If you think that sage is just a seasoning for stuffing, you’re wrong. Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a great culinary herb, but it also has medicinal uses, is an effective antiseptic and antifungal, and can be a very effective landscaping plant. On top of that, it’s easy to grow.
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A native of the Mediterranean, sage reaches a mature height of about two feet, and likes to spread out. It is a hardy perennial that needs well-drained, alkaline soil and a sunny location. Sage can get woody as it gets older, so plan on replacing your plant every few years, as it will start to look leggy, droopy, and unattractive by the third year. Because sage also likes some room to grow, plant it at least two feet from other herbs and plants.
Sage leaves are naturally raised in an attractive pebbly pattern with a gray cast that makes them interesting visually. In summer, spikes of attractive lavender flowers complement this gray-green coloration.
Start sage indoors from seed in good quality potting soil. Slow to germinate, sage is a fast grower once it has been transplanted into the garden. With established plants, you can peg outer branches to the soil in spring and they will root without any additional effort. Rooting takes four to five weeks in summer. Separate these offshoots from the mother plant once they have a thriving root system. You can also start sage from stem cuttings that have been dipped in rooting compound. Sage is not a good candidate for rooting in water.
Sage can be kept indoors indefinitely if it is maintained in a sunny location. Make sure that the plant pot drains well by adding potshards, stones, or marbles to the bottom layer in order to enhance drainage. Use a good quality, light potting soil, to which you have added bone meal.
Sage is a good seasoning for poultry, pork sausage, lamb, and vegetables like peas, eggplant, carrots, and lima beans. It is also delicious when blended into soft cheeses. You will find that fresh sage is more flavorful than dried, and keeping a fresh supply in the garden will encourage you to experiment with its pungent flavor.
Sage contains natural estrogens, and a soothing sage tea can help reduce the symptoms of menopause. It also makes a good astringent for oily skin when mixed with white vinegar and water.
There are a number of sage varieties that can make a colorful splash in the garden. Tri colored and purple varieties are popular, as is golden sage. The delicately scented pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) with its vivid red flowers is also a good choice, although it isn’t winter hardy. Pineapple sage grows to a height of about five feet, and makes a great addition to teas and fruit dishes.
Start a sage collection in a sunny section of your garden. Sage will provide you with color, interesting flavor for your table, useful teas, a great background herb for wreaths and swags, and a basic ingredient in many homemade cosmetic and personal care preparations.
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