Sage
Salvia officinalis
Sage is a hardy perennial with soft, grayish green leaves. Its flower colors vary; they can be purple, pink, blue, or white. Common sage is most often used for cooking; it's a classic in stuffing. However, there are hundreds of other varieties which make beautiful ornamentals!
How to Grow Sage
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Varieties
Companion Plants
Combative Plants
Pests
Beneficial Critters
Growing from Seed
Although sage can be grown from seed, the best way to grow high-quality sage is from cuttings from an established plant.
Planting Considerations
In the garden, plant near rosemary, cabbage, and carrots, but keep sage away from cucumbers.
Feeding
If soil is poor, work in some fertilizer before planting sage. Sage will benefit from a light application of fertilizer 6-8 weeks after planting.
Harvesting
Harvest sage just before it flowers. 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. If fully established, one plant can be harvested up to three times in one season.
Storage
Sage's flavor is best when fresh, but it can also be frozen or dried. To dry, leave the branches in the sun. Once dried, remove the leaves and store them in an airtight container.