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Salvia officinalisCommon name; Sage Sage is classified as a hardy evergreen perennial but is sometimes grown as an annual. When grown as a perennial it is better replaced every three or four years, as it has have a tendency to grow 'woody' The aromatic leaves can be used as a culinary herb. It grows into a dwarf shrub approx 750mm (30") tall. The golden variety makes a more attractive leaf colour than conventional sage. The lavender/purple flowers attract bees.
Week 17; Sow seed in pots/trays of seed compost and germinate at a temperature of 13°-16°C (55°- 60°F). Prick out when large enough to handle into 75mm (3") pots of potting compost and grow on in a coldframe until planting out time. If plants are obtained by mail order unpack immediately on arrival and water thoroughly, and if necessary, place in a sheltered, airy position out of direct sunlight for a few days so the plants can acclimatise. Either plant direct into the garden, or in containers, growbags, or if kept trimmed they can be grown in pots on the windowsill.
Week 18; Layer suitable woody stems by burying the stem. Firstly remove leaves from the stem to be buried and scrape the underside to create a wound then loosen the soil and pin the stem down with wire. Cover with soil, leaving the growing tip clear of the surface; water well. New plants should be ready to detach by autumn.
Week 22; Plant out in a sunny position 400mm (16") apart. Ensure that soil does not waterlog, especially during winter. Trim foliage as necessary throughout the season to keep plants in shape.
Week 26; Pinch out flowers to encourage leaf growth.
Week 30; Herbs that have become straggly, can be regenerated by taking 75mm (3") heel cuttings Use semi-ripe side-shoots. Dip the cuttings into a hormone rooting powder and insert them into pots containing a 50-50 mix (by volume) of compost and sharp sand. Place out in a cold frame to root, and grow on till planting out time the following year.
Week 48; For use throughout the winter months, small plants can be dug up from the garden and potted up individually into pots just large enough to take their roots.
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