Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Broadleaf Sage is a perennial plant that with aromatic foliage that will attract pollinators such as butterflies & bees. Sage is very easy to grow and tolerates drought, frost, and most soil conditions and climates. This is herbaceous plant Is great for container growing, herb or rock gardens, and wildflower patches. Broadleaf Sage will develop into a short, stocky plant with a sturdy, woody stem. This plant is perennial meaning it will continue to come back and each year the shrub will continue to grow larger and slowly spread horizontally through rhizome branches. This plant is also very useful in repelling cabbage moths, protecting other crops from predator insects. Broadleaf Sage’s silvery-green foliage is commonly used dried as a spice in cooking; the leaves have a mild peppery-minty aroma and flavor that pairs well with savory dishes like Italian sausage, stuffing, pasta, poultry, and stews.
NAME: Sage (Salvia officinalis)
VARIETY: Broadleaf
DAYS TO MATURITY: 70 – 80 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Perennial
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 4 – 9
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Partial Sun
SOIL: Loam/sandy soil with a pH 6.5 – 7.2
PLANT HEIGHT: 18 – 24 inches
SPACING: 12 – 18 inches
TEMP: 50 – 95ºF
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Start Broadleaf Sage indoors 6 weeks before your last local spring frost.
Sow seeds into cell trays 1/4 inch deep, keeping the soil temperatures around 65-70ºF.
Germination should occur in 14-21 days.
Once germination occurs, thin seedlings to one seedling per cell.
Before transplanting outdoors, harden off seedlings for several days. Do this by taking them outside during the day and bringing them in at night (Outside temps should be above 50°F when you start this process).
Transplant seedlings into your garden beds or permanent pots once all threat of frost has passed.
Space the plants 12-18 inches apart.
While it’s not recommended to start Broadleaf Sage seeds outdoors due to slower germination in fluctuating temperatures, it can be done if necessary.
Choose a well-draining location with full sun to partial shade.
Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of about 6-8 inches and removing any debris.
Sow seeds thinly on the soil surface and cover lightly with a thin layer of soil.
Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 21-28 days.
To prevent mold formation, avoid planting seeds outdoors if temperatures fluctuate significantly.
Germination rates tend to be lower with this seed.
Water young seedlings regularly until established, then make sure not to overwater as this can cause root rot.
Prune the plants once in the Spring to encourage new growth and once in the fall to remove decaying foliage prior to snowfall and frost.
It is recommended to let Sage grow for an entire year and then begin harvest the second year to properly establish a healthy plant.
Harvest any time before the plant flowers for best flavor and potency; leaves begin to lose flavor after flowering or after a frost.
Sage is best hung & dried before using & storing; once properly dried & stored, your sage can last for one year or more.
Store your dried sage leaves in a cool, dry place in an air tight container; you can store dried leaves whole or grind them in a blender or spice grinder first.
