Latin Name: Salvia officinalis
Main Uses: Culinary; Medicinal

Zone Hardiness: Zone 4
Exposure: Full sun
Height: 45 cm (18 inches)
Flower Color: Pink
Flowering Time: Flowers occur on mature plants, typically in mid-summer starting in the second or third season

Certified Organic: USDA Certified Organic

Germination: 14 - 21 days at 21° C.
Sowing: Indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost date. Sow 2 - 3 seeds per cell or plug. For best results, apply Sea Magic™ kelp from the first watering. Apply a seedling-starter fertilizer such as Evolve Seedling once the second set of true leaves has appeared, and then alternate between the kelp and seedling starter until transplant.
Planting depth: Lightly press into the planting medium.
Planting Out: Direct seed 1/4” deep, thin to a final spacing of 18-24” in early June once the soil has warmed and there is no chance of frost. Direct seeding is an easy way to start healthy Garden Sage! Or plant seedlings in well-drained fertile soil (garden or container) once seedlings are established and the risk of frost has passed.

Harvesting: Harvest sage by pruning stem tips, using a sharp pair of scissors. Plants can be harvested regularly during the summer months. Less new growth occurs over winter, but plants can still be harvested - in fact pruning will increase the plant's productivity.

Growing in Containers: Well suited to larger pots (minimum 6-8 inches)

Fertilizing (Containers): Amend potting mix with 25% quality compost; top dress with fresh compost 3 times per year. No additional fertilizing is required unless plants show signs of nutrient deficiency (sluggish growth; yellowing of leaves).

Watering (Containers): Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Growing in Mixed Planters: Well-suited to larger mixed planters.

Fertilizing (Garden): Plant in average garden soil, amended with compost on an annual basis. No additional fertilizing is required.

Watering (Garden): Water young transplants for the first 14 days in the ground. Once established, watering is only required under drought conditions.

Suitability for Indoors: Well-suited to a sunny window. Goes semi-dormant during winter months.

Exposure: Full sun.

What about Grow Lights? Grow lights are not required but will keep plants actively growing during the short daylight hours of winter.

General Indoor Care: Garden Sage thrives in lots of light. During the winter, it requires cool conditions, especially at night. A bay window, cooler sun room, foyer, attic, or cooler kitchen window are all ideal. As plants go into semi-dormancy in winter, they will thin out. Pinching stem tips keeps plants as full as possible. All indoor plants benefit from regular rinsing under fast-flowing fresh water, which keeps dust and pests off the leaves.

Indoor Container Suggestions: 6-8" pots with drainage holes.

Winter Fertilizing: Amend pots with up to 25% compost when transplanting to bring indoors. Top-dress pots 3 times per year (at least once over winter - January is good). No additional fertilizer is typically required.

Winter Watering: Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.