Garden Sage

What you'll need:

Sage seeds or young sage plants (you can find these at garden centers or online)

A pot (at least 8-10 inches wide with drainage holes) or a sunny spot in your garden

Well-draining soil (sage doesn’t like soggy feet, so if your soil is heavy, mix in some sand or perlite to loosen it up)

A small amount of all-purpose fertilizer or compost

When to start:

Sage loves warmth and sunlight, so the best time to plant is in spring after the last frost has passed. If you're starting from seeds, you can begin indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.

Finding a good spot:

Sage thrives in full sun. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, so pick a spot that gets plenty of sunshine. If you’re growing it indoors, a south-facing windowsill works great!

Tip: Sage doesn’t like too much moisture, so make sure your pot or garden bed drains well.

If you have seeds:

1. Fill a small pot with well-draining soil.
2. Sprinkle the sage seeds on top of the soil and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil (just enough to barely cover them).
3. Water gently to keep the soil moist but not soaking wet.
4. Place the pot in a warm, bright spot—around 70°F (21°C) is ideal.
5. Seeds should sprout in about 2-3 weeks.
6. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall and have grown a couple of leaves, you can transplant them into larger pots or outdoors.

If you have seedlings:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling.
2. Place the seedling in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
3. Gently pat down the soil around the plant.
4. Water thoroughly after planting.

Planting tips:

• If you’re planting multiple sage plants, space them about 18-24 inches apart to give them room to grow.
• If using pots, make sure there’s good drainage at the bottom.
• After planting, add a bit of compost or slow-release fertilizer around the base of the plant for an extra nutrient boost.

Watering:

• Sage prefers dry conditions, so water sparingly. Let the soil dry out between waterings; when the top inch of soil feels dry, it’s time to water again.
• Overwatering is the biggest risk with sage, so err on the side of caution.

Feeding:

• Sage doesn’t need much feeding. You can add a little compost or diluted liquid fertilizer once or twice during the growing season, but avoid over-fertilizing—it can reduce the flavor of the leaves.

Sunlight and temperature:

• Sage loves the sun! Make sure it gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight every day.
• Sage can handle some cold, but if temperatures drop below freezing, consider moving potted sage indoors or covering outdoor plants with a light cloth.

Pruning:

• Regularly trim back the plant to encourage bushier growth. Just snip off the top few inches of stems whenever the plant starts looking leggy.
• Pruning also helps prevent the plant from flowering too much, which can reduce leaf production.

Tip: The more you prune, the bushier and healthier your sage will become!

When to harvest:

• You can start harvesting sage leaves once the plant is about 6-8 inches tall.
• The best time to pick sage leaves is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. This is when the essential oils (and flavor) are most concentrated.

How to harvest:

• Simply pinch or cut off the leaves you need. Always leave a few leaves on the plant so it can continue to grow.
• For the best flavor, harvest before the plant starts flowering. If flowers appear, you can still harvest, but the leaves might be slightly less flavorful.

Storing sage:

• Fresh sage leaves can be stored in the fridge for a few days. Wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.
• To preserve sage long-term, you can air-dry the leaves by hanging bundles upside down in a cool, dark place. Once dried, store them in an airtight container.
• You can also freeze sage leaves for longer storage.

Tip: Sage is a perennial plant, meaning it can come back year after year if cared for properly!

Q: Why are my sage leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves usually mean overwatering. Sage likes dry soil, so let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Reduce the watering frequency and ensure your pot or garden bed has good drainage.

Q: Can I grow sage indoors?

A: Absolutely! Sage grows well indoors as long as it gets plenty of sunlight. Place it near a sunny window where it can get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even growth.

Q: My sage plant is getting leggy. What should I do?

A: Leggy growth happens when the plant doesn’t get enough sunlight. Prune the plant back to encourage bushier growth, and try to give it more light—either by moving it to a sunnier spot or using a grow light indoors.

Q: How do I stop my sage from flowering?

A: To prevent flowering, regularly prune the plant. Snip off any flower buds as soon as you see them. Flowering isn’t harmful, but it can reduce the flavor of the leaves.

Q: Does sage attract pests?

A: Sage is relatively pest-resistant, but it can occasionally attract spider mites or aphids. If you notice any, spray the plant with a mixture of water and a few drops of dish soap to deter them.