Broad Leaved Sage Seeds
Broad Leaved Sage is a drought-resistant, shrubby perennial that can reach up to 24 inches tall with broad silvery leaves. Sage has great mosquito-repelling properties and is well suited for container growing or for garden borders. Fresh or dried sage leaves are useful for a variety of medicinal purposes, for making a soothing tea, or to use in the kitchen as a great, versatile culinary herb.
– Latin Name: Salvia officinalis
– Life Cycle: Perrenial
– Canada Hardiness Zone: 6-9
– Days to Maturity: 65-70
– Planting Depth: 5 mm
– Plant Spacing: 45-60 cm
– Growth Habit: 30-60 cm tall
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
Sage is an extremely hardy herb that is iconic for both its culinary and medicinal uses. Seeds can be started indoors up to 8 weeks before the last frost or any time outside after the last frost has passed. Plant seeds shallowly at 5 mm. When the soil has warmed up, transplant seedlings 50 cm apart in rows with 60 cm in between.
Choose a site that consists of well-drained soil and receives full sun in order to get the best growth and the strongest flavour from the leaves. Sage will grow well with chives, cabbage, carrots and tomatoes. It may do a good job of repelling cabbage worms and maggot flies. Keep sage away from cucumbers and onions, as it may stunt growth and have other negative effects on these crops.
Sage should be watered evenly while getting established, but keep it on the dryer side as a full grown plant. Damp soil can easily kill the herb and its flavour will benefit from a lack of water. Always keep the foliage dry to prevent mildew from forming.
It will take 75-80 days for sage to reach maturity. At this time, cut individual leaves as needed for the remainder of the season. Drying leaves for preservation will intensify their flavour. Sage can be moved to a sheltered location or heavily mulched to help survive cold winters.
QUICK FACTS
– Sage was a popular symbol of wisdom in Ancient Greece, considered the plant of wisdom and knowledge.
– Since the 1700s, the term sage has been used to refer to experts in many fields, including philosophy, art, journalism, and writing.
– Sage seeds will remain viable for 3 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.
