Common Sage (Salvia officinalis)

In short: Sage thrives in sunny, wind-protected spots in clay-sandy soil with enough nitrogen and calcium. Sow seeds directly in March to April at a depth of 1-2 cm in rows 50 cm apart, or plant seedlings in May to June at 45 x 45 cm spacing. Harvest leaves from May to September, just before flowering.

Sage loves clay-sandy soil with a good supply of nitrogen and calcium. It is a heat-loving plant and thrives in sunny positions protected from winds. Its beauty and medicinal properties have made it one of the most popular plants for beds and containers. It blooms abundantly and for a long time, and its softly felted leaves become a jewel of plantings.

If we've sparked your interest in this plant, here are some of the most beautiful varieties suitable for beds. You can grow it from direct sowing of seeds, from pre-grown seedlings, by dividing older clumps, or from rooted cuttings.

Species: Common Sage, Clary Sage, and Meadow Sage.

Growing Sage

The best method is to grow sage by direct sowing of seeds in March to April at a depth of 1-2 cm, in rows 50 cm apart. When pre-growing seedlings, sow seeds in March in a warm hotbed, at a depth of 2 cm. Seedlings with four to six true leaves, about ten centimeters tall, are planted from May to June at a spacing of 45 x 45 cm, preferably in moist soil.

For winter, it's good to mulch the plant with leaves or straw manure. In spring, remove old stems so the plant produces as many leaves as possible.

Harvesting and Drying Sage

From May to September, just before flowering, harvest the leaves or herb, cutting above the 3rd to 4th leaf, with the stem not thicker than 0.5 cm. Spread it in thin layers in airy baskets and turn several times to prevent steaming. Dry it in an airy space or in dryers.

The dried herb has a light green to silvery-grey color, a bitterish astringent, dully spicy to pungent taste and aroma. For home use, dried sage should be stored in well-sealed containers, as essential oils evaporate quickly.

Using Sage as a Medicinal Herb

Common Sage is used for inhalations for respiratory tract inflammations and acute and chronic diseases of the digestive tract, bile ducts, for kidney and urinary stones. It suppresses sweating, reduces mammary gland secretion and blood sugar levels.

Additionally, it's used as a gargle for infectious inflammations of the oral cavity and tonsillitis, for poorly healing wounds, inflammations, eczemas, or as an additive to baths. The herb is used in herbal tea blends.