sage common
common sage or Salvia officinalis
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- Seed Packets (only) £2.95
This herb dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average to fast ,/li>
- Flowering period: May to July
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
The handsome and highly aromatic leaves of this decorative perennial can be used to enhance the flavour of savoury dishes - and will make sublime stuffings. The lilac-bue flowers are edible too and can be used dress salads or icy drinks. Decorative as well as practical, it makes a handsome addition to the front of the border (or a pot), where the flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects.
To encourage a plentiful supply of young foliage gather the leaves regularly and prune lightly in July after flowering. The leaves can be picked and used fresh, or dried for use in winter. If drying them, try to pick them before the plants start to flower to make sure they retain their flavour.
Surface-sow under glass from mid- to late spring, or wait until after all the worst frosts have passed and sow in a sunny spot outside into well-prepared, freely draining soil. Those grown in pots can be potted on when they are large enough to handle and gradually acclimatised before planting out at 45cm intervals after all risk of frost has passed.
Sow: March to May