Planting and care
How to grow sage
Warm season · Woody perennial
Rooted nursery transplant
18–30 in tall and wide
Light sprig harvest about 30–60 days after transplant once new growth is strong; allow the first season for establishment.
Light feeder
Large Herb
How to prune
In spring, remove dead stems and shorten leggy leafy stems above healthy new growth. Pinch young tips for branching; avoid severe cuts into bare wood or heavy fall pruning.
How to harvest
Snip small leafy sprigs with clean scissors after dew dries. Take no more than about one-third of growth at once and leave healthy green foliage on every retained branch.
Harvest and kitchen use
Use small amounts of fresh or dried leaves in stuffing, butter sauces and roasted dishes.
Nutrition and garden value
Aromatic herbs provide flavor and small amounts of vitamins/phytonutrients
High customer value in small space; flowers on many herbs support pollinators/beneficial insects
Common challenges and troubleshooting
Bolting, winter injury or root rot varies by herb