SAFFRON—False Saffron, Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius, Family: 
- Com positae. 
Users: Yellow petals dried for coloring and flavoring rice. 
Description: Tall annual to three feet with spiny leaves and thistle- 
like yellow blossoms. Curious white fruits look like teeth. 
CULTIVATION: Sow seed in full sun where plants are to remain. Thin 
but do not transplant to stand ten inches asunder. The dried petals of 
this plant are widely used as a substitute for real Saffron which is the 
dried stigmas and styles of the autumn-flowering bulb, Crocus sativus. 
SAGE—Salvia officinalis. Family: Labiatae. 
Usrs: A culinary herb which used to be highly re- 
garded as a cure for colds, rheumatism and fevers. 
Its constant use was supposed to insure longevity. 
Babies were adorned with necklaces of twelve Sage 
leaves strung alternately with tags bearing the names 
of the twelve apostles which guarded against any 
discomfort while teething. Sage tea, a delicious am- 
ber brew, is preferred by the Chinese to their native 
product. 
DEscriPTION: The grey pebbled leaves of hardy per- 
ennial Sage linger on the two foot tall stems all 
through the winter. Early in June the masses of purplish blossoms are 
a happy hunting ground for bees. First year plants sometimes flower 
in late August. 

CULTIVATION: Sage germinates quickly from seed planted early in the 
open. Thin or transplant seedlings to stand eighteen inches apart in 
full sun. When gathering leaves for drying do not cut plants after 
August and always leave one or two branches to carry them through 
the winter. In the spring, old woody growth should be pruned back 
to the ground to encourage tender new leaves for drying. 
Pineapple Sage, which is now thought to belong to another genus, is 
a tender perennial which must brought inside before the first frost. 
The stunning, light green leaves and fruity pineapple scent and flavor 
make this tropical looking plant a delight in the garden and in bever- 
ages, herb tea, desserts and sachets. As the vivid scarlet blossoms do 
not appear until just before frost or after plants have been brought 
inside it does not set seed in this climate. Cuttings root very readily 
and in a moist season it may be propagated by layerings. 
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