Sage plant profile
Salvia officinalis
A perennial herb for full sun.
Last updated .
When to plant
When to plant Sage
Plant in spring after hard frost has passed, ideally from a cutting or nursery plant; seed-grown sage can take several years to become usable. Prune plants back in spring as new growth resumes, and site them where the soil drains well over winter.
The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.
Open Sage in my garden calendarShows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.
Growing conditions
- Sun
- Full sun
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
Common problems
Watch for these
Also watch for: poor drainage, woody growth.
Evidence trail
Evidence behind this profile
Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.
- Common Sage, Salvia officinalis
NC State Extension. Supports general reference. Checked 2026-07-26.
- Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Sage (Salvia officinalis) entry
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Supports pet-safety verdicts for dogs and cats. Checked 2026-07-18.