The name sage comes from the Latin salvere or salvation meaning 'to be in good health, to cure, to save.' Sage was a sacred ceremonial herb of the Romans. It was associated with immortality and was thought to increase mental capacity in ancient times, as referenced in the proverb, "How can a man grow old who has sage in his garden." Sage is found on many continents. The Chinese valued it for use in teas, and the American Indians used it for medicinal purposes. The Common Sage, the familiar plant of the kitchen garden, is an evergreen undershrub, not a native of these islands, its natural habitat being the northern shores of the Mediterranean. It has been cultivated for culinary and medicinal purposes for many centuries in England, France and Germany, being sufficiently hardy to stand any ordinary winter outside. Gerard mentions it as being in 1597 a well-known herb in English gardens, several varieties growing in his own garden at Holborn.
Description:
Sage has square, downy stems that become woody after the second year. The paired leaves are 2 inches long and grayish green with soft, velvety hairs and pronounced veining underneath. Yellow blotches appear on old leaves. The deep-throated mauve-blue flowers grow in whorls. They are two-lipped, have a bee-shaped calyx, and are 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. The tiny ovoid seeds are dark brown.
Plant type and Height and width:
Perennial, hardy evergreen shrub; hardiness. Height 12 to 30 inches; width to 24 inches.
Light and soil:
Full sun; fairly rich, light, dry, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.4.
Pests and disease:
Root rot, slugs, spider mites, spittle bugs, and wilt.
Cultivation:
Sow in spring and transplant to 2 feet apart when seedlings are 4 inches tall. The site should have well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Keep the soil moist when the seedlings are young. When the plants are well established, water only in dry weather.
Propagation method:
Cuttings, layering, division, or seeds.
Harvesting:
Harvest sage before the plant flowers. Gather sprigs, tie in loose bundles, and hang upside down in a cool, airy place. Branches also may be placed on wire racks in a warm location out of direct sunlight. When the sprigs are dry and brittle, remove the leaves from the stems. Store either whole or crumbled in an airtight container. Fresh sage may be chopped, placed in an ice cube tray with water, and frozen.
Herbal uses:
Aromatic, cosmetic, culinary, decorative, and medicinal. Sage is used for insect repellent and for fragrance in potpourris. It also is used for infusions to color hair silver and it stimulates the skin in facial steams, baths, and lotions.Use to flavor dressings, teas, cheeses, sausages, and poultry. It
flavors vinegars, herbal butter, omelets, soups, and poultry stuffings. Fresh sage is sometimes added to salads. Because it dries well, it is used in herbal wreaths (especially culinary) and nosegays. It can be grown in containers. It is said to have some medicinal qualities.
Bloom time and color:
June; mauve-blue, pink, and white.
Insider's secret
Attractive plant provides contrast in the garden. Useful as border, edging, background & small hedge. Freshleaves more flavorful than dried. Sage attracts bees and grows well with rosemary. Sage also helps repel cabbage butterflies and improves the flavor of cabbage.
