Salvia officinalis – Broad Leaf

Growing Temp 60°F – 70°F
Days to Maturity 75-85 days

Fragrant, hardy, and flavorful: Broad Leaf Sage is a classic culinary herb with soft, gray-green leaves and a strong, earthy aroma. It’s easy to grow, especially in warm, sunny spots with well-draining soil. Known for its resilience, this perennial herb enhances meat dishes, stuffings, and herbal teas, and also attracts pollinators to the garden.

Direct Sowing: Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost when soil has warmed. Plant seeds 1/8 inch deep, spaced 12–18 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart. Sage prefers full sun and light, well-draining soil. Germination can take 10–21 days, so keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Thin seedlings to allow airflow and prevent mildew.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost using seed trays filled with a light seed-starting mix. Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep and keep them at 65–70°F for steady germination. Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and outdoor temperatures are stable, harden them off and transplant with 12–18 inches spacing.

Harvesting: Sage leaves can be harvested once the plant is well-established, usually around 75–85 days. Pick leaves in the morning after dew dries but before the sun gets too strong. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth. For best flavor, harvest before flowering, and dry or freeze leaves for long-term storage.