Sages in Gadlys

Salvia officinalis

Sage
Sage · Salvia officinalis

A hardy, woody herb for a sunny, free-draining spot. In the UK it grows well in the ground or a pot, and benefits from regular tip pruning to keep it compact and leafy.

60 cm · Full Sun · Low Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Gadlys · last frost ≈ 27 Apr

Sow March to May, plant out May, harvest July to December. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYes

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Sage

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    13 Mar to 28 May

    Sow seeds thinly around 13th March - 28th May on the surface of fine seed compost, then cover with a very light dusting of compost or vermiculite. Keep the tray in a warm, bright place and just moist until germination.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    11 May to 25 May

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin or prick them out from 11th May into small pots. Keep the strongest plants and move them on gently so they don't get checked.

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    5 May to 19 May

    From 5th May, move plants outside for a few hours each day over about 10 days. Keep them sheltered and bring them in if cold nights are forecast.

  4. 04

    Plant Out

    11 May to 28 May

    Set plants in their final position from 11th May in full sun and very free-draining soil, spacing them apart. Water in thoroughly straight after planting, then keep the crown on the dry side.

  5. 05

    Pinch Tips

    4 Jul to 2 Oct every 4 weeks

    From 4th July, pinch out soft growing tips regularly to keep the plant bushy and to delay flowering. Stop pinching by 2nd October so the plant hardens off before colder weather arrives, and never cut hard into old bare wood.

  6. 06

    Harvest Leaves

    4 Jul to 1 Dec every 3 weeks

    Pick a few leaves from 4th July once plants are well rooted, then keep harvesting little and often through 1st December. Take tips for the best flavour and leave enough growth for the plant to keep thickening up.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Sage.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Sage to consider

Purpurascens

Purple-flushed foliage with good flavour and a neat habit.

Icterina

Green leaves edged yellow, useful for adding colour to the herb bed.

Berggarten

A broad-leaved, reliable garden sage with strong flavour and good leaf yield.

Sage guides by town

See how Sage timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.