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

23 Nov 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It probably can be cut back each year, google all these questions, that is how I learn things these days.
10 Apr 20, Christina (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi I live in northern New South Wales, a couple of kilometres from the coast. I have rosemary established (30cm) in a reasonably sized pot on my northern cement balcony & was considering placing a sage cutting in beside it. As they're compatible do you think they'd be comfy in the same pot or too crowded. Top of pot diameter is 35cm, height 30cm. Rosemary planted slightly to one side. Thanks, Christina
14 Apr 20, (Australia - temperate climate)
My suggestion do another pot.
27 Oct 19, Karen Chinner (Australia - temperate climate)
I am looking for somewhere I can purchase white sage from. Would appreciate any recommendations. Thank you!
28 Oct 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Look up a seed selling company on the internet. Boondie Seeds.
26 Apr 18, Sal (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
pinch the flowers if you want to foster increased leaf production.
12 Oct 18, Rose (Australia - temperate climate)
I pick my flowers off every year, and 4yr old shrubs are now 1m round balls of deliciously scented leaves
26 Apr 18, Gail (Australia - temperate climate)
Howdy im working towards being a white sage grower in South Australia, if you're interested in being apart of my journey, feel free to email me. Cheers.
02 Feb 21, Geraldine (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Gail, how is your white sage venture going ? I am just harvesting seeds of my one precious plant. Do you know if now is best to sow swwd or spring ? Also have you used smoke water to help with germination ?
21 Jul 20, Jackie (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Gail, Wondering how you are going with your White Sage journey? I live Goolwa way and would like to plant White Sage in my front garden. Have a pot of Pineapple Sage, very beautiful, smell..... amazing! Thank you Jackie
Showing 11 - 20 of 42 comments

I am moving to Stanthorpe very soon and wanting to make smudge sticks. Would love tips on growing white sage, rosemary, lavender please? How are you going with it Gail and Geraldine?

- Cindy Rickard

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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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