Growing Sage, also Common Sage

Salvia officinalis : Lamiaceae / the mint family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                  P P P

(Best months for growing Sage in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 20 inches apart
  • Harvest in approximately 18 months. Time reduced if grown from cuttings.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Broccoli, Cauliflower, Rosemary, Cabbage and Carrots
  • Common sage
  • Sage flowers

Sage grows well from seeds but it is slow developing.

One plant will usually be enough for the average household.

A plant grown from a cutting will be ready to use in about 3 months.

Stake or protect from strong winds, otherwise the plant may snap off the main stem.

Sage will grow almost anywhere as long as it is in full sun for most of the day. Sage does not like soil that is moist all the time - avoid frequent watering even in the middle of the summer.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Sage

The leaves are used to flavour stuffing and meat dishes.
Sage keeps well if dried.

Your comments and tips

11 Aug 10, Cygnetian (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Can you take cuttings in winter? I'm in southern Tasmania.
28 Feb 11, Jane (Australia - temperate climate)
Mim's Great Sage Recipe Thinly slice eggplant and spread each slice with tomato paste, fine slices of cheddar and very generously sprinkle with chopped fresh sage. Layer the eggplant in a baking dish. Scatter in lots of garlic and drizzle over olive oil. Bake for about 45min at 180 degrees until brown and bubbling. It's incredibly more-ish!
20 Apr 11, liz Strauss (Australia - temperate climate)
hi jane thanks for the recipe all favourite ingredients but i'm confused about the best time to grow sage. this website says not till end of year but others say it can be planted now. Do you have any first hand experience. cheers
02 Dec 11, Amanda (Australia - temperate climate)
I am trying to locate a supplier/stockist of the White Sage plants in WA pref Perth area. Does anyone have any information on this? Also, if I grow White Sage in pots what type/composition of potting mix would be best to use? Cheers M ~
14 Nov 23, Kellie (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Amanda, th seeds of white sage are available from Seed Station in Perth.
06 Dec 11, Vaughan (Australia - temperate climate)
Hey, it might be nice to make note that Sage is a perennial (I'm guessing it is since it's Mint related, correct me if I'm mistaken :P) in this information somewhere.
01 Apr 12, Colin Peckham (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live in Berowra Sydney. Can I grow sage in a pot allowing it about 2 hours a day of sun, and what fertiliser can I use >
10 Apr 12, Peter Richardson (Australia - temperate climate)
I have 7 acres of very rich, black soil. I would like to grow herbs at a commercial level, does any one have a suggestions of what I should be looking at. Thanks Peter.
27 Oct 13, rebecca (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi peter, I live in brisbane and grow in rich soil. I find that dill, coriander and mint all grow like wildfire here. Best of luck with your commercial growing!
25 Jun 12, Joan WILLIS (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I haave a big sage bush that I haven't done anything with for over a year. It is covered with beautiful purple flowers. I want to harvest the leaves to dry but don't know if I should cut the flowers off before i cut the leaves & let the bush rest before I cut the leaves. What shall I do? Thanks!
Showing 1 - 10 of 76 comments

Mim's Great Sage Recipe Thinly slice eggplant and spread each slice with tomato paste, fine slices of cheddar and very generously sprinkle with chopped fresh sage. Layer the eggplant in a baking dish. Scatter in lots of garlic and drizzle over olive oil. Bake for about 45min at 180 degrees until brown and bubbling. It's incredibly more-ish!

- Jane

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