Phlomis Tuberosa

A spectacular plant with ruby red stems and whorls of flowers in attractive candy pink. Each whorl can be 20/30 flowers and consequently a real picture and easy to grow. 24-36".

How to Grow Phlomis from Seed

Phlomis, or Jerusalem Sage, is an excellent choice for Mediterranean, gravel and wildflower gardens and bees simply love it. With a long flowering season and a tolerance of drought conditions, Phlomis is a handsome and justifiably popular plant. A wonderful cutting flower and superb dried flower.

Seeds should be sown in the cooler parts of the year, ideally in late January to February.

Scatter the seed evenly over moist compost and cover thinly with about 5mm of fine grit, vermiculite or perlite. Keep moist, cool and covered in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse, ideally at temperatures around 5°C (41°F)  If sowing indoors, an ideal temperature would be 13-18C (55-64F) - germination is erratic so do perservere. If nothing seems to be happening, a period of cold might be necessary so reduce the temperature to 5C (41F) for 2-4 weeks before returning back to the warmth.

Phlomis seeds germinate irregularly over a long period, seeds can sprout in as little as 14 to 42 days but often require several months so do not discard the seed trays too hastily.

Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into individual 7cm or 3 inch pots. Harden the seedlings off before planting into their final positions spaced around 30cm or 12in apart.