How to Grow Sage

A gorgeous aroma and flowers to boot, sage is the perfect garden companion. The flowers help attract bees to the garden and can even be tossed into salads for a splash of colour. Don't forget its traditional uses, too – flavouring pork or poultry dishes, adding to stuffing or mixed into egg dishes. It's certainly a herb worth growing in your garden or balcony!

Full sun

Regular watering

Well drained

All climatic zones

8- 12 weeks

Spring

How to grow sage in a garden

Step 1

Choose a spot in your garden that sits mostly in full sun with well-drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Sow seeds, cover lightly with Yates Seed Raising Mix and water well.

Step 3

Once seedlings appear, feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food.

Step 4

Water when the soil is dry and harvest regularly by picking the leaves. Pinch the flowers to encourage more leafy growth.

How to grow sage in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 300mm wide and position in full sun. Fill pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 2

Sow seeds, cover lightly with Yates Seed Raising Mix and water well.

Step 3

Once seedlings appear, feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food.

Step 4

Water when the soil is dry and harvest regularly by picking the leaves. Remove the flowers to encourage more leafy growth.

Step 5

Harvest regularly by picking the leaves. Sow seeds every few weeks to extend your harvest window.

Yates varieties

Growing tips

Grow as a border around vegetables to attract bees and repel insect pests.
Sage is pretty tough once established and can tolerate dry conditions. Although, a good deep drink during summer will help keep the plant looking fresh.
Remove or 'pinch' blooms to encourage more leafy growth. However, the flowers are beautiful and if you choose to let it flower, lightly prune after flowering. Do not cut back to the woody stems.
Replace every 3-4 years, once the plant becomes sparse and woody.