Woody perennial hardy to zones 5 to 9. May be grown as an annual, 80 days to harvest.
(Garden Sage, Official Sage, Common Sage) Native to Germany, through southern Europe to the northern Mediterranean rim. Flowers violet-blue to a height of 3 feet. This plant is simply a must for any traditional herb garden. Visitors will run their hands over the soft, grey-green leaves to release the essential oils. An indispensable spice. Plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seed in a flat in the greenhouse for best results. Barely cover seed with soil, tamp securely and keep evenly moist and warm until germination. Individuate and pot up fast-growing seedlings after they attain 2 sets of true leaves. You can transplant out to the garden and even in the first year have dried sage leaves in time to make dressing for the inevitable thanksgiving turkey or tofurkey. Average germ time 10 days. If grown in the full sun and with plenty of shoulder room, and properly trimmed back in the fall of each year, the plant can attain rather gigantic dimensions, lozenge-shaped, up to 6 feet across, it can be done! Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart.
