How to Grow Sage in Any Garden

There’s something really special about growing sage in your garden. This Mediterranean herb (Salvia officinalis) has silvery-green leaves and purple-blue flowers that look beautiful in any garden.

Sage, which grows wild on the mountain slopes of southern Europe, once had an important place as a medicinal herb. In the Middle Ages, it could be found in every monastery garden. The monks used it as a medicine against sore throats and night sweats. The plant is used little in modern medicine, though it is still used as a gargle for sore throat and mouth afflictions.

In the US, culinary sage is one of the most important of all kitchen herbs. It is especially useful with fatty meats. The leaves have a bitter, rather peppery flavor. The plant is strongly fragrant and contains aromatic oils. In addition to its useful properties, it is also a pretty and decorative plant that can be cultivated in pots or flower boxes.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, sage’s many uses make it an excellent addition to any herb garden.

Before You Begin

Sage is a hardy perennial plant that thrives in zones 5 to 9. It grows into a compact bush that can reach up to 2 feet in height. It is perfect for both garden beds and containers, making it the perfect choice for any garden. When choosing the perfect spot, choose an area that gets full sun and has well-draining, fertile soil. It doesn’t thrive in damp areas, so be sure your planter or soil can drain any excess water.

How to Plant and Grow Sage

To start growing sage, begin by preparing the soil. Clear the area of any weeds and debris, then add a layer of compost or other organic material. Since sage doesn’t transplant well, it’s best to sow your seeds directly into the soil in the spring.

Once they’re large enough to handle, space your seedlings about eight inches apart. It takes about 3 to 4 months for plants to reach maturity.

When the plants are established, they tend to be low-maintenance aside from pruning. They need regular watering, but be careful because over-watering can lead to root rot.

How to Harvest Sage

Harvesting sage is easy. You can either pluck individual leaves as needed, or cut entire branches off of your plant. When snipping branches, try to leave at least two sets of leaves on each stem so the plant will continue to thrive. This should also be done if you plan to propagate sage using cuttings taken during harvesting.

After bringing your harvest inside, fill a sink with warm water and gently swish the leaves and stems. This will help remove any dirt or debris. 

Finally, let the sage dry completely, either outdoors on a drying rack or indoors in the kitchen, before storing it for future use. This will help preserve the sage’s quality and prevent it from spoiling. 

How to Store Sage

There are several ways to store sage, each with advantages. Depending on your cooking needs throughout the year, you might want to use a combination. Having fresh sage in summer and frozen or dried sage in winter means you’ll always have some on hand.

If you plan to use it within a few days, wrap it in a paper towel and put it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. It will store well for up to five days. Covering fresh leaves with olive oil will keep them fresh for up to three weeks when stored in the fridge.

If you want to save some for winter, roll the cleaned fresh leaves tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them; sage stored in the freezer will retain its flavor and aroma for up to one year! Alternatively, you can dry the leaves and store them in a tightly closed (preferably dark-colored) glass jar in a cool place.

Sage Pests and Diseases

Sage is a strong plant that is not prone to disease or pest attacks. If all or part of the plant suddenly collapses and dies, it is usually a sign of root rot caused by too-wet soil. Make sure that pots, boxes, and the soil are well-draining. Plants languish and grow poorly in too-acidic soil, which can be made less acidic by adding lime.