Sage

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a small perennial evergreen subshrub, with woody stems, grayish leaves, and blue to purplish flowers. It is a member of the family Lamiaceae and is native to the Mediterranean region, though it has naturalized in many places throughout the world. It has a long history of medicinal and culinary use, and in modern times as an ornamental garden plant. The common name "Sage" is also used for a number of related and unrelated species.

Location
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.

Sowing
Sage grows very slowly from seed. Sow in a good compost covered only be a light sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Put the container in a polythene bag and maintain at 15-21°C (59-70°F). Do not exclude light, as this helps germination. Germination should take place in 10-21 days.

Planting
Plant a pot-grown specimen in spring.

Harvesting
Harvest lightly the first year until the plant becomes established. Pick leaves sparingly the first season and replace entire plant after three seasons, because it becomes woody.

Preserving
Sage is a good candidate for drying. It can take a while, but once dried leaves will keep for up to a year in a closed container.