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
  • 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

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22 May 20, millie higgison (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have purchased some white sage seeds, and I live in Dunedin how and when do I plant the seeds in which soil thankyou
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25 May 20, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Read here www.gardenate.com/plant/Sage?zone=6 for information about growing Sage
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29 Nov 17, Maz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
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
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02 Oct 12, Bill (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi my sage I planted last year is now growing buds/flowers ...should I pinch them off to encourage the plant or leave it alone? cheers
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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?

- Cindy Rickard

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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.
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