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 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 20 inches 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

23 Aug 20, Kathleen (USA - Zone 9b climate)
How do I take a cutting from my daughters sage plant? Do I try to root it in water? Thanks
24 Aug 20, Anonymous (USA - Zone 3b climate)
Take a few pieces and put in water, change the water each 3-4 days. Or break a piece of the plant off with some roots on it and plant in a pot, keep in the shade for a week or two until it is established.
13 Sep 20, Lionel (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Can I grow Sage herb in my out door garden which is in a Zone 6b region?? Is so, can I grow all the different types of Sage in this Zone region??
14 Sep 20, Anonymous (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Read the notes here about growing sage. Generally when they tell you to plant something it covers all varieties. Sometimes there are early mid and late season varieties of a plants, and sometimes varieties for summer and winter (like lettuce).
15 Sep 20, (USA - Zone 11a climate)
Yes and yes.
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.
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
14 May 23, Chris (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Are the flowers edible?
25 Jun 23, Jay (USA - Zone 8a climate)
In zone 8a, does sage act as an annual or perennial?
Showing 1 - 10 of 14 comments

New to Prince George BC, this is my 1st winter w -25deg days ahead. Does my sage need to be brought indoors? How about Thyme (3yrs old), Rosemary (2-3 yrs old)? Thank you for your help!!)

- Patricia

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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