How to Grow Sage

A cool-season herb for the home garden across the warmer US.

Sage is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Sage is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the sage page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Garden Sage, Common culinary sage (garden centers)
• Berggarten, Compact, broad-leaved (garden centers)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 50 cm (20 in) between plants.
• Sowing: barely cover the seed.
• Water: roughly 3 L per plant every 4 days in hot weather.
• Containers: grows well in a pot of 20cm+.

Pests & problems

Watch for Spider mite and Slugs. In humid regions, Powdery mildew can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Sage is usually ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant sage where you garden.

See also: Sage in the plant library →

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