Sage officinalis

Common Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Common sage is a perennial semi-shrubby plant with a strong aroma. It grows to a height of 20 to 70 cm and flowers in June and July with purple flowers. The stalked, oblong leaves are silvery-grey to green; young plants have grey, felted leaves.

Use

The dried leaves are made into a slightly bitter spice for sauces and stuffings, and also suit flavouring cheeses. The flowering herb is also used, as well as an ingredient in tea blends. In the garden it belongs above all in Mediterranean-style plantings and combines well with lavender and rosemary. The flowers are rich in nectar and attract bees and butterflies.

How to grow

• It needs a sunny position and fertile, well-drained soil; a chalky soil suits it.
• Water regularly, but only once the substrate has dried out; waterlogging harms the plant.
• Sow the seeds from February to March in a cold frame or on a windowsill, or from May to October directly in position.
• For winter we recommend covering with evergreen branches.