GROW GUIDE

Sage

Salvia officinalis

Plant Description

Sage

A fragrant herb with soft, silvery-green leaves, slightly elongated and velvety to the touch.

Native to the Mediterranean, this versatile plant belongs to the mint family and is prized for its earthy, slightly peppery taste, adding a warm, savory note to both culinary and medicinal applications.

Gardening Level: medium

Quick Facts:

  • Sun Requirements

    Full Sun

  • Days To Sprout

    7-21 Days

  • Days To Harvest

    60-90 Days

  • Plant Spacing

    18-24"

  • Seeds Per Hole

    3

  • Planting Depth

    1/4"

Best Planting Locations

  • Windowsills

    Perfect for sage, offering ample sunlight.

  • Raised Beds

    A natural choice for sage, with well-drained soil and a sunlit spot.

  • Rock Gardens

    Excellent for outdoor growth, as sage thrives in dry, rocky conditions.

  • Containers

    Ideal for patios or balconies, giving you control over soil and drainage.

Getting Started

  • 1

    Find the Spot

    Sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a sunny location that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If indoors, place in a south-facing window for the best light.

  • 2

    Prep the Soil & Fertilizer

    Sage prefers well-draining, loamy, sandy soil. For optimal growth, work a small amount of compost into the soil before planting. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can diminish the herb's flavor.

  • 3

    Plant the Seeds

    Soak seeds for 12-24 hours before planting to speed up germination. Plant 3 seeds or 1 seedling 1/4 inch deep in pots or ground. Press seeds gently into the dirt without totally burying them as they require light to sprout.

    Gently mist with water to keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, during germination.

    Maintain a soil temperature between 65° to 70° F. Space plants 18-24" apart, allowing plenty of room for growth.

Good Neighbors:

  • Carrots:

    Sage's strong scent repels carrot rust flies, protecting the carrots

  • Rosemary:

    Share similar growing conditions

  • Strawberries:

    Sage's strong aroma helps mask the scent of strawberries, making them less detectable to pests

  • Tomato:

    Sage repels harmful pests like flea beetles

Enemy Plants:

  • Cucumber:

    Compete for similar nutrients and sage's strong aroma can interfere with the cucumber's taste

  • Basil & Onion:

    Different watering requirements

Attractants:

  • Honey Bees & Butterflies:

    Attracted to sage's large purple flowers

Repellents:

  • Black flea beetle

    Repelled by sage's volatile oils and strong scent

  • Cabbage moths

    Repelled by sage's volatile oils and strong scent

  • Cabbage looper

    Repelled by sage's volatile oils and strong scent

  • Carrot fly

    Repelled by sage's volatile oils and strong scent

Best Time to Plant

USDA Hardiness Zones

Day to Day Maintenance

  • Watering

    Water sage moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Sage prefers drier conditions, so avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.

  • Pruning

    Trim sage regularly to promote fuller growth. Once the plant is well-established, pinch off the top leaves and any flowers that appear to encourage a bushier plant.

The Harvest

  • Gathering

    Pick leaves as needed, starting at the top to encourage new growth. For larger quantities, cut stems with clean shears. Avoid cutting into woody parts of the plant.

  • Extra Tip

    For the best flavor, harvest in the morning when the oils are the most concentrated.

Favorite Uses

  • Essential Oils

  • Stuffing

  • Chicken

  • Cocktails

  • Stews

How to Store

  • Room Temperature

    • Duration: One week
    • Location: Keep on a countertop away from direct sunlight
    • Method: Place sage stems in a glass of water, just like cut flowers. Make sure the leaves are above the water line to avoid rotting. Change the water every couple of days.

  • Refrigeration

    • Duration: Up to two weeks
    • Location: Store in the refrigerator
    • Method: Wrap the sage leaves in a slightly damp paper towel to keep them fresh. Place the wrapped leaves in an airtight container or plastic bag to prevent wilting. Wash just before use.

  • Freezing

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Store in the freezer
    • Method (Whole Leaf): Blanch the sage leaves briefly in boiling water, shock them in ice water, pat them dry, and freeze flat on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container to preserve flavor.

  • Drying

    • Duration: One year
    • Location: Warm, dry, and well-ventilated area
    • Method: Hang sage stems upside down in small bunches or use a food dehydrator set on low to dry the leaves. Once fully dried, store in an airtight container away from light.

Fun Facts

  • Medicinal Marvel

    Sage has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, believed to improve memory and soothe sore throats. It’s also known for its antibacterial properties.

  • Symbol of Wisdom

    In many cultures, sage is seen as a symbol of wisdom and longevity. It’s often burned in rituals to cleanse spaces and bring clarity.

  • The Sage Family Tree

    There are over 900 species of sage, each offering unique flavors and uses. Common varieties include garden sage, pineapple sage, and clary sage.

  • Ancient Healer

    Sage was highly valued by the ancient Romans and Greeks, who believed it could promote good health, ward off evil, and even extend life.