Broadleaf Sage (Salvia officinalis)

(Salvia officinalis 'Broadleaf')

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Broadleaf Sage is a perennial sub-shrub herb that is native to the Mediterranean and northern Africa but can be commonly found growing throughout the coastal regions of the United States. At maturity this plant reaches the height of 18-30” and features a woody stem, 4” greenish-gray, wrinkled, aromatic leaves, and upright spikes that bare lavender two-lipped flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is horse and rabbit safe, repels cabbage moths, carrot fly, and flea beetles, is rabbit and deer resistant, tolerates drought and light frost, is used to flavor perfumes, shampoos, and toothpastes, is used to make essential oils and mouthwash, the leaves can be used to repel insects and clean teeth, and it is both edible and medicinal!

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General Information
Soil Preparation
Germination
Seedlings
Crop Care
Harvesting & Storage
Seed Saving
Culinary & Medicinal
Companion Planting
Nutrition & Health Benefits

Family: Lamiaceae

Genus: Salvia

Species: officinalis

Variety: Broadleaf Sage

Native to: Albania, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Yugoslavia.

Introduced into: Alabama, Algeria, Austria, Azores, Baleares, Bulgaria, California, Canary Is., Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Korea, Libya, Maine, Michigan, Morocco, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Portugal, Québec, Rhode I., Romania, Sardegna, Sicilia, South European Russi, Tennessee, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Turkey-in-Europe, Ukraine, Uruguay, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia.

Ease of Growing: Easy

Grown as: Perennial/Annual

Maturity: June

Hardiness: Half Hardy. Sage is a hardy plant and can take cold temperatures but does not do very well in extremely cold climates.

Crops: Spring Transplant, Spring

Growing Season: Long

Growing Conditions: Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot. Sage originated in the Mediterranean and prefers mild winters and warm summers. It must have well drained soil in order to do well.

Outdoor Growing Temp: 55°F - 90°F

Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 45°F. Don't plant outdoors in Spring until danger of frost has passed and soil is at least 45˚F.

Start Indoors: Yes

Start Outdoors: Yes

Light: Full sun to part shade: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot). This Mediterranean herb loves full sun, though in very hot climates it will also grow in partial shade.

Water: Medium. Sage is a very drought tolerant plant and is probably more often harmed by too much water, rather than too little. In very dry areas it will be more productive if watered occasionally.

Feeder: Light. Sage will grow in any well-drained soil, it doesn't need to be very fertile.

Suitability: Drought tolerant, Tolerates light frost, High heat

Small Gardens?: Yes

Containers?: Yes. Sage is an excellent candidate for container growing. Choose a pot that is a minimum of 8" deep and 8" in diameter. Make sure that there is at least one drainage hole in your container. Fill with potting soil and fertilize with compost. Water thoroughly and place in a sunny location. Water again when the soil gets dry.

Attracts beneficial insects?: Yes

Maintenance: Medium

Height: 12-24"

Sowing Depth: Just below the surface.

Spacing: 12-15"

Produces: a woody stem, 4” greenish-gray, wrinkled, aromatic leaves, and upright spikes that bare lavender two-lipped flowers.

USDA Grow Zone: 4-9

Garden Uses: Mix with perennials in borders or rock gardens. Excellent in herb or vegetable gardens.

Soil Preference:
Soil pH: 5.6-7.8, Ideal 6.0-6.5. Sage will grow in any well-drained garden soil, but prefers a light, slightly alkaline soil. If the soil will not drain then grow it in a raised bed.

Start sage indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost of spring. Sow the seeds just below the surface of the soil, and keep the soil at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F. Keep the soil lightly moist with a spray bottle or careful watering; germination should take place within 2-3 weeks, and the germination rate will be naturally low.

Transplant after the last spring frost in light, well drained soil and full sun or partial shade. Space the plants 12-15" apart.

