Sages in New Grimsby

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 New Grimsby · last frost ≈ 19 Feb

Sow January to March, plant out March, harvest April to January. Frost risk December to February.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestYesNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Sage

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    5 Jan to 22 Mar

    Sow seeds thinly around 5th January - 22nd March 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 Mar to 19 Mar

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

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    27 Feb to 13 Mar

    From 27th February, 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

    5 Mar to 22 Mar

    Set plants in their final position from 5th March 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 Apr to 3 Nov every 4 weeks

    From 28th April, pinch out soft growing tips regularly to keep the plant bushy and to delay flowering. Stop pinching by 3rd November so the plant hardens off before colder weather arrives, and never cut hard into old bare wood.

  6. 06

    Harvest Leaves

    28 Apr to 2 Jan every 3 weeks

    Pick a few leaves from 28th April once plants are well rooted, then keep harvesting little and often through 2nd January. 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.