When to plant Sage in the UK

Sow seeds thinly around early March to late 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.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out from late March into small pots. Keep the strongest plants and handle them gently to avoid damaging the roots.

From early 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.

Set plants in their final position from mid-May in full sun and very free-draining soil, spacing them 45 cm apart. Water in thoroughly straight after planting, then allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as sage dislikes wet roots.

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

Pick a few leaves from early June once plants are well rooted, then keep harvesting little and often through mid-August. Take tips for the best flavour and leave enough growth for the plant to keep thickening up.