Broad Leaf Sage Seeds

This culinary broad leaf sage has edible leaves and flowers. Its fragrant leaves are commonly used to flavor dishes while flowers attract birds, bees, and butterflies to your garden. The aromatic leaves and attractive purple-blue spiked flowers of sage enhance fresh and dried floral arrangements, too!

This culinary broad leaf sage has edible leaves and flowers. Its fragrant leaves are commonly used to flavor dishes while flowers attract birds, bees, and butterflies to your garden. The aromatic leaves and attractive purple-blue spiked flowers of sage enhance fresh and dried floral arrangements, too!

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Southern California growers may grow sage year-round in frost-free areas.

Zones 2-8

• Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
• Established plants should be mulched during the winter months for protection from the cold.

Planting Sage Seeds

• Sage is best transplanted out into the garden. Sprinkle seeds on the top of moist high-quality seed starting soil and cover with ¼” of finely sifted soil. Seeds must remain moist to germinate evenly and quickly.
• Plants can be transplanted into individual containers once the seedlings have four true leaves.
• Once the seedlings have germinated and have a first set of true leaves be sure to fertilize regularly with an organic liquid fertilizer.
• Plant your transplants out in the garden when they are 4-5″ tall.Space at least 6–12″ apart.
• If you are direct sowing the seeds (not recommended), make sure you sow them in debris-free, well-worked soil that has been deeply watered. Sage thrives in full sun locations but can grow in partial shade. Good drainage is essential. Follow the same directions as above.

Growing Sage

• Keep your plants weed-free by pulling any weeds that may compete with your crop.

Growing Sage in Containers

• Sage is an excellent container crop. Make sure your container is at least 10″ deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture.
• During hot, dry months move your container into an area of part shade.

Harvesting Sage

• The key to happy sage is to use it! Harvest individual leaves by cutting about 6″ above the base of the plant. For best flavor, harvest just before the plant forms flowers. Established plants can be cut back several times during the growing season.

Southern California Pro-tips

• In areas of Zones 9 and 10, sage is a very easy crop that will give you delicious foliage well into the fall and beyond.
• Cut back prior to flowering (harvest) for repeated foliage.
• Mulch heavily around your sage plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or heat up too much. Compost added to the soil at the time of planting will help retain moisture in the soil during hot, dry weather.
• Sage does best in full sun. During our hottest months of August, September, and October, plants can suffer from the heat. Using shade cloth can help protect the plants from extreme heat.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Sage is an herb that is also very ornamental when it goes to flower. Interplanting sage with your flowers is a great way to utilize space and create a beautiful and edible garden. Sage looks especially beautiful planted with alyssum. It grows well with other herbs like lemon balm, lavender, oregano, parsley, summer savory, and tarragon.
• Sage has aromatic leaves and attractive purple-blue spiked flowers that can be used to enhance fresh and dried floral arrangements.

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Ready to sharpen your gardening skills? Join our Growing Together Membership to start saving time and money, and get the most out of your garden!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
• Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information on garden pests at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.