Growing Sage, also Common Sage

Salvia officinalis : Lamiaceae / the mint family

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

(Best months for growing Sage in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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

Your comments and tips

15 Sep 20, (USA - Zone 11a climate)
Yes and yes.
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).
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.
Showing 11 - 14 of 14 comments

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.

- Celeste Archer

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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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