Sage
Salvia officinalis. Sage belongs to the Lamiaceae family, commonly known as the mint family, which also includes aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Celebrated for its pungent, velvety leaves and versatile applications in cooking, sage imparts a robust flavor profile to a myriad of culinary creations. Varieties of sage include Common Sage, Purple Sage, and Golden Sage. Sage typically presents as a compact, bushy plant.
Starting Seeds
Sage seeds germinate best in warm soil temperatures, with the ideal range for germination falling between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C). Direct sowing is possible if you live in a warm climate. Otherwise start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior to your last frost date.
When to Plant Out
Thyme should be transplanted outdoors after the last expected frost date once the weather has warmed and the soil temperatures consistently reach at least 50°F (10°C) or warmer
Light
Full sunlight: at least 6-8 hours a day.
Space
Space plants 12-18″ apart. Be sure to check the seed packet for specifics on your variety’s size.
Temperature
Sage thrives in warm temperatures, with ideal daytime temperatures ranging between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Certain varieties of sage are hardy to Zone 5, surviving down to -20 to -10°F (-29 to -23°C) for established plants, but protection from snow may be necessary. Check your variety for specifics on hardiness.
Water
As a Mediterranean herb, it’s accustomed to drier conditions, so overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Watering sage deeply but infrequently is usually sufficient. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Pruning
Regular pruning throughout the growing season stimulates the plant to produce new bushy growth. Never cut back more than 1/3 of the plant at a time. Do not cut woody branches unless diseased or damaged as new growth will not occur on woody sections. If sage is hardy in your area, refrain from pruning/harvesting 6-8 weeks before the first frost and throughout Winter and Spring before your last frost date, so the new growth will not be damaged by frost.
Harvesting
To ensure the best flavor and continuous production of sage leaves, harvest leaves when they reach the desired size for your culinary needs and are still tender.
Propagation
Sage is commonly propagated from seeds or through cuttings.
Other Considerations
Sage is suitable for container growing. If grown in ground in colder climates, sage can be saved by either potting up the plant or growing a new plant from cuttings and keeping it in a warm environment for the winter. Sagee can do well in a windowsill for easy access in the kitchen.