Growing Sage, also Common Sage

Salvia officinalis : Lamiaceae / the mint family

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

(Best months for growing Sage in USA - Zone 7b 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

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02 Nov 24, Delea (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I plant sage with beetroots?
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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?
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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.
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26 Aug 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Can Sage handle the humidity in SWFL?
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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
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05 Jul 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My sage has developed a white spot on the leaves. What is it? Should I be concerned? Am I watering the plants too often.? John
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06 Jul 23, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I tend to like using POWDERED Sulphur for powdery mildew. It is safe to use right up to the day of harvest ( EXCEPT ON GRAPES THAT ARE intended for wine - then 21 days before harvest). It can be sprinkled on dry -- but my preferred method is to dilute in water and spray. Ultimately you need to increase the air circulation around your plant. You might be over wetting the plant at times when it has difficulty drying -- if you have good air circulation this should not be an issue. Try watering BEFORE sun up -- then when the sun shines on your plant it will dry the plant. Mildews tend to stick better to damp leaves... so dry leaves in a windy area are less prone to powdery mildew. Additionally SAGE is considered a Mediterranean herb - and does tend to like dry conditions -- so the ground should dry out between watering -- watering well once every two weeks should be fine for an ESTABLISHED SAGE PLANT (seedlings need to be watered more frequently)... this might not be possible, because you may have plants that need more water nearby.
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05 Jul 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It sounds like it is a case of powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease, which are wind-borne spores. Best to remove the affected leaves. Treating the plant with an organic fungicide that contains potassium bicarbonate could be beneficial.
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25 Jun 23, Jay (USA - Zone 8a climate)
In zone 8a, does sage act as an annual or perennial?
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26 Jul 23, Melissa (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I'm in 8a and mine always comes back every year
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Showing 1 - 10 of 78 comments
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Is sage a biannual plant. After my big plant bloomed it died.

- Georgia

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