Direct sowing is not recommended, since the seeds take much longer to germinate in the cooler soil of spring; this significantly delays their growth. As a companion plant, sage repels the harmful cabbage butterfly and also protects carrots from insect pests. Avoid planting sage near cucumbers. Sage also grows well indoors or as a container plant.

Though young seedlings need water regularly, mature sage develops the strongest flavor when left alone with minimal watering and no fertilization. Do not overwater, since this may cause root rot. Established plants should be pruned both in the spring and after blooming to encourage new growth and create a bushy, compact plant. After about four years, sage begins to lose its potency and may need to be replanted from cuttings. A layer of mulch will be helpful to protect the plants over winter.

Sage is a tough and drought tolerant plant and once established it doesn't need much attention. It normally lasts for 4 or 5 years, though tends to get woody with age.

Sage doesn’t like very cold weather and may not survive the winter outdoors in very cold climates. In which case it could be potted up and brought inside for winter use (or kept dormant in a cool garage).

Water Needs: Low. Sage is a very drought tolerant plant and is probably more often harmed by too much water, rather than too little. In very dry areas it will be more productive if watered occasionally.

Fertilizer Needs: Light. Sage will grow in any well-drained soil, it doesn't need to be very fertile.

Watering: Water, 1 cups per plant, every 2 weeks. Water when soil is dry, especially in the summertime. If gardening in containers, check the soil more regularly, at least once a week.

Pruning: every 4 weeks. Remove the flower stalks as they appear (unless you want seed or enjoy the blooms) as this diverts energy from vegetative growth. If a plant start to get woody after 2 or 3 years, cut it back hard, to encourage tender new growth. If a plant gets very woody dig it up, divide it, and replant the most vigorous parts (or just take cuttings from it).

Side Dressing: Compost tea, 1 cup(s) per plant, 1 time. If you need a lot of Sage you could give your plants a cup of fertilizer occasionally to encourage greater leaf production. Generally you don't need that much though.

Harvesting

When started from seed, sage should not be harvested until the second year of its growth to allow the plant to become established. Harvest fresh leaves as needed; the best time for harvesting is in the morning, after the dew has dried. Fresh leaves achieve their peak flavor right before the plant flowers, but after this point the flavor declines. The leaves have the best flavor when fresh, but they can also be frozen and keep very well when dried. Since sage tends to lose its flavor when heated, add it to hot food immediately before serving.

Storage

Sage is best used fresh, but it is also good dried. Pick whole branches just before they flower and dry them indoors (they dry well). Hang in bunches or lay out on a screen and dry. Store in air tight containers.

Storage Req: Drying
Storage Temp: 55-70°F
Storage Length: 1-180 days

Harvest the seed heads individually as soon as they begin to dry and develop mature seed. Spread them out to dry completely, and thresh them to remove the seed. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.

Seed Viability in Years: 3-5 years

Culinary

Taste:
Rich, bold distinct flavor, great for savory dishes.

Culinary Use:
Sage is at its best before the plant flowers. It is best used fresh, but is also good dried.

Sage is a very versatile herb and can be used in a variety of recipes including, stuffings, sauces, meat and fish dishes, fried in pasta, an accent for sweet desserts.

Leaves and flowers: raw or cooked. A very common herb, the strongly aromatic leaves are used as a flavoring in cooked foods. They are an aid to digestion and so are often used with heavy, oily foods. They impart a sausage-like flavor to savory dishes. The young leaves and flowers can be eaten raw, boiled, pickled or used in sandwiches. The flowers can also be sprinkled on salads to add color and fragrance. A herb tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves, it is said to improve the digestion. An essential oil obtained from the plant is used commercially to flavor ice cream, sweets, baked goods etc.

