Common Sage: How to Grow This Evergreen Mediterranean Herb
Herbs

Common Sage: How to Grow This Evergreen Mediterranean Herb

Salvia officinalis

Growing common sage: evergreen perennial herb with fragrant grey-green leaves. Full sun, well-drained soil, perfect in herb gardens, pots and borders.

Characteristics

Scientific nameSalvia officinalis
Height40-70 cm
Sunlightpieno sole
Waterbassa
Soildrenante calcareo
Toxicitynon tossica
Growthmedia
Temperature-12 a 32 °C
FloweringMay, Jun, Jul
IrrigationWater only when the soil is dry, every 7-10 days in summer; pot-grown plants more often but always moderately.

Common sage (Salvia officinalis) is an evergreen perennial herb with velvety fragrant grey-green leaves and small purple-blue flowers in late spring. Grow it in full sun on chalky, well-drained soil — perfect in herb gardens, pots and borders. It tolerates drought and frost down to -12 °C.

Flowering season

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Practical tips

Watering

Water needs: bassa — always check soil moisture before watering.

Position

Prefers pieno sole: provide the right light and rotate the plant for even growth.

Substrate

Recommended soil: drenante calcareo. Refresh the substrate every 1-2 years.

Leaves

Dust the leaves with a damp cloth to support photosynthesis.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season (spring-summer) and stop in winter.

FAQ

How do I prune sage to keep it compact?
Prune in late winter (March), cutting stems back by one third just above a pair of new leaves. A light trim after flowering prevents the centre of the plant from becoming woody and leggy.
Can sage be grown in pots?
Yes, very well: use a 25-30 cm pot with drainage hole, sandy compost and a full sun position. Water sparingly and let the soil dry between waterings to prevent root rot.

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