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 10°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 50 cm apart
  • Harvest in approximately 18 months. Time reduced if grown from cuttings.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Broccoli, Cauliflower, Rosemary, Cabbage and Carrots

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
07 Jun 23, Stephen Gunthorpe (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My Grandmother had an old tin bucket with a herb she used in Stuffing. She was the best cook ever. this plant has a thick leaf about 1/8 inch or more thick with a green colour. The leaves were about 30 mm long and 25 mm wide, I think it was a bit hairy. I am trying to identify it but this was 60 years ago. Can anyone provide me with some idea of what it was Thank You Stephen g
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Jun 23, Sara (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Was it mother of herb (Coleus amboinicus)? It's a semi-succulent with broad, hairy leaves.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 May 23, Chris (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Are the flowers edible?
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Apr 23, marco (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
my sage the leaf curls and starts going brown ...i can take the leaves off yet not much left of the plant .i think they are spider mites .any solution on a natural spray i can use .we use all the time ...
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Sep 22, Cindy Rickard (Australia - tropical climate)
I am moving to Stanthorpe very soon and wanting to make smudge sticks. Would love tips on growing white sage, rosemary, lavender please? How are you going with it Gail and Geraldine?
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Sep 22, Anonymous (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Read the notes here about growing each of these and do some research on the internet - growing in cool climate zone.
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Oct 21, (Canada - Zone 2a Sub-Arctic climate)
Can this sage be used for smudging?
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Oct 21, Bill Backouris (USA - Zone 10b climate)
in southern california zone 10b when should I prune back my mexican sage, also how severe a prunning is required
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Sep 21, Sereima (Australia - tropical climate)
Can I grow clary sage in Fiji?
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Sep 21, Anon (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Compare your climate to a New Zealand or Australian climate and then check the planting guide here for that climate. You would be tropic probably.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 11 - 20 of 78 comments
See comments for all plants

Hi working in a nursery and having trouble with sage cuttings dying. In the last few weeks most of the sage cuttings die - the cuttings are done early in morning with rooting powder then placed on a misting table until roots form. Over winter no issues but the warmer weather has created havoc. Any suggestions - should they not be put on a misting table where they get sprayed throughout the day? Thanks in advance. Maz

- Maz

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.