How to Grow Sage

Sage is an easy herb to grow at home. It is an excellent choice for new herb gardeners in zones 4 to 8. Dried sage leaves make excellent wreaths and fresh or dried sage can also be used to flavor breads, meats, vegetables, cheeses and casseroles. It also makes a wonderful flavoring for cooking oil.

Sage is a perennial plant that comes back every year. It grows to a height of 3 feet and has purple, pink, blue or white flowers depending on the cultivar.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Where to Grow Sage
   
   Sage grows well in zones 4 to 8. Plant sage in an area with full sun and allow 2 feet between plants, giving them plenty of room to spread.

2. When to Grow Sage Plants
   
   Plants can be directly planted in the garden on the last spring frost date. To find the last spring frost date in your area, see the resource section below.

3. When to Grow Sage Seeds
   
   If you wish to grow sage from seed, the seeds will need to be frozen before germinating them. To start seeds indoors, freeze the seeds three days prior to planting them. Then germinate them in a dark place 8 weeks prior to the first frost date. To start seeds outdoors, plant the prefrozen seeds outside one to two weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.

Resources

• Spring Frost Zone Map