Sages in Glaschoil

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 Glaschoil · last frost ≈ 10 Jun

Sow April to July, plant out June to July, harvest August to September. Frost risk August to June.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Sage

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    26 Apr to 11 Jul

    Sow seeds thinly around 26th April - 11th July 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

    24 Jun to 8 Jul

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin or prick them out from 24th June into small pots. Keep the strongest plants and move them on gently so they don't get checked.

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    18 Jun to 2 Jul

    From 18th June, 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

    24 Jun to 11 Jul

    Set plants in their final position from 24th June 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

    22 Jul to 17 Aug every 4 weeks

    From 22nd July, pinch out soft growing tips regularly to keep the plant bushy and to delay flowering. Stop pinching by 17th August so the plant hardens off before colder weather arrives, and never cut hard into old bare wood.

  6. 06

    Harvest Leaves

    17 Aug to 20 Sept every 3 weeks

    Pick a few leaves from 17th August once plants are well rooted, then keep harvesting little and often through 20th September. 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.