Salvia is the largest genus in the Mint family at around 900 species. The flowers of Sage plants attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies. Most Sages have very aromatic foliage. The genus name Salvia is derived from the Latin term "salvare" which means "to heal" or "to save".
Used in sausages, poultry, meat, bread, dressings, vegetables, omelets and stuffing. Perennial. Start early indoors or outdoors after danger of frost.
| Plant Types: | Herb, Interior Plant, Perennial, Vegetable |
| Light: | Partial Shade to Full Sun |
| Height: | 1 foot 1 inch to 3 feet |
| Width: | 2 feet to 3 feet |
| Zones: | 5a to 8b |
| Bloom Color: | Blue |
| Bloom Seasons: | Early summer, Mid summer |
| Special Features: | Deer resistant, Edible, Fragrant foliage |
| Shape: | Upright or erect |
| Fertilizer: | Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food |
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Plant sages in areas with good air circulation to prevent mold germination. Sow seeds of annuals in spring (don't allow the average temperature to dip below 60ºF); biennials in containers in summer; and perennials in containers in spring.
The best time to harvest sage is in the morning when it is coolest during the day. Be sure to wait for any dew to evaporate before harvesting. With garden scissors or shears, remove succelent and herbaceous stems about 6" above the woody part of the stem. Remove any dirt by running cold water over the freshly cut stems and leaves.
To dry the cuttings, clump them together in bunches and hang them upside down in a dark space that has plenty of air movement.
Most every sage plant thrives in full sun. Provide low to moderate humidity. Keep the soil around the roots cool. For continual harvest through winter, remove sage from the ground in late fall and pot up in containers.
Flowers are 2-lipped and range in color from white, yellow, salmon, pink, red and scarlet. For continued blooming, deadhead flowers.
Sages require good drainage, especially when they reach the wintertime. Freezes are more lethal when sages are sitting in soggy soils. Prefers rich loam.
Once per month provide a complete and balanced liquid fertilizer to the soil.
Prune in spring. Remove branches that ruin symmetry of the shrub. Otherwise, they need minimal pruning.
Sages are susceptible to mildew and other fungal diseases. Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites and whiteflies.