Guide to growing Sage - Salvia
The leaves of sage can be harvested at any time, but if you are planning to dry them then harvest sage leaves before flowering has occurred. Salvia blooms from the summer through autumn and has lipped tubular flowers; these can be of many colours including red, purple, yellow and white.
How to grow Sage
When growing Sage from seed it is very important to sow from fresh seed. If growing indoors first then it is necessary to first refrigerate the sage seeds for three weeks (within moist soil; in a plastic bag). The sage seeds should then be sown on the surface of vermiculite and watered from beneath. Germination of Sage should take from about one to three weeks at 18 to 24 degrees centigrade. Sage should be transplanted outdoors following the last frost.
If starting to grow Sage outdoors from the off then sow the seed at the end of February, or in autumn for biennial Salvia members. Sage prefers a sunny area of the garden to grow in, but may require afternoon shade in very warm areas. The soil that Sage and other Salvia grows in should be rich and moist. Ideally the Ph will be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.8 to 7.0). Salvia should be spaced at about 15cm (small varieties) to 60cm (large Salvia plants).
Caring for Sage in the herb garden
Once established pinch back the tips of young Sage plants when they reach about 16cm; this will encourage more branching and a bigger harvest. Once Sage has flowered dead head them. Sage likes moist soil so it is important to water them regularly. If you are growing perennial Salvia then cut them back in the autumn to about 5cm in height, and divide them every four years to maintain vigour.