Sage

Sage brings together aromatic, edible Salvia officinalis plants from seeds, offering culinary foliage and pollinator-friendly blooms for containers and borders, thriving in full sun with silvery structure and Mediterranean resilience.
Alphabetically, A-Z Alphabetically, A-Z

Bestselling Seeds

Discover our all-time favorites — trusted by gardeners worldwide!

Shop now

Aromatic perennial for kitchen and pollinators

Sage Seeds in this collection focus on the classic herb widely known as Common sage (Salvia officinalis). This perennial Mediterranean herb develops into a compact, woody subshrub with silvery, grey-green foliage and elegant blue-purple flowers. Fragrant, evergreen in mild climates, and highly ornamental, it offers structure and a long, refined flowering display that enhances biodiversity. As a bee friendly herb, its nectar-rich blooms support pollinating insects while contributing texture and scent in herb gardens, mixed borders, and dedicated culinary plantings. Curated Sage Seeds span forms often called culinary sage, garden sage, true sage, and Dalmatian sage, reflecting the breadth of Salvia officinalis seeds appreciated by cooks and gardeners alike.

This perennial herb grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, remaining a drought tolerant herb once established. Compact habits and tidy branching make it well suited to containers, ensuring successful container herb growing on patios and terraces as well as in formal beds. The blue-purple flower spikes draw beneficial insects, supporting a diverse ecosystem and complementing companion planting with other Mediterranean herbs. Light shaping or a gentle prune after flowering helps maintain a neat form and can encourage continued seasonal interest. Selected Sage Seeds are ideal for creating cohesive plantings where culinary value and ornamental presence meet, from kitchen plots to decorative borders.

Renowned for aromatic leaves, culinary sage brings depth to savoury dishes, sauces, and traditional stuffing, and it lends itself well to drying and preserving for later use. As plants mature, the flowering display provides visual appeal alongside evergreen foliage in mild climates, ensuring year-round character. Variations within broadleaf sage and true sage lines offer subtle differences in habit and leaf texture, all grounded in the dependable qualities of sage herb seeds. For collections seeking both culinary and ecological benefits, Sage Seeds deliver a versatile, bee-friendly, and decorative solution that integrates seamlessly into an herb garden, border design, or container scheme.

Salvia officinalis

This navigator highlights related herb seed categories for planning a versatile kitchen and garden mix. From aromatic evergreens to soft, tender perennials, these selections support diverse uses in cooking, infusions, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Options range from resilient choices for dry sites to classic staples for borders and containers. For sowing, start indoors in late winter or sow outdoors after the last frost; in mild climates, autumn sowing may suit hardy types.

Salvia officinalis

An aromatic, perennial herb grown for grey-green foliage and blue‑purple flowers. Sow Salvia officinalis seeds indoors in late winter to early spring; keep at 18–21°C and lightly cover. Transplant after last frost or direct sow once soils warm; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Site in full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soil; avoid heavy, waterlogged conditions. Water to establish, then sparingly, as this drought‑tolerant herb dislikes consistently wet roots. Space 45–60 cm to allow airflow; plants form a woody subshrub to about 45–75 cm. Evergreen in mild climates; pinch young growth to encourage bushiness and longer-lived, aromatic leaves in the herb garden.

  • Thrives in containers: choose a 25–30 cm pot with ample drainage, use a gritty, well‑drained mix, and let the top layer dry between waterings.
  • Allow some stems to bloom; the blue‑purple flowers are bee‑friendly and support pollinators—avoid high nitrogen, which can reduce flowering.
  • Edible leaves: harvest lightly in year one; for drying and preserving sage, cut non‑flowering shoots in the morning—classic for stuffing and savory dishes.
  • Ornamental value: prune after flowering to maintain a compact, grey‑green mound; avoid cutting hard into old wood in a single pass.

How do you grow Sage Seeds into healthy plants?

