Sage in Little Garve

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 Little Garve · last frost ≈ 31 May

Sow May to June, plant out June to July, harvest September to November. Frost risk September to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Sage

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    31 May to 28 Jun

    Sow seeds thinly around 31st May - 28th June 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

    5 Jul to 19 Jul

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin or prick them out from 5th July into small pots. Keep the strongest plants and move them on gently so they don't get checked.

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    8 Jun to 22 Jun

    From 8th 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

    14 Jun to 1 Jul

    Set plants in their final position from 14th 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

    28 Aug to 12 Oct every 4 weeks

    From 28th August, pinch out soft growing tips regularly to keep the plant bushy and to delay flowering. Stop pinching by 12th October so the plant hardens off before colder weather arrives, and never cut hard into old bare wood.

  6. 06

    Harvest Leaves

    12 Sept to 11 Nov every 3 weeks

    Pick a few leaves from 12th September once plants are well rooted, then keep harvesting little and often through 11th November. 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.