Herbs & Spices· Salvia officinalis
Sage Growing Guide
Woody perennial herb with velvety gray-green leaves and a distinctive savory flavor. Major culinary herb also used in traditional medicine and essential oil production.
How Long Does Sage Take to Grow?
Sage is typically ready to harvest about 75 days after planting.
Growing Conditions
Soil Requirements
Soil Type & pH
Best soil types: sandy loam, loam, calcareous
pH range: 5 - 6.5 (optimal: 5.8)
Drainage: excellent
Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)
Planting Guide
Yield & Economics
Common Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
- slugs
- spider mites
- whiteflies
Common Diseases
- root rot
- powdery mildew
- wilt
Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.
Growing Tips
Sage plants become woody and less productive after 4-5 years; propagate new plants from softwood cuttings in spring for replacement.
Harvest leaves just before flowering; morning harvest after dew evaporates yields the most aromatic leaves.
Well-drained soil is essential; sage roots rot quickly in wet, heavy soils especially during winter dormancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Sage take to grow?
Sage typically takes 75 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 14 days. The best planting season is spring.
What soil does Sage need?
Sage grows best in sandy loam, loam, calcareous soil with a pH of 5-6.5. Excellent drainage is required.
What temperature does Sage need?
Sage grows best at 15-28°C. Frost tolerance: moderate. Heat tolerance: moderate.
What is the expected yield for Sage?
Across 3 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Sage range from 1,500 to 2,000 kg dried leaves/hectare, with a median of 2,000. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management. Multiple harvests per year are possible (2).
Key Agronomy Terms
Core farming concepts, explained in plain language.
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