Sage Salvia officinalis

Water

When you do water your sage plant, water it deeply so that the water reaches the roots. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to prevent overwatering.

In general, sage prefers drier soil conditions and does not need to be watered frequently. During the growing season, water once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. During the winter months, water sparingly, as the plant goes dormant.

Watch for signs of overwatering: Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and can lead to the death of the plant. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, wilting, and a musty smell.

Light

Common Sage prefers full sun to partial shade and should be grown in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In indoor environments, place the plant near a sunny window or under grow lights.

Temperature

Common Sage is a hardy perennial plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C) and as high as 90°F (32°C). However, it prefers temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C) and may not grow as well in extreme heat or cold.

Pruning

Pruning helps to keep sage plants compact and bushy and can also promote better flavor. Here are some tips on how to prune your sage plant: Prune in the spring: Prune your sage plant in the spring, just as new growth begins to emerge. This will help to promote bushy growth and prevent leggy growth. Remove woody stems: Remove any woody stems that have become too thick and woody. This will help to encourage new growth and promote better flavor. Cut back by 1/3: Cut back the entire plant by about 1/3 of its height to encourage bushy growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Common Sage prefers soil that is well-drained and not too rich in nutrients. A mixture of sand, loam, and perlite or vermiculite works well for growing sage. The soil pH for Common Sage should be between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral.

Repotting

Sage plants can be grown in containers, but they do not require frequent repotting. Repotting should be done every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its container. When repotting, choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one and fill it with well-draining soil.

Humidity & Misting

Sage plants do not require high humidity and can tolerate dry conditions.

However, if the air in your home is very dry, you can increase the humidity around your plant by placing a tray of water near it or using a humidifier. Keep in mind that too much moisture can lead to fungal diseases, so be careful not to overwater.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  All year round

• Outdoor

  Can grow all year round in the right climate

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) begins with seed germination, followed by vegetative growth, flowering, and seed production. Here are the stages of life for Common Sage, along with the months of planting, flowering, and harvest:

Seed Germination: Common Sage can be grown from seeds, which should be planted in early spring (March-April). The seeds can take 2-3 weeks to germinate, and they should be kept moist and warm (70-75°F) during this time.

Vegetative Growth: After the seeds have germinated, the young sage plants will begin to grow leaves and establish their root systems. During this stage, it is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Sage plants grow slowly during the first year and may not flower until their second year of growth.

Flowering: Common Sage typically flowers in late spring or early summer (May-June), producing spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers. During this time, it is important to keep the soil moist and to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Bees and other pollinators are attracted to sage flowers and can help to increase seed production.

Seed Production: After the flowers have faded, Common Sage will produce seed heads that can be harvested in late summer or early fall (August-September). The seed heads should be allowed to dry on the plant before harvesting, and the seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place for future planting.

Harvesting Leaves: The leaves of Common Sage can be harvested throughout the growing season, but the best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried. The leaves should be harvested before the plant flowers for the best flavor. Sage leaves can be used fresh or dried for later use, and they can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring - summer

• Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division. Here are the months of propagation for each method:
  
  Propagation by seeds: Common Sage seeds can be sown indoors in early spring (March-April) or directly in the garden in late spring (May-June) once the soil has warmed up. The seeds can take 2-3 weeks to germinate, and they should be kept moist and warm (70-75°F) during this time.
  
  Propagation by cuttings: Sage cuttings can be taken from new growth in late spring or early summer (May-June) or in early fall (September-October). Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil and keep them moist and in a warm, bright location until they have rooted.
  
  Propagation by division: Common Sage can also be propagated by dividing an established plant in early spring (March-April) or early fall (September-October). Dig up the plant and separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with a portion of the crown and some roots attached. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil and keep them moist until they become established.

Pests

Spider mite, Whitefly, Aphid, Caterpillar

Diseases

Root Rot, Powdery mildew, Leaf spot, Rust