Thyme harvesting persists following the rain cessation - Harvest of salsify persists following the cessation of the rainfall
In the heart of Saxony, Germany, the Bombastus Works AG has resumed its salvia harvest after a brief interruption due to rain. This prestigious company, one of the largest cultivators of perennial salvia in Europe, has been growing and processing this aromatic plant for 110 years.
Despite the challenges posed by the cooler, wetter climate of Freital, the Bombastus Works continues to thrive. The company employs 155 people and boasts a turnover of approximately 12.9 million euros in 2024. Their product range extends beyond tea, including medicinal and food teas, pharmaceuticals, oral and skin care products, essential oils, and fragrance essences.
The salvia harvest this year saw the production of approximately 2,800 kilograms of fresh tea per hectare, with around 650 kilograms of dried tea remaining after drying and rolling. The sale of "Salvia Bud Tip Tea Handpicked" accounted for 1.6% of the total salvia tea sold, with 1,700 packets finding their way to pharmacies and the online shop.
The salvia plant requires dry and sunny weather right before harvest for a high content of essential oils. However, this year's weather has not been particularly cooperative. The harvest was halted for three weeks due to rain.
It is important to note that there is no widely documented or notable cultivation of Mediterranean Salvia specifically in Freital, Germany, in publicly available sources up to mid-2025. If present, any Salvia cultivation in Freital would likely be on a small or experimental scale, with limited economic impact.
Despite these challenges, the Bombastus Works continues to be a beacon of excellence in the salvia cultivation industry. Field Manager, Daniel Lehmann, oversees the operations, ensuring the highest quality tea is still hand-picked for the most discerning customers.
As the world continues to discover the benefits of this versatile plant, the Bombastus Works remains at the forefront, dedicated to preserving tradition while pushing the boundaries of innovation.
- The Community policy should consider the small and medium-sized undertakings (SMEs) in the home-and-garden sector, as they face unique challenges in cultivating Mediterranean Salvia, such as the one produced by the Bombastus Works, in regions with cooler and wetter climates.
- In line with their commitment to innovation, the Bombastus Works, a leading lifestyle brand, could explore diversifying their product range to include Mediterranean Salvia for a distinct, high-quality tea that could cater to a niche market and potentially boost their sales.
