Sage

Basic Information

Seed Number

42

Seed Name

Sage

Variety

Broadleaf

Category

Herb

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Plant Type

Broadleaf garden 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 1 – May 15

Transplant

May 6 – 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; established plants tolerate moderately dry soil

Soil Preference

Well-drained soil with moderate fertility and adequate nitrogen; excellent drainage is important for overwintering

Minimum Container Size

2-3 gal

Plant Height

16-30 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: Broadleaf garden sage is perennial in Zone 6B. Good drainage is critical for winter survival, and winter mulch may be useful in exposed locations.
Germination: Start 6-8 weeks before the final frost or direct sow in spring. Germination takes approximately 7-21 days at 65-70°F.
Harvest: Individual leaves may be harvested once first-year plants are established. From the second year onward, stems can be cut just as flowers begin to open.
Seed Saving: Allow flowers to mature and seed to dry before collection. Different Salvia officinalis selections may cross when flowering together.
Special Care: Plants become woody with age and are commonly replaced every 3-4 years for best leaf production.
Companion: Broccoli [Pest Deterrent] — University extension research summaries report reduced diamondback moth populations on brassicas when sage is present.
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/herbs/sage/sage-key-growing-information.html — Salvia officinalis germination, sowing, spacing, soil, height, hardiness and harvest
Research Source: University of Minnesota Extension — https://extension.umn.edu/gardening-minnesota/companion-planting-home-gardens — research-supported sage relationship with brassica pests
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]