Medicinal

Sage has a very long history of effective medicinal use and is an important domestic herbal remedy for disorders of the digestive system. Its antiseptic qualities make it an effective gargle for the mouth where it can heal sore throats, ulcers etc. The leaves applied to an aching tooth will often relieve the pain. The whole herb is antihydrotic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, galactofuge, stimulant, tonic and vasodilator. Sage is also used internally in the treatment of excessive lactation, night sweats, excessive salivation (as in Parkinson's disease), profuse perspiration (as in TB), anxiety, depression, female sterility and menopausal problems. Many herbalists believe that the purple-leafed forms of this species are more potent medicinally. This remedy should not be prescribed to pregnant women or to people who have epileptic fits. The plant is toxic in excess or when taken for extended periods - though the toxic dose is very large. Externally, it is used to treat insect bites, skin, throat, mouth and gum infections and vaginal discharge. The leaves are best harvested before the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use. The essential oil from the plant is used in small doses to remove heavy collections of mucous from the respiratory organs and mixed in embrocations for treating rheumatism. In larger doses, however, it can cause epileptic fits, giddiness etc. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is "Tonic".

Source

Other Uses

The leaves make excellent tooth cleaners, simply rub the top side of the leaf over the teeth and gums. The purple-leafed form of sage has tougher leaves and is better for cleaning the teeth. The leaves have antiseptic properties and can heal diseased gums. An essential oil from the leaves is used in perfumery, hair shampoos (it is good for dark hair) and as a food flavoring. It is a very effective "fixer" in perfumes, and is also used to flavor toothpastes and is added to bio-activating cosmetics. The plant (the flowers?) is an alternative ingredient of "QR" herbal compost activator. This is a dried and powdered mixture of several herbs that can be added to a compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity and thus shorten the time needed to make the compost. The growing or dried plant is said to repel insects, it is especially useful when grown amongst cabbages and carrots. It was formerly used as a strewing herb and has been burnt in rooms to fumigate them. A good dense ground cover plant for sunny positions, though it needs weeding for the first year or two. They are best spaced about 60cm apart each way.

Companion Planting

Use as a companion plant with broccoli, cauliflower, rosemary, cabbage, and carrots to deter cabbage moths, beetles, black flea beetles and carrot flies.

Sage repels cabbage moths and black flea beetles. Allowing sage to flower will also attract many beneficial insects and the flowers are pretty. There are some very striking varieties of sage with variegated foliage that can be used for their ornamental as well as practical qualities.

Do not plant near cucumbers, onions or rue.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to root rot in consistently moist or wet soils. Taller plants tend to sprawl and may need some support if grown as ornamentals in the border.

Nutrition

Sage contains some valuable anti-cancer phytochemicals.

The Health Benefits of Sage

Cognitive Boost: Research has shown that even small amounts of sage, whether smelled or consumed, can increase recall abilities and memory retention in subjects. The brain activity also demonstrates increased concentration and focus on a chosen topic, which means that for young people in school or for those in challenging, intellectually demanding careers, adding a bit of sage to your diet may be a subtle, but effective brain booster.

Inflammation Issues: Chewing on sage leaves is not always the most pleasant remedy, as the flavor can be quite intense, but this may be the most effective way to get the organic compounds acting in your system the fastest. Creating a tincture or steeping leaves can also due the trick, but if you suffer from inflammatory issues, particularly in the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts, you can eliminate that inflammation with this sage brew. The anti-inflammatory qualities of sage extend to health issues such as arthritis and gout, as well as general inflammation of the cardiovascular system, which can result in heart disease and increased blood pressure. The flavonoids and phenolic compounds found in sage are responsible for these beneficial effects.

Antioxidant Impact: Chronic conditions and degenerative diseases can be some of the most debilitating and dangerous health concerns that you face in your life. Many of these health issues are caused by free radicals, the dangerous by products of cellular metabolism that attack healthy cells, causing apoptosis or mutation. Antioxidant compounds found in sage, such as rosmarinic acid, luteolin, and apigenin, can all work to neutralize free radicals and prevent them from creating oxidative stress in the heart, organ systems, skin, joints, muscles, and even the brain.