Sow Sage Seeds in trays or modules under cover, using a free‑draining seed compost. Press seeds gently into the surface and lightly cover; even moisture and warmth encourage sprouting. Germination commonly takes about 2–4 weeks in warm, bright conditions. Once seedlings have a couple of true leaves, prick out into individual cells and grow on in full light. Harden off before planting outside into full sun and well‑drained soil. Keep early watering modest to avoid soggy roots, and remove weak seedlings to promote sturdy growth.

When should I sow sage seeds indoors or direct outside?

For an early start, sow indoors in late winter to early spring and transplant after the last frost once plants are well established. Direct sow outdoors after the last frost when the soil is warming and drains freely; avoid cold, waterlogged ground. In mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible so young plants establish before winter. Regardless of method, acclimatise seedlings gradually to outdoor conditions to reduce shock, then set them out in a sunny, sheltered spot.

What soil is best for sage plants from seed?

Sage, a Mediterranean herb, thrives in well‑drained, moderately fertile soil and dislikes heavy, waterlogged conditions. A gritty or sandy texture helps roots breathe and reduces winter losses. Overly rich mixes encourage soft growth, so aim for a lean, open medium; in containers, a quality potting compost blended with coarse grit or perlite works well. Maintain consistent but light moisture while young, then allow the top layer to dry between waterings as plants mature, reflecting sage’s drought‑tolerant nature.

How far apart should I plant sage, and how tall will plants grow?

Space Salvia officinalis seedlings about 45–60 cm (18–24 in) apart to allow airflow and the natural bushy form of this woody subshrub. Mature plants typically reach 45–75 cm (18–30 in) in height, with grey‑green aromatic leaves and blue‑purple flowers. Give each plant room to prevent overcrowding, which can trap moisture around foliage. Lightly trim after flowering to keep a compact shape, avoiding hard pruning into old wood, and remove any dead tips at the end of winter.

Can I grow sage from seed in containers or indoors?

Yes—sage is well suited to container herb growing when placed in full sun. Choose a pot with ample drainage and a gritty, well‑drained mix; avoid oversized containers that stay wet. Water thoroughly but infrequently, letting the top of the compost dry before the next watering. Indoors, growth is best on a very bright, sunny windowsill; low light leads to spindly plants, so rotate the pot for even growth. Refresh the top compost annually and repot only when roots fill the container.

Does sage come back every year, and is it good for pollinators?

Common sage is a perennial herb that can persist for several years; in mild climates it may remain evergreen, while in colder sites it may experience some dieback yet often regrows from the woody base. Good drainage is especially important through winter. When allowed to bloom, sage is a bee‑friendly herb, with nectar‑rich blue‑purple flowers that attract various pollinators and beneficial insects. Balancing harvests with leaving a few stems to flower supports both the kitchen and wildlife.

Seeds are sourced from audited growers and processors, with batch traceability and documentation. Supply partners declare purity, germination, and treatment status, and products are handled in climate-controlled storage. Shipments and listings are curated to align with relevant plant health regulations, seed labeling requirements, and restrictions on invasive species. Growing guidance is general and may vary with microclimate, soil, hardiness zone, and hemisphere. Product pages carry batch-specific instructions and any additional handling notes.

Aromatic perennial for kitchen and pollinators

Sage Seeds yield robust, aromatic perennials valued for culinary use and habitat support. Their grey-green, softly textured leaves thrive in full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soil; excess moisture can lead to root problems. Sow indoors before the last frost and transplant once the soil has warmed, or direct sow after danger of frost. In mild climates, autumn sowing may establish strong rosettes before winter. Expect germination in 10–21 days with steady warmth and light; avoid overwatering. Space plants 40–60 cm apart for airflow. Once established, they are drought-tolerant; infrequent, deep watering helps concentrate essential oils. Harvest sparingly in the first season; for best flavor, pick leaves in the morning after dew has dried. Removing some flower spikes maintains leaf quality, while allowing bloom supports pollinators. Perennial in many settings; mulch in colder conditions and trim lightly in early spring to keep plants compact. Suitable for containers with a gritty substrate. Part of the wider Herbs Seeds selection.