Salvia officinalis seed

Salvia officinalis, culinary sage, is best known for its classic flavoring for meat, poultry, vegetables, teas, soups, and Thanksgiving stuffing. However, this plant is also highly ornamental in the garden and can be a show stopper in the spring. Even when not in flower, the soft silver-green leaves add remarkable contrast to any ornamental or vegetable/herb garden. Sage grows  well in containers and can be easily dried by hanging upside down in bunches. Can be used fresh or dried. High in antioxidants.

In the garden, culinary sage prefers full sun in cooler climates and full to part sun in warm summer climates. Plants should be planted 1 foot apart. Flowers are a striking lavender/pink color and attract bees and hummingbirds in droves. In Spring, the flowers are a captivating beneficial insect magnet. As it grows to a height of 15-30, each stem is adorned with aromatic grey-silver oblate leaves that are as tasty as they are visually appealing. New plants can be propagated by cuttings or seed. This sage is drought tolerant once established.

Seed can be directly sown in garden soil after the last frost and covering lightly with soil, or they can be started in flats or containers in a well-drained potting soil. Germination can be up to 14-21 days. Maturity of plants can be reached in 75 days. Perennial in USDA zones 7-11 and annual in all other zones.