Cognitive Disorders: As mentioned above, sage does have the ability to stimulate brain function to improve memory and concentration; however, it also works to eliminate cognitive disorders that may arise, including Alzheimer’s and dementia. Although research into these applications is still in the relatively early stages, it is exciting to see real strides being taken with herbal alternatives to pharmaceutical treatment. The neural pathways stimulated by the extracts and essential oils of sage can keep the mind fresh and youthful well into your older ages.

Immune System Strength: There are some antimicrobial properties that have been identified in sage, and while sage is usually consumed in relatively small quantities, you can create a topical application of sage (salve or tincture) and use it to prevent bacterial and viral infections that attack the body through the skin. We often think of illness entering through our nose or mouth, but the skin can also be compromised and be used as a gateway for foreign agents. A topical cream or antibacterial routine that includes sage could be an extra line of defense against that sort of illness vector.

Bone Strength: One of the most overlooked benefits of sage is actually its superior level of vitamin K, an essential vitamin for the body that isn’t found in many common foods. Vitamin K is a crucial element in developing bone density and ensuring the integrity of our bones as we age. If you suffer from early signs of osteoporosis or have lived a rather nutrient-poor, sedentary lifestyle, your bone health is likely low. Adding sage leaves to your diet can increase your vitamin K levels significantly, as a single service has 27% of your daily recommended intake.

Skin Conditions: A topical salve can be created using sage leaves or a tincture of the plant that has been shown to be effective against certain skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne. These unsightly blemishes can be quickly soothed and their appearance can be reduced gradually if you regularly apply sage extracts and salves to the inflamed or affected area.

Diabetes Management: There may be some debate about the efficacy of sage on certain health conditions explained above, but when it comes to diabetes, there is widespread agreement. Sage contains certain extracts and chemicals that mimic the drugs typically prescribed for managing diabetes. Sage appears to regulate and inhibit the release of stored glucose in the liver, preventing major fluctuations of blood sugar, which can help to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes, or at least manage the condition if it has already manifested.

Digestion: The rosmarinic acid found in sage acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in many parts of the body, even in the stomach, where it prevents gastric spasms and can significantly lower the occurrence of diarrhea and gastritis for patients suffering from the uncomfortable and embarrassing conditions. Adding sage to your meals can get your entire digestive process back on track and reduce inflammation throughout the gut.

A Final Word of Warning: Although there is not a measurable amount of oxalates or purines, nor is sage considered a typically allergenic herb, it is still in the mint family, so those who suffer from allergic reactions to members of that broad plant family should still consult a doctor before adding sage to your dietary or supplementation regimen.

Source

Suggested Varieties

(Brassica oleracea 'Calabrese Green Sprouting')

$1.00 - $2.00

Calabrese Green Sprouting Broccoli is an Italian heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to the Mediterranean region, but brought to America by the D'Arrigo brothers between 1904-11, and first offered to the public in 1923. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 30-36” and features erect stalks, 6” bluish-green centered floret, multiple side shoots, and yellow flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, and is edible.

(Salvia officinalis 'Broadleaf')

Harvesting

Storage

Culinary

Medicinal

Other Uses

Companion Planting

Problems

Nutrition

The Health Benefits of Sage

Suggested Varieties

(Brassica oleracea 'Calabrese Green Sprouting')

(Brassica oleracea 'Purple Sprouting')

(Brassica oleracea 'Waltham 29')

(Brassica oleracea 'Early Jersey Wakefield')

(Brassica oleracea 'Late Flat Dutch')

(Brassica oleracea 'Red Acre')

(Brassica rapa 'Pak Choi')

(Daucus carota 'Chantenay Red Cored')

(Daucus carota 'Cosmic Purple')

(Daucus carota 'Danvers')

(Daucus carota 'Rainbow Blend')

(Daucus carota 'Scarlet Nantes')

(Daucus carota 'Tendersweet')

(Brassica oleracea 'Snowball Y Improved')

(Salvia rosmarinus 'Rosemary')

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