, make slug traps with beer. Put a shallow cup in the ground near your seedling so the rim of the cup is at ground level. Fill the cup halfway with beer. Slugs will drown themselves in the beer rather than eat your seedlings.

Watch the area where you planted your seeds for birds eating the seeds. If you notice birds scratching where you planted your seeds, set up a barrier of bird netting to keep them out. Lay the bird netting on the ground over your seeds, and the birds won't be able to scratch through. This also helps to keep cats from digging in the area.

Water your seeds only enough to keep the soil moist, not wet. Seeds require moisture to germinate, but over-watering causes the seeds to rot in the ground.