How to grow sage
A woody perennial that prefers lean, well-drained soil. Trim after flowering.
Your sage dates
Companions
Keep apart from
Rotation and family
Sage belongs to the herbs (Lamiaceae / Apiaceae). Small footprint; many attract pollinators and predatory insects.
As a perennial it stays in one place, outside your rotation.
When to plant sage by zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow / plant out |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 20 – Jun 10 |
| 4 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | May 12 – Jun 2 |
| 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| 6 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| 7 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| 8 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| 9 | Dec 28 – Jan 11 | Feb 22 – Mar 15 |
| 10 | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Feb 1 – Feb 22 |
Based on typical frost dates for each zone; b half-zones run about a week earlier in spring. Zones 11–13 are frost-free in most years.
Sage questions
When should I plant sage?
Plant sage outdoors around your last spring frost. Start seeds indoors about 8 weeks before your last frost.
How far apart should I plant sage?
About 18 inches apart, or 1 per square foot in a square foot garden.
What grows well with sage?
Traditional companions include cabbage, carrot, rosemary. Keep it away from basil, cucumber.
How long does sage take to grow?
Sage is a perennial. A woody perennial that prefers lean, well-drained soil. Trim after flowering.