How to Grow Sage

Plant sage during the cool days of spring or fall. This fragrant culinary herb is a great option to grow in containers or out in your garden bed. Space sage plants 18 to 24 inches apart in an area that gets plenty of sunlight and has rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0.

Is Sage easy to grow?
Does sage come back every year?
What is the best way to grow Sage?
How do you care for a sage plant?
Should I let my sage plant flower?
How do you know when Sage is ready to harvest?
What can you not plant near Sage?
Does sage spread in the garden?
Can sage grow in shade?
Why do my sage plants keep dying?
How long do sage plants live?
What are the side effects of Sage?

Is Sage easy to grow?

A member of the mint family, sage is easy to grow and does well in containers, the ground and indoors. If you're looking to add a new herb to your mix this year, read on to learn everything you need to know about this hardy, versatile plant.

Does sage come back every year?

A majority of herbs are perennials throughout most of the United States. That means they come back year after year and usually get bigger or spread in territory each year. Some of our most-used cooking herbs are perennials, including sage, oregano and thyme.

What is the best way to grow Sage?

Sage does best in full sun, which brings out the flavour of the leaves. Choose free-draining soil or compost – sages can die in waterlogged soils in winter. Add grit to the planting hole if you have heavy soil. Sages do well in pots, again, only if they do not become waterlogged in winter.

How do you care for a sage plant?

How to Grow Sage

Be sure to water the young plants regularly until they are fully grown so that they don't dry out. They'll need a consistent moisture supply until they start growing quickly.
Prune the heavier, woody stems every spring.
It's best to replace the plants every few years so they remain productive.

Should I let my sage plant flower?

Culinary Use

Generally, these plants are grown for their edible foliage and many gardeners choose to pinch off the flowers. ... If you do let your plants bloom, cut back to below the start of the bloom stalks once they fade to encourage fresh growth.

How do you know when Sage is ready to harvest?

When Should I Harvest Sage? Sage harvesting can be done at almost any time, but you'll get the best flavor when you pick leaves before the plant blooms. You can extend harvesting by picking off flowers as the buds develop, but it is also possible to harvest as the plants are blooming and after.

What can you not plant near Sage?

5 Plants to Avoid Growing With Sage

Cucumbers: Sage and other aromatic herbs can stunt cucumbers' growth (oregano is the exception). ...
Alliums: Onions, leeks, garlic, shallots, and chives prefer moist soil, which won't work for sage.

Does sage spread in the garden?

Sage grows to about 2 – 3 feet tall and has a spread of about 18 – 24 inches wide. It does well planted as a low background herb plant in a border with other herbs and also in its own bed.

Can sage grow in shade?

SAGE - Plant sage in full sun; sage will tolerate partial shade but the flavor of leaves will be diminished. Grow sage in well-drained soil. Sandy loam is best but sage will grow in nearly poor soil as well.

Why do my sage plants keep dying?

The reason for sage plants wilting or drooping can be because of over watering, fungal disease, too much fertilizer or under watering. Sage is a drought resistant plant and sensitive to too much moisture around the roots so over watering is the most common cause of a sage plant wilting.

How long do sage plants live?

Many experts suggest retiring a sage plant after four to five years. The leaves supposedly lose their fresh flavor and develop a “woody” taste.

What are the side effects of Sage?

If consumed in excess, sage can trigger potentially serious side effects, including restlessness, vomiting, dizziness, rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures, and kidney damage. Sage essential oil is especially toxic, causing adverse symptoms with as few as 12 drops.