Sage

Basic Information

Seed Number

23

Seed Name

Sage

Variety

Not recorded

Category

Herb

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Plant Type

Common sage (Salvia officinalis)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 10

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 1

Plantable Months

March, April, May, June

Indoor Start

Mar 10 – Mar 24

Direct Sow

Apr 15 – May 15

Transplant

May 5 – Jun 1

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

8 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

0 weeks

Germination Days

7–21 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

65-70°F

Planting Depth

1/4 in

Plant Spacing

12 in

Row Spacing

18 in

Thin-To Spacing

6-12 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs

Water regularly while establishing; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings once established

Soil Preference

Well-drained soil; avoid wet winter conditions

Minimum Container Size

2-3 gal

Plant Height

18-30 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Perennial

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

Yes

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

Yes

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Start indoors or transplant preferred
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 1 – Jun 15
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 75–90 days
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary/medicinal tradition
Succession / Reusable Notes: Woody perennial; do not overwater.
Zone 6B Notes: Needs full sun and drainage.
Companion Plants: Carrots, brassicas, strawberries, tomatoes, rosemary, thyme
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Cucumbers, wet soil
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Common sage is perennial in Zone 6B with good drainage. Start indoors for strong first-year plants or direct sow in spring.
Germination: Sow 1/4 inch deep at warm room temperatures.
Harvest: Harvest leaves once plants are established. Avoid removing excessive growth immediately before winter.
Seed Saving: Allow flowers and seed structures to mature and dry before collection.
Special Care: Prune lightly in spring; avoid heavy fall pruning and soggy soil.
Companion: Broccoli [Pest Deterrent] — UMN Extension cites greenhouse research in which sage reduced diamondback moth populations on brassicas.
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/herbs/sage/sage-key-growing-information.html — common sage germination, sowing, spacing, light and propagation
Research Source: University of Minnesota Extension — https://extension.umn.edu/gardening-minnesota/companion-planting-home-gardens — research-supported sage effect on diamondback moth populations in brassicas
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]