Growing Sage

Posted On April 1, 2020

Garden sage is easy to grow—and a wonderful culinary herb that flavors meat and bean dishes (including that Thanksgiving stuffing). Sage is a hardy perennial with pretty, grayish green leaves that like as good in a perennial border as they do in a vegetable garden. It grows spikes of spring flowers in different colors, including purple, blue, white, and pink.

Not all sage varieties are culinary; the most popular kitchen sage is called Salvia officinalis.

Planting

How to plant sage

Plant sage in full sun.
Sage should be planted in well-draining soil; it won’t tolerate sitting in wet soil.
The easiest and best way to start sage is from a small plant. Set the plants 2 feet apart.
You can also sow seeds up to two weeks before the last frost date. Plant the seeds/cuttings in well-drained soil 1 to 2 weeks before the last spring frost.
For best growth, the soil should be between 60º and 70ºF.
Plants should grow to be between 12 and 30 inches in height.
In the garden, plant near rosemary, cabbage, and carrots, but keep sage away from cucumbers.

Care

How to grow sage

Be sure to water the young plants regularly until they are fully grown so that they don’t dry out. They’ll need a consistent moisture supply until they start growing quickly.
Prune the heavier, woody stems every spring.
It’s best to replace the plants every few years so they remain productive.

Pests/Diseases

Rust
Powdery mildew
Stem rot
Fungal leaf spots
Whiteflies
Aphids
Spider mites

Harvest/Storage

How to harvest sage

Pinch off leaves or snip off small sprigs from the plant.
During the first year, harvest lightly to ensure that the plant grows fully.
After the first year, be sure to leave a few stalks so that the plant can rejuvenate in the future.
If fully established, one plant can be harvested up to three times in one season.
Stop harvesting in the fall so the plant can prepare for winter.

How to store sage

Sage’s flavor is best when fresh, but it can be stored frozen or dried.
To dry, hang sprigs in a shady, well-ventilated area and allow them to air dry, waiting until the leaves crumble easily to store in tightly lidded jars.
Sage keeps its flavor better if stored in the freezer. Freeze leaves or stalks on a tray, then move the leaves into a zippered bag or container. Some cooks blend the leaves with oil, pack the ground mixture into ice cube trays to freeze, and then transfer the cubes to a container.