Sage Salvia officinalis is an attractive perennial herb of the mint family, cultivated for both herbal and medicinal purposes. The leaves are used fresh or dried and do have extensive culinary uses and beneficial properties. e.g. used in salads, marinades, stuffing and stews. it is fabulous for poultry stuffings, chicken soup, fish, meat and can be dried for use in teas. Sage is an attractive plant in the garden and will enchant pollinators. Always consult a qualified herbal practitioner before using this plant medicinally or a qualified aromatherapist if using its essential oil, especially if pregnant.
Scientific Name: Salvia officinalis
Plant Life Cycle: hardy perennial
Optimal Germination Temperature: 16-21C
Germination time in days: 14-60 Days
Indicative Days to maturity: 60-300
Sunlight: Full sun or partial shade
Soil requirement: compost-rich, well-drained soil
Sowing and cultivation: Sow directly outdoors after last chance of frost has passed from May to August into well prepared soil in a sunny spot when temperatures reach around 16-18C. Sow seeds thinly into drills 1 cm deep and 38 cm apart. Space plants by 45 to 90 cm.