Salvia officinalis (Common Sage) is a perennial herb that is native to regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Sage is easy to grow in warmer climates and is drought tolerant, a delicious culinary herb, a beautiful ornamental and a widely used medicinal plant. The beautiful purple flowers are extended bloomers and are very attractive to bees and butterflies.
Suitable for Warm Temperate, Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Salvia officinalis is known as many common names such as Garden Sage, Kitchen Sage, Golden Sage, Small Leaf Sage and Dalmatian Sage.
To learn more about Sacred White Sage click here or to view our full range of herbs click here.
Growth
Salvia officinalis is an evergreen perennial that grows to the compact size of around 60cm (24 inches) high by 80cm (32 inches) but varies depending on the soil and climate. Common Sage prefers a location that provides at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day and like many herbs can be damaged by frost or temperatures below 5°C / 41°F.
In temperate climates, Sage is often grown in pots so that the plants can be moved during cold snaps or winter. Good soil drainage and a mulching the soil surface are extra strategies to limit any permanent damage.
Common Sage leaves are oblong and grow to 65mm (21⁄2 inches) in length and are greyish-green on top and almost white underneath due to many short soft hairs. The flowers arrive in Spring and can last until Autumn and are generally purple but can sometimes be white or pink.
As a companion plant, Sage works well to repel pests that like to eat carrots and cabbages so are handy to grow nearby. When growing from seed, Sage can begin tolerating a light harvest from around 80-90 days.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5-35°C / 41-95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist soil that is well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 60cm (24 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 80cm (32 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees, Butterflies and Hummingbirds.
MATURITY:
80-90 days
GERMINATION RATES:
65-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-21 days at temperatures between 22-27°C / 72-80°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 150
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT SALVIA OFFICINALIS (Common Sage)
Salvia officinalis has been grown for centuries for its food flavouring and medicinal properties. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 and is recorded among French and English recipes written throughout the 14th and 15th centuries.
In Britain, Sage has been listed as one of the essential herbs along with parsley, rosemary and thyme which were all part of the folk song, Scarborough Fair. It is also traditionally served with onion to make a stuffing to accompany roast turkeys and chickens on Thanksgiving Day in the United States.
Closely related to Rosemary, Sage has been used medicinally to help with digestion, brain function, toothaches, respiratory issues, gum infections, insect bites and with a loss of appetite.
For more information regarding the medicinal benefits of Sage click here.
