Sage in Kingsbrook

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 Kingsbrook · last frost ≈ 2 May

Sow May, plant out May to June, harvest August to October. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Sage

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    2 May to 30 May

    Sow seeds thinly around 2nd May - 30th 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

    6 Jun to 20 Jun

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin or prick them out from 6th June into small pots. Keep the strongest plants and move them on gently so they don't get checked.

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    10 May to 24 May

    From 10th 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

    16 May to 2 Jun

    Set plants in their final position from 16th 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

    30 Jul to 13 Sept every 4 weeks

    From 30th July, pinch out soft growing tips regularly to keep the plant bushy and to delay flowering. Stop pinching by 13th September so the plant hardens off before colder weather arrives, and never cut hard into old bare wood.

  6. 06

    Harvest Leaves

    14 Aug to 13 Oct every 3 weeks

    Pick a few leaves from 14th August once plants are well rooted, then keep harvesting little and often through 13th October. 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.