Sage
salvia officinalis
Also known as: ["Garden Sage","Common Sage","Kitchen Sage"]
Overview
A perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, known for its aromatic leaves and culinary uses.
Benefits & Perks
["culinary herb","medicinal use","fragrant flowers","deer resistant","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Salvia |
| Botanical Name: | Salvia officinalis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: raised garden bed or container in a sunny, sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; heavy pruning in early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy; can be cut back by one-third to one-half in spring for rejuvenation.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for intense summer heat by providing partial afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from scorching by providing shade during peak heat; place in a spot with consistent light exposure.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light indoors; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.0–7.5).
Use raised beds for better drainage; avoid overwatering; amend soil with organic matter for nutrients.
Temperature
Ideal range 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but thrives in moderate warmth; avoid extreme heat or cold drafts.
Protect from frost; avoid placing near drafty windows or heat vents; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing before winter dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings; division of established clumps can also be effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing but not under stress.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix (e.g., perlite and peat moss) or sandy soil.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; plants may be ready to transplant in 8–12 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; ensure good drainage to prevent rot.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; cut stems just above a leaf node or bud; remove crossing or crowded stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and improve air circulation; remove dead or diseased growth to promote health.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dry weather; remove dead/diseased growth; shape the plant evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; Salvia prefers being slightly root-bound but benefits from fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges; flowering may be reduced in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or dieback; prolonged cold can lead to root damage or death.
Solution: Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; provide a layer of mulch for ground-grown plants; avoid watering excessively in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced flowering, or leaf drop; may cease growth in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSage is considered slightly toxic to cats when consumed in large quantities. The thujone content can lead to mild gastrointestinal or neurological effects in cats, which are more sensitive to certain plant compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicSage can be slightly toxic to dogs if ingested in large amounts. The thujone content may cause mild gastrointestinal upset or neurological symptoms in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicSalvia officinalis, commonly known as sage, is generally considered non-toxic to humans when consumed in culinary amounts. However, excessive ingestion may lead to physiological effects due to its active compounds, such as thujone, which can be neurotoxic in high doses.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is sage safe for pets?
A: Yes, sage is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should sage be watered?
A: Sage prefers dry to medium moisture and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Q: Can sage be grown indoors?
A: Yes, sage can be grown indoors with adequate sunlight and proper drainage.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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