Growing Sage, also Common Sage

Salvia officinalis : Lamiaceae / the mint family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P                

(Best months for growing Sage in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 50 cm apart
  • Harvest in approximately 18 months. Time reduced if grown from cuttings.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Broccoli, Cauliflower, Rosemary, Cabbage and Carrots
  • Common sage
  • Sage flowers

Sage grows well from seeds but it is slow developing.

One plant will usually be enough for the average household.

A plant grown from a cutting will be ready to use in about 3 months.

Stake or protect from strong winds, otherwise the plant may snap off the main stem.

Sage will grow almost anywhere as long as it is in full sun for most of the day. Sage does not like soil that is moist all the time - avoid frequent watering even in the middle of the summer.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Sage

The leaves are used to flavour stuffing and meat dishes.
Sage keeps well if dried.

Your comments and tips

09 Sep 24, Kailee (USA - Zone 5a climate)
I have a garden indoors. With grow lights. How will that affect sage growth? I have killed one plant outdoors because of the watering cycle, and I need to know how to grow this plant indoors. Because I'm more active with my indoor plants. And I have a plant that someone in my family didn't water for 3 weeks, I'm trying to save it. Does anyone have any answers on how I should encourage its growth again?
07 Sep 23, Nora (USA - Zone 10a climate)
The plant that you describe fits the description of garden sage which is commonly used in stuffing and poultry seasoning.
26 Aug 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Can Sage handle the humidity in SWFL?
06 Jul 23, Dan Mock (USA - Zone 4b climate)
Berggarten Sage seems to have wave a wide zone recommendation. Some print says 4, most say 5 and up. Can I get a zone 3 or 4 sage??? In ten years it has gotten down t - 34 once. Alkali soil 7.6 Mostly hand watered flower and garden beds. Windy
25 Jun 23, Jay (USA - Zone 8a climate)
In zone 8a, does sage act as an annual or perennial?
26 Jul 23, Melissa (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I'm in 8a and mine always comes back every year
14 May 23, Chris (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Are the flowers edible?
12 Oct 21, Bill Backouris (USA - Zone 10b climate)
in southern california zone 10b when should I prune back my mexican sage, also how severe a prunning is required
27 Jul 21, Georgia (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Is sage a biannual plant. After my big plant bloomed it died.
09 Aug 21, Anon (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I just read on-line, sage in cool weather is a perennial and in hot humid weather treat as an annual.
Showing 1 - 10 of 15 comments

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