Common Sage

Lamiaceae

Velvety gray-green aromatic shrub, 18-30 inches tall. Gets extremely leggy without regular pruning. Short-lived perennial — replace every 3-5 years as plants become unproductively woody. Colored cultivars (Purple, Tricolor) are less hardy (zone 6+). Mediterranean native needing good drainage. Essential for poultry seasoning, sausage, and Thanksgiving stuffing.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

75–90 days

Sun

6+ hours

6+ hours full sun

Spacing

18–24 "

Container

Yes

3+ gallon pot

Height

1.5–2.5 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 10–21 days

Optimal Temp 70°F

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "

Needs Moderate

Soil

pH Range 6–7

Soil Type Well-drained, medium to dry

Resilience

Heat: Moderate Cold: Moderate-high Drought: High

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Light feeder

Harvest

Mature velvety leaves. Peak flavor just before flowering.

Sources

university Wisconsin Horticulture — Sage university NC State Extension — Salvia officinalis

More Herbs

Common Sage Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Common Sage vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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