Sage

Salvia officinalis

Description

Sage is a very popular herb grown throughout Illinois. It is a shrubby perennial that may reach 18–24 inches tall, with a sprawling growth habit. Common sage has gray-green, wooly leaves. There are several cultivars: ‘Tricolor’ has white and purple marbled leaves with pink margins, ‘Icterina’ has variegated gold and green leaves, and ‘Purpurascens" has purple foliage. Lilac blue flowers appear in early to midsummer, typically the second year.

How to Grow

Sage can be grown from seed, stem cuttings or crown division. Divided plants may take a long time to recover. Plant sage in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Root rot can be a problem in heavy, wet soils. Space plants 15–18 inches apart.

Harvesting

Leaves can be harvested before blooming begins. Or cut stems 6–8 inches long and allow to dry.