How to Grow Sage

Beginner-Friendly

Salvia officinalis

A woody perennial herb with velvety grey-green leaves. Drought-tolerant once established. Attractive to pollinators when flowering.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
75–90 days
typical
Per Square Foot
1
Plant Spacing
46 cm / 18"
Sun
6+ hours
Water
0.5" / 13 mm
Fertilization
light feeder

Growing Notes

Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost, or transplant nursery starts. Perennial in zones 4–8. Prune to prevent woodiness.

Varieties & Cultivars

5 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

Compact habit

(1)
Berggarten
Open-Pollinated

rarely flowers; excellent culinary flavour

Height
12–18" (30–46 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
4–8
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
3 years

Sage

(1)
Iceland
60–90 days Open-Pollinated

mild flavour; vigorous grower; good for cooking and drying

Height
12–18" (30–46 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
4–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

Sage with golden-yellow foliage

(1)
Goldene
60–90 days Open-Pollinated

compact habit; attractive colour contrast

Height
12–18" (30–46 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (12 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
4–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

Salvia officinalis

(1)
Common
Open-Pollinated

pale blue flowers; standard culinary sage

Height
18–24" (45–60 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
4–8
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

Salvia officinalis Purpurascens

(1)
Purple
Open-Pollinated

slightly milder flavour; ornamental

Height
12–18" (30–46 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
5–8
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside sage, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Cabbage : Sage repels cabbage moths
Cauliflower : Sage repels cabbage moths from cauliflower
Brussels Sprouts : Sage repels cabbage moths and flea beetles
Kale : Sage repels cabbage moths from kale
Strawberry : Sage deters slugs and may reduce powdery mildew
Broccoli : Sage repels cabbage moths from brassicas
Tomato : Sage deters flea beetles from tomatoes
Lavender : Sage and lavender share growing conditions and both deter garden pests
Carrot : Sage repels carrot rust fly

Keep Apart

Cucumber : Sage can inhibit cucumber growth

Square Foot Spacing

1 per sq ft

12" apart (entire square)

View full spacing chart →

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